The Man Who Rescued Jeremiah

Jeremiah was God’s special helper, called a prophet. He told the people the true things God wanted them to hear. But some important men did not like what he said, so they did something very mean.

They lowered Jeremiah down into a deep, dark pit called a cistern. There was no water at the bottom — just thick, sticky mud. Jeremiah sank down into the mud and could not climb out. He was all alone, and no one came to help.

But someone was watching. His name was Ebed-Melech, and he had come from far away in Africa to work for the king. Ebed-Melech had a kind heart, and he knew this was not right.

So he was brave. He went straight to the king and said, “The men have put Jeremiah in the pit, and it is wrong. He will not last down there!” The king listened and said, “Go and lift him out.”

Ebed-Melech gathered some old rags and strong ropes. He lowered them down and called gently, “Put these soft rags under your arms so the ropes won’t hurt you.” Then, carefully, the men pulled and pulled until Jeremiah came up out of the mud, safe at last.

God saw everything Ebed-Melech did. He was so pleased with his brave, kind heart that He made him a special promise: “I will keep you safe.” When we do the right thing to help someone, God is happy with us too.