The most famous traitor in the history of the United States was Benedict Arnold. He joined the Revolutionary Army as a colonel in 1775 and became one of General Washington’s most trusted officers. But when he did not receive the promotion he thought he deserved, Arnold began to conspire with the British army. The plans were uncovered, and he was disgraced forever. In Jeremiah 37, God’s prophet was accused of a similar act of treason, even though the real traitor was King Zedekiah. He wasn’t even the rightful ruler of Judah. The Babylonians put him on the throne to be their puppet. This man did not listen to God’s Word. He had only a passing interest in what Jeremiah had to say, but he ignored the prophecies and never obeyed the LORD (v 1-2). Though Zedekiah was not a man of prayer, he almost believed in its power. At least, when he was in a jam he liked to cover his bases. This is why people like Jeremiah may come in handy sometimes, right? Though the king had no time for worship and no personal relationship with the LORD, what could it hurt to ask God’s man to send up a little prayer for him? The Babylonian siege had been interrupted by Egyptian interference, and Zedekiah’s prayer request was obvious: that this reprieve might become permanent (v 3-5). But God’s answer to the prayer is not what the king wants to hear. Babylon’s withdrawal will only be temporary, then they will return to conquer Judah. With a touch of hyperbole, God adds that the enemy will prevail even if their army has been reduced to a band of wounded, struggling soldiers (v 6-10). During a break in the hostilities, Jeremiah tries to leave town in order to take care of some personal business. But he runs into trouble when recognized at a security checkpoint. The officer misinterprets Jeremiah’s intentions, accuses him of desertion, and arrests him for treason! Jeremiah tries to clear up the confusion, but to no avail. This was a false and outrageous charge. No one had been more faithful to God’s people than Jeremiah. But his unwarranted arrest is only followed by police brutality and unjust imprisonment (v 11-15). Many days later, King Zedekiah arranges a private meeting with the prophet, curious what God’s latest word might be. If there ever was a time for Jeremiah to change his tune, this would be it. If he shares good news and delivers a positive message, he just might get out of the slammer alive. But Jeremiah doesn’t buckle before the king. He gives it to him straight, risking his own life to speak the truth. And God preserves His faithful patriot, day by day (v 16-21). For further meditation: