Jeremiah 37:18–19 (ESV)
18Jeremiah also said to King Zedekiah, “What wrong have I done to you or your servants or this people, that you have put me in prison?
19Where are your prophets who prophesied to you, saying, ‘The king of Babylon will not come against you and against this land’?
Jerusalem had received a temporary reprieve from the siege of the Babylonian army when the army of Egypt came to help them. This was again another act of disobedience as God did not want them to depend on another nation for victory. He would be their defense and deliverer if they returned to worship and serve him instead of the gods of the other nations. Jeremiah was false accused of disserting and joining the Babylonians and was thrown in a prison for many days. When King Zedekiah sought him for counsel from the Lord, Jeremiah bravely spoke and confronted the King with his belief in the false prophets who declared that Babylon would not attack and defeat the city. The lie was exposed as the prophecy of Jeremiah regarding attack was fulfilled and in addition the city would be burned in the next attack. These words had no effect on Zedekiah and his heart remained hardened to accept the facts and call the nation to repentance. Once again God was extending mercy conditioned upon the repentance of the people and just as the previous responses, the counsel was not heeded. The reality of the invasion and conquering of the nation was right before them but they held to the false promises of false prophets. Surrendering to Babylon was the only option available as the judgment of God would be executed.
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