Jeremiah 38:16
So Zedekiah the king sware secretly unto Jeremiah, saying, As the LORD liveth, that made us this soul, I will not put thee to death, neither will I give thee into the hand of these men that seek thy life. So Zedekiah the king sware secretly unto Jeremiah, saying, As the LORD liveth, that made us this soul, I will not put thee to death, neither will I give thee into the hand of these men that seek thy life.
Zedekiah again sent for Jeremiah in private to have him faithfully declare God's purpose concerning Jerusalem. Jeremiah hesitated because he feared that speaking the message would surely cost him his life. He also expected that even if he spoke, the king would not obey him.
In response, Zedekiah swore secretly by the living Lord who made the soul, that is human life, that he would neither put Jeremiah to death himself nor hand him over to the men seeking his life. That secret oath removed the barrier, opening the way for Jeremiah to once more warn the king that surrender would bring survival. The promise remained only a private assurance; it was not a public stand for the prophet nor obedience to God's counsel.