Ebed-melech (Hebrew: ‘Eḇeḏ-meleḵ) is a figure of remarkable courage and compassion found in the closing chapters of the kingdom of Judah. His name, which signifies “servant of the king,” reflects his position as an official in the court of King Zedekiah. Although he was an Ethiopian (a Cushite) and a foreigner in Jerusalem, he displayed a greater fear of God and respect for His prophet than did the princes of Israel.
1. The Intercessor for Jeremiah
During the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, the prophet Jeremiah was accused of treason by the princes because he preached surrender as the only way to survive the coming judgment. With the king’s weak consent, they cast Jeremiah into a miry dungeon in the court of the prison to die of starvation.
- A Bold Appeal: Ebed-melech, hearing of this injustice, did not remain silent. He went directly to the King at the Gate of Benjamin and publicly denounced the actions of the nobles.”My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have cast into the dungeon; and he is like to die for hunger in the place where he is: for there is no more bread in the city.” (Jeremiah 38:9, KJV)
2. The Compassionate Rescue
The king commanded Ebed-melech to take thirty men and rescue Jeremiah. Ebed-melech’s actions during the rescue revealed not only his obedience but his deep personal kindness toward the suffering prophet.
- The “Old Cast Clouts”: Recognizing that Jeremiah was physically weak and that ropes alone might chafe or tear his skin, Ebed-melech gathered old rags and worn-out garments from the king’s treasury to use as padding.”And Ebedmelech the Ethiopian said unto Jeremiah, Put now these old cast clouts and rotten rags under thine armholes under the cords. And Jeremiah did so.” (Jeremiah 38:12, KJV)
- The Result: They drew Jeremiah up out of the dungeon, and he remained in the court of the prison until the day Jerusalem was taken.
3. The Divine Promise of Safety
Because Ebed-melech risked his life and status to save God’s messenger, the Lord sent a specific prophetic message to him through Jeremiah. While the city faced total destruction, Ebed-melech was promised personal deliverance.
- A Reward for Trust: God explicitly stated that Ebed-melech would be spared from the sword of the Chaldeans and from the men he feared because he had put his trust in the Lord.”For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the LORD.” (Jeremiah 39:18, KJV)
Historical & Theological Significance
Ebed-melech stands as a powerful type of the “Gentile faith” that would later be fully revealed in the New Testament. Like the Roman Centurion or the Syrophenician woman, he was an outsider who showed more spiritual insight than the “children of the kingdom.” His story proves that God observes every act of kindness done toward His servants and that “he that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward” (Matthew 10:41, KJV).