Jeremiah 38–44 | The Fall of Jerusalem and a Prophet’s Faithfulness

In this Sleepy Scriptures One-Year Bible episode, we continue through the book of Jeremiah with chapters 38 through 44 from the King James Version.

Jeremiah’s warnings bring him into greater danger. He is lowered into a muddy dungeon and left to die, until Ebed-melech courageously appeals for his rescue. King Zedekiah secretly seeks Jeremiah’s counsel, but fear keeps him from acting upon the prophet’s words. Soon Jerusalem falls to Babylon, bringing Jeremiah’s long warnings to fulfillment.

In the aftermath, a small remnant remains in Judah under Gedaliah. After violence and upheaval threaten their future, the people ask Jeremiah to seek the Lord’s direction and promise to obey whatever God says. The answer is clear: remain in the land and do not fear. Yet fear prevails, and the people flee to Egypt, taking Jeremiah with them.

Settle in with gentle narration, soothing music, and peaceful visuals as Jeremiah chapters 38 to 44 remind us of the courage to speak truth, the cost of disregarding God’s counsel, and the faithfulness of the Lord even amid upheaval and loss.

Highlighted Verses

Jeremiah 38:20

“Obey, I beseech thee, the voice of the LORD, which I speak unto thee: so it shall be well unto thee, and thy soul shall live.”

Jeremiah 39:18

“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 40:4

“And now, behold, I loose thee this day from the chains which were upon thine hand.”

Jeremiah 42:3

“That the LORD thy God may shew us the way wherein we may walk, and the thing that we may do.”

Jeremiah 42:6

“Whether it be good, or whether it be evil, we will obey the voice of the LORD our God.”

Jeremiah 42:11

“Be not afraid of the king of Babylon, of whom ye are afraid; be not afraid of him, saith the LORD: for I am with you to save you, and to deliver you from his hand.”

Jeremiah 43:2

“Thou speakest falsely: the LORD our God hath not sent thee to say, Go not into Egypt to sojourn there.”

Jeremiah 44:4

“Howbeit I sent unto you all my servants the prophets, rising early and sending them, saying, Oh, do not this abominable thing that I hate.”