Put not your trust in princes,
nor in the son of man,
in whom there is no help.
Psalm 146:3
"Zedekiah professed to be a friend to Jeremiah; but when the princes sought permission to put the prophet to death, Zedekiah’s friendship was not worth much. He said, “He is in your hand: for the king is not he who can do anything against you.” (Jer. 38:5).
Instead of protecting his friend and adviser, he handed him over at once, and left him as a lamb at the mercy of wolves.
This is that king Zedekiah:
he does not rule,
but is ruled by the princes whom he ought to command.
This softness of character takes different forms, but it is the same base metal, the same worthless dross, in every case.
---In some it takes the form of enquiring into what religion is fashionable.
They have a pretty good idea of what truth is.
They were taught it by their parents;
they have read it in God’s Word;
but they waive their judgment, and prepare to compromise.
---Another form of Zedekiah is not uncommon.
It is the man who is on both sides.
A Christian? Yes by all means.
He talks to others about the necessity of being found in Christ, and of the excellence of Christian endeavor. We like this young man. But tomorrow night there will be an entertainment of a loose character, and he will be asked to go. Will our virtuous young gentleman yield to the invitations of his worldly friends? Assuredly he will; for he is like putty, and you can mold him at will.
So I have described Zedekiah forms which he commonly takes.
If the shoe fits any one of you,
please wear it.
If I have made a photograph of you,
put it in the album of your meditation,
and look at it until you loathe your own likeness."
Charles Spurgeon