Zedekiah’s response to Jeremiah’s message is consistent with the weakness of character that has already been on display. Already some of the population in Jerusalem have surrendered to the Babylonians and Zedekiah is concerned about how he will be treated by them, because of his stubborn resistance towards Nebuchadnezzar which has brought great suffering to Jerusalem. He is more concerned about his own personal welfare than he is about doing the right thing by listening to the Lord.
19 King Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “I am afraid of the Judeans who have deserted to the Chaldeans, lest I be handed over to them and they deal cruelly with me.”