John Calvin Commentary Jeremiah 38:13

"So they drew up Jeremiah with the cords, and took him up out of the dungeon: and Jeremiah remained in the court of the guard." — Jeremiah 38:13 (ASV)

Here we see that the Prophet was rescued from death, not, however, so that he might be set free and sent home, for that would not have been for his benefit, since he would have been taken again by the king’s counselors. Therefore, Ebedmelech could not save his life except by having him confined in another part of the prison. He could have wished, no doubt, to have him as a guest in his own house; he doubtless wished to do more for him than he did. But his prudence in placing the Prophet back in prison deserves to be commended, for otherwise the fury and cruelty of the princes could not have been mitigated. Then Jeremiah dwelt in the court of the prison.

He was evidently led there by Ebedmelech. If someone were to object and say that this was proof of too much timidity, the answer is that Ebedmelech was not fearful for himself, but because he saw that he was dealing with wild beasts. He saw that their rage could not be calmed in any other way than by having Jeremiah confined in the prison. Indeed, the whole city was then like a prison, as is well known, for they were oppressed everywhere with hardship, and hardly anyone could go out of his house. Ebedmelech then wisely considered this state of things, for he not only had his own affairs to attend to, but he also labored to preserve God’s Prophet.

When God at any time relieves our miseries, yet does not completely free us from them at once, let us bear them patiently and remember this example of Jeremiah. Indeed, God manifested his power in delivering him, and yet it was his will that he should continue in prison: in this way he effects his work by degrees. If, then, the full splendor of God’s grace does not shine on us, or if our deliverance is not yet fully granted, let us allow God to proceed little by little; and the least alleviation ought to be sufficient for comfort, resignation, and patience.