Yirmiyahu 37 – Yirmiyahu and Tzidkiyahu

The prophecy leaps forward many years — moving from the days of Yehoyakim and the initial Babylonian threat to the final days of Tzidkiyahu, when the Babylonians were already surrounding the city. In a few concise verses, the prophecy summarizes three significant events that transpired in the intervening time:
1. Yehoyakhin was crowned in place of Yehoyakim.
2. Tzidkiyahu was appointed king in Yehoyakhin’s stead by Nevukhadnetzar, hinting that Yehoyakhin had been exiled.
3. Tzidkiyahu rebelled against the king of Babylon.

This chapter introduces the character of King Tzidkiyahu and his relationship with Yirmiyahu. Like his predecessors, Tzidkiyahu did not heed the prophet’s words. Yet, surprisingly, despite disregarding Yirmiyahu’s counsel, he still sent messengers to ask him to pray on behalf of the people. At precisely this moment, before Yirmiyahu even begins to pray, the Egyptians rise to war against Babylon. The people of Yehuda had sought Egypt’s assistance, and it now seemed as if the Babylonian threat would be lifted. Yirmiyahu, however, stresses that this is a grave misreading of reality — the Egyptians will not remain in the region, the siege will resume, and the city will be destroyed. As we explained in Chapter 34, the people of Jerusalem took advantage of the temporary reprieve from the siege to reclaim their slaves, thereby sealing their own fate.

Yirmiyahu delivered two types of prophecies. His earlier prophecies were religious and social — calling on the people to correct their sins, abandon idolatry, and establish a society based on justice and equality. However, from the ‘point of no return’ in the fourth year of Yehoyakim’s reign, Yirmiyahu began delivering ‘political’ prophecies as well. He urged the king of Yehuda and the people to surrender to the king of Babylon and accept the judgment of God. A prophecy like this is a surefire way to make enemies, and indeed, Yirmiyahu faced severe persecution. The ministers suspected him of treason, and in this very chapter, they accuse him of attempting to join the Babylonians and imprison him.

During his time in prison, the Tanakh portrays Yirmiyahu’s profound humanity. Though he is a great prophet who does not hesitate to declare to King Tzidkiyahu, "You shall be delivered into the hands of the king of Babylon," (37:16) he still experiences fear — dreading the harsh conditions and mistreatment in the ‘House of Yehonatan the Scribe’, which was evidently a particularly dreadful prison with exceptionally bad conditions. He also presents a rational argument to validate his prophecy: "Where are your prophets who prophesied to you saying that the king of Babylon will not come upon you and upon this land?’" (37:19) And he pleads, "And now, my master the king, please listen. may my plea be acceptable to you. do not send me back to the house of Yehonatan the scribe, lest I die there." (37:20)

Tzidkiyahu’s character emerges in this chapter as a weak king. Though he wishes to hear Yirmiyahu’s words, he must meet with him in secret: "King Tzidkiyahu sent for him and brought him questioned him secretly in his palace" (37:17). Though he believes in the truth of Yirmiyahu’s prophecies, he still allows the ministers to keep him imprisoned. As the book continues, we will see how the pressure from the ministers prevents Tzidkiyahu from making decisions of his own. Realistically, this is understandable: Tzidkiyahu had been placed on the throne in Yehoyakhin’s stead, likely had no training in kingship, and remnants of Yehoyakhin’s supporters still held positions of power. Among large segments of the population, there remained hope for the return of the true exiled king — Yehoyakhin. As a weak ruler, Tzidkiyahu struggled to navigate the kingdom and was unable to act independently even within his own court. Instead of surrendering to God and surrendering to Babylon, he surrenders to his ministers — and the price would be national destruction and personal ruin.