Bible Commentaries
Jeremiah 37

Verses 1-21

1-5. The general position.

1. Coniah] see on Jeremiah 22:24. Whom] referring to Zedekiah.

3. Zephaniah] see on Jeremiah 21:1.

5. This refers to the temporary raising of the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians on the approach of an Egyptian army under Pharaoh-Hophra. He either retired or was defeated, for the siege was soon renewed.

6-10. The return of the Chaldeans foretold.

11-15. Jeremiah imprisoned.

12. To separate himself thence] RV ’to receive his portion there,’probably referring to an allotment of communal land at Anathoth.

In the midst of the people] there was naturally a rush to get out of the city on account of the confinement as well as the scarcity of provisions.

16-21. The king takes compassion on Jeremiah.

16. Cabins] RV ’cells.’

17. Secretly] dreading in his weakness the interference of the princes.

21. See on Jeremiah 32:2.

Verses 1-28

Events during the Siege of Jerusalem (Reign of Zedekiah)

Here after two parenthetical chapters (35, 36) concerning the time of Jehoiakim, we revert to the narrative (beginning in Jeremiah 32) of the last two years of Zedekiah.