Who was Melek?

Melek, mentioned in Jeremiah 38:6 (some translations refer to “the court of the guard of Malchiah the son of the king” or “the son of Melek”), is understood by conservative scholars to refer either to a royal person named Melek or, more likely, a title meaning “the king.” The name Melek (Hebrew: מֶלֶךְ) is the common Hebrew word for “king.” It is not always a personal name, but it can serve as a title or descriptor of royal descent or status. In Jeremiah 38:6 and the surrounding narrative (Jeremiah 38-39), Melek is associated with a cistern or dungeon used as a prison during the final siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians.

In the context of Jeremiah 38:6, the prophet Jeremiah is cast into “the cistern of Malchiah, the king’s son.” The Hebrew phrase מַלְכִּיָּה בֶן־הַמֶּלֶךְ (Malkiyyah ben-haMelek) can be translated either as “Malchiah the son of the king” or “Malchiah son of Melek.” The distinction matters because it informs how we understand Melek—either as a proper name or a reference to royal lineage.

Though Melek is not a central character, his name (as a title or as part of a compound identity) marks a significant place in Jeremiah’s suffering and the judgment on Jerusalem.

Biblical References

• Jeremiah 38:6 – “So they took Jeremiah and put him into the cistern of Malchiah, the king’s son, which was in the courtyard of the guard.”

• Jeremiah 39:5-7 – Describes the capture of King Zedekiah and the complete fall of Jerusalem.

• Cross references: Jeremiah 38:1-13, Jeremiah 39:1-14, 2 Kings 25:1-7, Lamentations 3:52-57

The passage in Jeremiah 38 illustrates the intense opposition Jeremiah faced as God’s prophet. While not much is said directly about Melek, the use of his name/title indicates royal involvement in the persecution of Jeremiah.

What Happened in the Bible?

In the late days of Jerusalem before its fall to Babylon, the prophet Jeremiah warned the people and their leaders to surrender to the Babylonians as God had commanded. Because of this unpopular message, Jeremiah was seen as a traitor and a threat to morale. Princes of Judah persuaded King Zedekiah to silence Jeremiah.

Jeremiah was taken and thrown into a cistern that belonged to “Malchiah the king’s son” (likely a royal official or prince). The cistern, located in the court of the guard, had no water, only mud. Jeremiah sank into the mud and would have died there if not for Ebed-Melek, an Ethiopian eunuch in the king’s palace, who courageously intervened and pulled him out (Jeremiah 38:7-13).

Thus, Melek—whether a royal name or title—became associated with the cistern of Jeremiah’s suffering, marking the location of one of the prophet’s lowest moments.

What It Means for Today’s Christians

The mention of Melek reminds believers of the cost of faithfulness to God’s Word. Jeremiah stood for truth in a time of political, moral, and spiritual collapse. The rejection he faced—even by royalty—foreshadows how faithful servants of God may be treated in corrupt societies. Even though Melek himself is not active in the narrative, his name marks a moment when the world sought to bury God‘s voice.

Christians today can find encouragement in knowing that God did not abandon Jeremiah in the pit. Just as God raised him out of the cistern, He will sustain His people through trials.

Connection to Jesus and the Gospel

Jeremiah’s humiliation and near-death experience in the cistern mirror the greater humiliation of Jesus Christ, who was rejected, falsely accused, and buried in the tomb. Just as Jeremiah was lifted out of the pit to continue proclaiming God’s Word, Jesus rose from the grave to bring eternal life to all who believe.

The name Melek, meaning “king,” draws a contrast between the failed kings of Judah—such as Zedekiah and his sons—and Jesus Christ, the true and righteous King. While earthly kings allowed the prophet of God to be thrown into a pit, the heavenly King Jesus willingly entered the pit of death for our salvation.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. God’s Protection of His Servants

Despite being thrown into a cistern and left to die, Jeremiah was not forgotten by God. God used an unlikely deliverer, Ebed-Melek, to rescue him. This reflects the theme that God sustains and protects those who are faithful to Him, even when they suffer for righteousness’ sake.

2. Royal Corruption vs. Divine Kingship

Melek’s association with a dungeon reflects the failure of earthly kings to uphold justice and truth. This stands in contrast to the righteousness and justice of God’s eternal kingship (Psalm 45:6; Isaiah 9:6-7).

3. Faithfulness in Persecution

Jeremiah’s willingness to speak God’s Word despite opposition parallels New Testament teachings about standing firm in faith under persecution (Matthew 5:10-12; 2 Timothy 3:12).

4. Symbolism of the Pit

The cistern or pit often symbolizes death, despair, or abandonment (Psalm 40:2; Lamentations 3:52-55). Jeremiah’s deliverance foreshadows the ultimate victory of Christ over the grave.

Reflection Questions

1. How does the treatment of Jeremiah in Melek’s cistern challenge your understanding of the cost of obedience to God?

2. In what ways does God protect and sustain His people through dark seasons?

3. What does the comparison between earthly kings and Christ the King teach us about where to place our trust?

4. Have you ever felt “in the pit” for standing up for what is right? How did God meet you in that place?

5. How does Jeremiah’s story help you reflect on the sufferings and triumph of Jesus Christ?

Though Melek is not the main actor in Jeremiah 38–39, his name connects us to one of Scripture’s most dramatic moments of prophetic suffering and divine rescue, pointing ultimately to the righteous reign of Christ the true King.