Jeremiah 40:5—This captain of the guard gave him victuals, and a present, and let him go.
This captain seems to have had a remarkable insight into God’s dealings with Israel. In Jeremiah 40:3 he speaks quite prophetically; and in this treatment of the prophet he gives every sign of having been admitted into the secret councils of the Most High. He is a comrade of the centurions of the New Testament.
But the interesting matter is the care exercised by God over his servant. During the siege his bread had been given him, and his water had been sure. And now, in spite of all the plotting and devising against his life, he was the one man of Israel who was treated with respect and provided with an honorable maintenance.
God is able to supply the need of his servants in very remarkable ways; now through ravens, or a widow, and again through a captain of Nebuchadnezzar’s guard. If we will be all for God, God will be all for us. In the present instance the men who were so eager to save themselves perished in the capture of the city; the one man who sought to do God’s will, with a single purpose, not only saved his life, but found all things else added to him.
God would have us live free from care. He made the spirit, and will see that it gets its allowance of sustenance. He made the soul, and knows how much love and culture it requires. He made the body, and will provide for its food and clothing. Do not fear the rough servants whom He employs as the distributors of his gifts. Under the mailed armor a warm heart is beating.
"Give me to trust Thee, Lord,
In the dark and stormy night,
When morning seems so slow to come,
And the stars are hid from sight."