Jeremiah 52

“Evil-merodach king of Babylon, in the year that he began to reign, graciously freed Jehoiachin king of Judah and brought him out of prison. And he spoke kindly to him and gave him a seat above the seats of the kings who were with him in Babylon.” (Jeremiah 52:31–32, ESV)

Jeremiah was called by God during the difficult time of national decline. He faithfully prophesied for over forty years, but there is no record of him having a single convert. He spoke of the impending doom against Judah and also pronounced judgments on the surrounding nations. But his book ends on a note of hope.

King Jehoiachin had been so wicked that God said none of his descendants would sit on the throne of David (Jeremiah 22:30). He had been deported to Babylon when he was 18 years old after only ruling for 3 months. But now after being in prison for 37 years, Evil-Merodach, the son of Nebuchadnezzar, brought him out of prison and spoke kindly to him. The king lifted up his head, removed his prison clothes, seated him at the king’s table, and gave him a prominent place above the other captured kings. Jehoiachin even received a regular allowance for the rest of his life.

Isn’t this a wonderful example of grace? We also made poor decisions. We were in a prison house of sin and death with no means to free ourselves. But our King Jesus lifted up our heads and spoke gracious words to us. He saved us, removed our filthy prison clothes and clothed us in His righteousness. He seated us at His own table and has promised a portion with Him for eternity.

Jeremiah is a difficult book where God disciplines his wayward children. But in the end, mercy triumphs over judgment for those who humble themselves, turn from their sins, and trust in the LORD with all their hearts.

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” (Psalm 23:5–6, NKJV)