Ebed-Melek went out of the palace and said to him,“My lord the king, these men have acted wickedly in all they have done to Jeremiah the prophet.” Jeremiah 38:8-9
The word of the Lord came to the people of Jerusalem through Jeremiah to surrender to the Babylonians in order to live. God was coming to judge the city. This, of course, angered those in power which resulted in Jeremiah being dropped into a cistern.
Into this we are introduced to Ebed-Melek. It is likely that this is not his given name, but rather a title. It’s Hebrew meaning is “servant of the king” and it would be unusual for the Ethiopian to have a Hebrew name. But though he is mentioned only briefly in the 38th and 39th chapters of Jeremiah, we can learn much of his great character.
Courage. Ebed-Melek came directly to the king to confront the corrupt advisors. This would have put his life in danger, as it would upset the king.
Moral Clarity. He called out the injustice and evil of the action. Jeremiah had spoken truth and they acted wickedly against him.
So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. James 4:17
Compassion. It seems such an odd detail to include that Ebed -Melek provided rags to cushion the rope for Jeremiah. It speaks to his kindness and care for him.
Foresight. His understanding of the situation prevented Jeremiah from being left to starve.
Faith. He trusted God and rescued His prophet. God rewards his act by sparing him in the war.
I will save you; you will not fall by the sword but will escape with your life, because you trust Me, declares the Lord. Jeremiah 39:18
Sometimes we are as Ebed-Melek, called to do big and brave things for Him. And sometimes we are as Jeremiah, where God uses unlikely sources to rescue us. Both had their hearts tuned and turned to God, ready to participate in His work. May our hearts be similarly inclined.
