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Jeremiah 38 · Grade 5

An Outsider's Courage

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Read and Think

Jeremiah's message during the siege was hard to hear. He who remains in this city will die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence, but he who goes out to the Chaldeans will live. Four princes called this treason and demanded his death. Zedekiah answered, Behold, he is in your hand; for the king can't do anything to oppose you. They lowered Jeremiah into Malchijah's cistern, where he sank in the mire, left to die slowly.

The rescuer was Ebedmelech, an Ethiopian eunuch serving in the palace. As an outsider with little standing, he risked much by confronting the king publicly at Benjamin's gate. He named the injustice plainly. The king reversed himself and sent thirty men. Ebedmelech's care was practical and gentle, with rags padded under the arms so the ropes would not tear Jeremiah's skin.

In a final secret meeting, Jeremiah again offered Zedekiah a way of life. If he surrendered, the city would not be burned and his family would live. Zedekiah admitted that he was afraid of the Jews who had defected to the Chaldeans. The chapter contrasts two men in the palace. The king knew the truth but was ruled by fear. The foreign servant acted on what was right, and in the next chapter God promises to save him because he trusted in God.

Show What You Know

  1. What did the princes call Jeremiah's message?

  2. Who was Ebedmelech?

  3. Where did Ebedmelech confront the king?

  4. What did Zedekiah admit in the final meeting?

Crossword

52143

Across

  1. They let down Jeremiah with ____.
  2. The ____ was then sitting in Benjamin’s gate.
  3. They let down ____ with cords.

Down

  1. And took him up out of the ____.
  2. And took from there ____ and worn-out garments.

Think About It

  1. Why is it significant that the rescuer was an outsider with little standing?

  2. How can fear of people keep someone from acting on what they know is true?

Memory Verse

Then the king commanded Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, “Take from here thirty men with you, and take up Jeremiah the prophet out of the dungeon, before he dies.”

Jeremiah 38:10 (WEB)

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Prayer

Dear God, thank You for people who rescue others. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

  • How can you help someone in trouble?
  • Who can you be kind to this week?
  • What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?

Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.