If Zedekiah was hoping for a more positive message from Jeremiah, he is desperately disappointed. Despite the danger he finds himself in, Jeremiah faithfully repeats the message he has received from the Lord. Nothing has changed; Zedekiah will be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon. The implication of course is that the whole city will be handed over to Nebuchadnezzar, but Jeremiah’s response focuses on the personal implications for Zedekiah. This highlights the fact that Zedekiah’s concerns are more about his own fate than that of the city or the people he rules over.
17 King Zedekiah sent for him and received him. The king questioned him secretly in his house and said, “Is there any word from the LORD?” Jeremiah said, “There is.” Then he said, “You shall be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon.”