Jeremiah 37 - Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible

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

1-5. The general position.

Zephaniah] see on Jeremiah 21:1.

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.

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.

Cabins] RV 'cells.'

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

See on Jeremiah 32:2.

Events during the Siege of Jerusalem (Reign of Zedekiah)

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