King Zedekiah did not use his power to protect Prophet Jeremiah, but simply handed over to Jeremiah’s detractor who threw him into a deep hole with rock sides designed to hold water. The cistern was empty, only slush at bottom. Dark, Damp and delirious pit. There is no report that Jeremiah begged or screamed or yelled. He quietly prayed to God. Ebed-Melech an Ethiopian got permission from King and pulled out Jeremiah from the pit.
When we expect ‘pity’ or ‘mercy’ even from ‘good’ people, we may never get it. King Zedekiah had power, position and authority to protect Jeremiah. He could have at least sent him away into exile. However, he did not. King left Jeremiah at the mercy of his envious, godless and vicious detractors. Instead of ‘pity’ he was thrown into a ‘pit’,
But Prophet Jeremiah served a living God. Let us remember God has purpose for our lives that fits into His Global Sovereign Universal Plan. ‘Pits’ are just ‘resting places’ or ‘time-out’ situations in the journey of faith. Jeremiah was not alarmed or afraid, but trusted Lord.
God sends help from ‘unlikely’ sources. A Samaritan comes to help the dying man. (Luke 10:25-37) A widow in Zarephath provides food for Elijah during famine. (I Kings 17:7-16) A poor little boy donates to feed 5000 plus. (John 6:1-15) A fish saved Jonah from death, restored him at his place of mission, Nineveh. (Jonah) A ‘dry jawbone’ saved Samson from death in war. (Judges 15:16) There are many other examples in the bible.
Ebed-Melech was an Ethiopian whom God used to rescue Jeremiah from the pit. While the Nation of God chosen people, including their religious leaders and king did not recognize Jeremiah as a prophet, an Ethiopian had spiritual discernment to understand Prophet Jeremiah as man of God. An influential personality, he rescued Jeremiah. God rewarded him from deliverance from death by sword while Jerusalem was invaded. (Jeremiah 38:7-12 & 39:16)
Do I trust God for help even from ‘unlikely’ sources?