1. God grants courage to act (1-13)

Jeremiah was faithful to speak the word of God. To the king and his officials this sounded treasonous and they had Jeremiah put into a cistern to die. It looked hopeless. But God granted courage to one man. Ebed-Melech went to the king and asked for Jeremiah to be taken out of the cistern. His request was granted. God grants courage to his people so that they can take action.

2. The agony of a coward (14-28)

King Zedekiah lived in fear. He was afraid that if he surrendered to the Babylonians, the first group of exiles would mistreat him. His fear was keeping him from obeying the word of God. He had no peace. God granted Jeremiah and Ebed-Melech courage. They had peace, despite living in dangerous times.