Jeremiah-Sometimes TattleTellers Win, Sometimes They Lose

By Mary Vee
Jeremiah 38

From Jeremiah's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Jeremiah. I am a prophet, a person sent from God to give messages to the Israelites who still live in Jerusalem. There aren't many people left living here. Most were taken away as prisoners.

King Zedekiah released me from the dungeon after I reminded him he should not put a messenger of God in such a horrid place. I don't think I could have lived there much longer. It was so very cold, damp, and dark. The air smelled old and I barely had anything to eat or drink. 

I was placed under the care of a guard in the Royal court. At least there I had the freedom to warn the people. God said, "Tell the people to surrender to Nebuchadnezzar." 

King Zedekiah, disagreed. All his officials disagreed as well. The false prophets told them they did not need to surrender. Everything would be fine in a short time.

I didn't care. God told me to tell the people his message, so I did. 

One day Shephatiah, Gedaliah, Jehucal, and Pashhur stopped in the court and stood behind a crowd of people, listening to me speak, "Whoever stays in this city will die by the sword, famine, or plague. But whoever goes over to the Babylonians will live. You will escape with your life. You will live. This city will certainly be handed over to the army of the king of Babylon who will capture it. This is what the Lord says." 

The officials stomped away, in the direction of King Zedekiah's chamber. "We're going to tell the king what you're saying to the people."

I heard from one of the servants what they did inside the king's palace. They barged into the King's chambers and demanded to speak to him. One said, "Jeremiah should be put to death. He is discouraging the soldiers, the few who we still have left in the city, as well as all the people. He isn't looking out for the people's good. He is trying to ruin them--ruin the whole city!"

King Zedekiah shrugged and drank from his glass. "Go ahead and do with him as you please. I will not oppose whatever you have in mind."

Shephatiah, Gedaliah, Jehucal, and Pashhur walked away, thanking the king for his kindness. Once they reached the corridor, they leaped for joy and laughed. "At last, we will be rid of Jeremiah."

No matter what they choose to do to me, God will be in charge.

There is more to this story. Come back next time to see how these men will end up loosing this battle.

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1.  Where was Jeremiah held as prisoner?
2.  What did Jeremiah tell the people?
3.  Who became upset with Jeremiah's words?
4.  Why did this make them mad (the answer is in what they said to the king)
5.  What did King Zedekiah decide after hearing the complaint of these men?
6.  What do you think Shephatiah, Gedaliah, Jehucal, and Pashhur will do?