Matthew Henry on Jeremiah 38:14–end
In the foregoing chapter we had the king in close conference with Jeremiah, and here again, though (Jer 38:5) he had given him up into the hands of his enemies; such a struggle there was in the breast of this unhappy prince between his convictions and his corruptions. Observe,
I. The honour that Zedekiah did to the prophet. When he was newly fetched out of the dungeon he sent for him to advise with him privately. He met him in the third entry, or (as the margin reads it) the principal entry, that is in, or leads towards, or adjoins to, the house of the Lord, Jer 38:14. In appointing this place of interview with the prophet perhaps he intended to show a respect and reverence for the house of…
Read the whole note in the consoleJamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 38:19
afraid of the Jews--more than of God (Pro 29:25; Joh 9:22; Joh 12:43).
mock me--treat me injuriously (Sa1 31:4).
John Gill on Jeremiah 38:21
But if thou refuse to go forth,.... Out of Jerusalem, to the Chaldean army, and submit to them:
this is the word that the Lord hath showed me, or the thing which should certainly come to pass; the word of prophecy the Lord had showed to the prophet, and which he now declares to the king; who asked of him a word, was desirous to know whether there was a word from the Lord, and what it was; and this it is which follows, in case he continued impenitent, obstinate, and disobedient.
John Calvin on Jeremiah 38:20-22
Jeremiah 38:20-22
20. But Jeremiah said, They shall not deliver thee. Obey, I beseech thee, the voice of the LORD, which I speak unto thee: so it shall be well unto thee, and thy soul shall live.
20. Tunc dixit Jeremias, Non tradent te, audi agedum vocem Jehovae quam tibi profero (quam ego loquar ad te,) et tibi erit bene (tibi bene cedat,) et vivet anima tua:
21. But if thou refuse to go forth, this is the word that the LORD hath shewed me:
21. Quod si tu abnueris ad egrediendum (hoc est, recusaveris egredi,) hic est sermo quem ostendit mihi Jehova;
22. And, behold, all the women that are left in the king of Judah's house shall be brought forth to the king of Babylon's princes, and tho…