ירמיהו, פרק ל״ח, פסוק כ״ד

A secret meeting between King Zedekiah and the prophet Jeremiah ends with a strict warning meant to save the prophet's life. Despite hearing harsh prophecies of impending destruction, the king demands that their conversation remain an absolute secret. The threat is very real: if the royal officials uncover the true nature of their discussion, Jeremiah will face immediate execution [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

This urgent caution reveals a positive trait in the king's character. Zedekiah's demand for silence is not an attempt to hide the prophecy from the public. Rather, he acts out of mercy and genuine concern for Jeremiah's safety. Even though the message he just received spells personal disaster, the king chooses to counsel the prophet on how to survive and avoid harm from the officials [אברבנאל].