Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 38 - Verse 20

In this verse from the book of Jeremiah, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking to the king of Judah, Zedekiah, who is seeking his advice on whether he should surrender to the Babylonians in order to save his own life. Jeremiah's response is a firm warning that surrendering to the Babylonians will not save him, and instead, he should obey the voice of the Lord and trust in His guidance. Jeremiah urges the king to follow God's commandments and promises that if he does so, things will go well for him, and his soul will be saved. This verse serves as a reminder that putting one's trust in God and following His will is the key to a prosperous and fulfilling life, even in the face of difficult circumstances. It emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience to God's word as a source of protection and salvation.

Jeremiah's warning in this verse highlights the importance of obedience to the voice of the LORD. The Hebrew word used for "obey" in this verse is "shama," which means to listen, hear, and obey. By calling the people to obey the voice of the LORD, Jeremiah emphasizes the need for active and attentive obedience to God's commands. This verse carries a theological message that echoes throughout scripture, emphasizing the significance of following God's guidance for the well-being of our souls. The phrase "so it shall be well unto thee, and thy soul shall live" underscores the promise of blessing and life that comes from obedience to God. Through a theological interpretation of this verse, we are reminded of the importance of heeding God's voice and aligning our lives with His will in order to experience true well-being and spiritual life.