Jeremiah 37

“But neither he nor his servants nor the people of the land listened to the words of the LORD that he spoke through Jeremiah the prophet” (v2). When the Babylonians invaded Judah, they took control and made Zedekiah king (v1). Zedekiah wanted help from the Lord and asked Jeremiah the prophet to pray (v3), but neither Zedekiah nor the people of Judah would actually change their behavior. Jeremiah’s stubborn loyalty to the truth got him thrown into prison, yet King Zedekiah – still torn – wanted his advice (v17).

“Is there any word from the Lord?” (v17). The king wanted supernatural help, but God wanted him and the people to change their ways. Real faith produces the fruit of righteousness.