Chapter 37 – Prison Again

Zedekiah had been made “king” in the land by the Babylonian occupiers, by Nebuchadnezzar. Jeremiah had spoken words of warning to Zedekiah and other leaders of Judah and they had not listened. Now Judah was being defeated by Babylon. Jeremiah was among those remaining and as he set to go to his own land he was arrested and imprisoned and beaten. He was accused of desertion to the Babylonian side. Jeremiah spent days in the “dungeon cells” before Zedekiah sent for him. Jeremiah pleaded before Zedekiah pointing out that he well could have told lies, things that would be easier for Zedekiah to hear, but he had only spoken the truth. 
We can imagine a leader who would choose to hear comforting lies rather than difficult truth. Such blindness could negatively impact an entire nation. 
After Jeremiah’s appeal Zedekiah kept him in captivity, but in the temple guard rather than the dungeon cells. 

Dear God; 
I know what it means to seek after comforting lies rather than troubling truth. Help me to see that knowing you and your presence is life, even when that truth is devastating to all that I have held as central to my comfort. 

Amen