Thomas Aquinas Commentary Jeremiah 39:10-18

"But Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard left of the poor of the people, that had nothing, in the land of Judah, and gave them vineyards and fields at the same time. Now Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon gave charge concerning Jeremiah to Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, saying, Take him, and look well to him, and do him no harm; but do unto him even as he shall say unto thee. So Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard sent, and Nebushazban, Rab-saris, and Nergal-sharezer, Rab-mag, and all the chief officers of the king of Babylon; they sent, and took Jeremiah out of the court of the guard, and committed him unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, that he should carry him home: so he dwelt among the people. Now the word of Jehovah came unto Jeremiah, while he was shut up in the court of the guard, saying, Go, and speak to Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, saying, Thus saith Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel: Behold, I will bring my words upon this city for evil, and not for good; and they shall be accomplished before thee in that day. But I will deliver thee in that day, saith Jehovah; and thou shalt not be given into the hand of the men of whom thou art afraid. For I will surely save thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee; because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith Jehovah." — Jeremiah 39:10-18 (ASV)

Here, he speaks of the liberation of certain people.

1. Of the poor people, who had nothing within... and gave them vineyards and cisterns, because the land suffers from a lack of water. The scripture above says, nevertheless, in those days, says the Lord, I will not make an end of you (Jeremiah 5:18).
2. The liberation of the just.
   1. Of the prophet, when he speaks of the command, Nebuchadnezzar had commanded, and its execution, therefore, Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, sent him... to his house—that is, the prophet’s own house.More precisely, it appears that Jeremiah is sent to live in the dwelling-place of Gedaliah, so that now it can be said that he dwelt among the people.

      The just is freed from distress, and the wicked shall be given up for him (Proverbs 11:8).

      What the wicked man fears shall come upon him, his desire shall be given to the just (Proverbs 10:24).

      When the ways of a man are pleasing to the Lord, he shall turn even his enemies to peace (Proverbs 16:7).

   2. The liberation of the eunuch: moreover, the word of the Lord had come to Jeremiah.
      1. He promises liberation from the dominion of the enemy: and you shall not be handed over.

         He kept him from his enemies, and made him safe from the deceivers .

      2. From being slain by the sword: and you shall not fall by the sword.

         A thousand shall fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but to you it shall not approach (Psalms 90:7).

         As it says above: blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and the Lord will be his confidence (Jeremiah 17:7).

         Believe in the Lord, and he will rescue you; direct your way, and hope in him .