A no brainer decision

 Jeremiah 38:17 (NRSV)

17Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “Thus says the LORD, the God of hosts, the God of Israel, If you will only surrender to the officials of the king of Babylon, then your life shall be spared, and this city shall not be burned with fire, and you and your house shall live.

Zedekiah had to make a decision about the future of not only his life but the lives of the people and the city. Jeremiah presented the options and consequences of his decision to accept or reject the words presented. It would seem to be a no brainer type decision given the consequences of rejecting the option of surrendering to the Babylonians. If Zedekiah truly believed the prophetic words, surrender would be the only viable option that would preserve the lives of the people and spare the city from destruction. Though he feared for his life if he did surrender, Jeremiah confirmed that he would not be killed by his own people nor the Babylonians. Decisions have consequences and when the truth is presented and rejected disaster will result. History records that Zedekiah chose the wrong option and the consequences that no one wanted were fulfilled.