Discussion Questions
Old Testament
Why did Nebuchadnezzar protect Jeremiah? Jeremiah 39:11-14.
New Testament
Why is the Bible so important? Is it literally the word of God? 2 Timothy 3:16.
Notes and Commentary
Old Testament
Why did Nebuchadnezzar protect Jeremiah?
[11] Now Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon commanded Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard concerning Jeremiah, saying, [12] Take him, and look well to him, and do him no harm; but do to him even as he shall tell you. [13] So Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard sent, and Nebushazban, Rabsaris, and Nergal Sharezer, Rabmag, and all the chief officers of the king of Babylon; [14] they sent, and took Jeremiah out of the court of the guard, and committed him to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, that he should carry him home: so he lived among the people. Jeremiah 39:11-14 (WEB)
[Adam Clarke’s 1810/1825 commentary and critical notes on the Bible] Nebuchadnezzar had heard that this prophet had foretold his capture of the city, and had frequently used all his influence to induce Zedekiah to pay the tribute, and not rebel against him; and on this account would be inclined to show the prophet especial favour.
[Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible] The servants of God alone are prepared for all events; and they are delivered and comforted, while the wicked suffer. They often meet with more kindness from the profane, than from hypocritical professors of godliness. The Lord will raise them up friends, do them good, and perform all his promises.
[John Wesley’s Notes on the Bible] It is probable, that Nebuchadnezzar had been informed, Jeremiah had constantly told the king, that the Chaldeans should take the city, and as steadily persuaded both the king and princes to surrender it to them.
New Testament
Why is the Bible so important? Is it literally the word of God?
[16] Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16 (WEB).
[John Wesley’s Notes on the Bible] All scripture is inspired of God - The Spirit of God not only once inspired those who wrote it, but continually inspires, supernaturally assists, those that read it with earnest prayer. Hence it is so profitable for doctrine, for instruction of the ignorant, for the reproof or conviction of them that are in error or sin, for the correction or amendment of whatever is amiss, and for instructing or training up the children of God in all righteousness.
[John Gill’s Expositor] That is, all holy Scripture; for of that only the apostle is speaking; and he means the whole of it; not only the books of the Old Testament, but of the New, the greatest part of which was now written... [T]he Scriptures are the breath of God, the word of God and not men; they are "written by the Spirit..."
Random Quotes
Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its pupils.
I am not a vegetarian because I love animals; I am a vegetarian because I hate plants.
There is a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot.
Notes:
© Tom Truex 2014, Davie, FL