Definition: And Zedekiah the king said unto Jeremiah, I am afraid of the Jews that are fallen to the Chaldeans, lest they deliver me into their hand, and they mock me.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Jeremiah 38:19. It’s a really important and dramatic passage about a king’s fear. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Situation: Jeremiah is writing to his friend Zedekiah, who is the king of Judah. Zedekiah is worried because there are Jewish people (likely from Jerusalem) who have been conquered by Chaldean forces (a group of foreign rulers). He’s afraid they might try to take him hostage and mock him. Let's unpack it: “Jeremiah the king said unto…” : This tells us Jeremiah is speaking directly to him, as a messenger or advisor. “…I am afraid of the Jews that are fallen to the Chaldeans…” : This is the key part. “Falun to the Chaldeans” means they’ve been captured by the Chaldean army. It's a significant event – it’s a major setback for Judah. “lest they deliver me into their hand…” : This is the warning. "Deliver me" means protect him, keep him safe. “Into their hand” implies capture or control. “…and they mock me.” : This is the consequence of his fear. The Chaldeans are deliberately trying to make him uncomfortable and humiliated by making fun of him. Overall Meaning - A Moment of Crisis The verse paints a picture of a king facing a serious threat – an invasion and humiliation from foreign forces. It’s a moment of intense anxiety and worry, highlighting the potential for disaster. Why is this important? This passage is significant because it shows: Prophetic Warning: Jeremiah was warning Zedekiah about impending danger. The Importance of Vigilance: It emphasizes that kings must be watchful and prepared for threats, especially from outside sources. Divine Protection: The verse suggests that God is concerned about the king’s safety and might intervene to protect him. In short, it's a story about fear, danger, and divine protection. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the Chaldeans in more context? Discuss the historical significance of this event?