The story
Jeremiah told everyone what God said. But some leaders did not like God’s message. They grumbled and frowned. “Let’s get rid of Jeremiah!” they said.
They lowered Jeremiah on ropes into an old, empty well. There was no water at the bottom, only thick, squishy mud. Squelch! Jeremiah sank down in it.
It was dark and cold down there. Jeremiah was stuck. He couldn’t climb out. But God had not forgotten him. Someone kind was coming.
A palace helper named Ebed-Melech heard what happened. He hurried to the king. “This is wrong, my king! Jeremiah will be stuck down there!” The king said, “Go and help him.”
Ebed-Melech grabbed ropes and some old soft rags. He let them down into the well. “Put these rags under your arms,” he called, “so the ropes won’t hurt you.”
Heave, ho! Up, up came Jeremiah, out of the mud! Ebed-Melech was brave and kind when others were not. God can use us to help people, too.
