XXXVIII Jeremiah prophesies; is by the princes, with the king's permission, cast into a dungeon; but is by Ebed-melech, with the king's consent, taken out again, ver. 1-13. He has a secret conference with the king, in which he counsels him by yielding, to save his life, ver. 14-23. By the king's command he conceals the conference from the princes, ver. 24-27. He abides in prison 'till Jerusalem is taken, ver. 28.

5. For the king - I see I am as it were no king. I can do nothing against you, you will do what you please.

10. Thirty men - Probably the king commanded Ebed-melech to take thirty men to guard him against any opposition.

19. Lest they - Lest the Chaldeans should deliver me into the hands of those Jews which have fallen to them.