Jeremiah understands that Zedekiah has not turned to him out of any sincere desire to hear from the Lord. Jeremiah knows exactly what message he has to deliver to the king and he knows this message has already twice led to his arrest and near death (Jeremiah 37:11–20; Jeremiah 38:1–13). All of this had taken place under the king’s watch. Jeremiah therefore asks the king, If I tell you, will you not surely put me to death?
. Jeremiah also knows how Zedekiah will respond to the Lord’s word, and he says as much to the king: And if I give you counsel, you will not listen to me.
15 Jérémie répondit à Sédécias: Si je te la dis, ne me feras-tu pas mourir? Et si je te donne un conseil, tu ne m'écouteras pas.