Matthew Poole and continuators on Jeremiah 38:7

7 ¶ Now when Ebed-melech the Ethiopian , one of the eunuchs which was in the kings house , heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon i, (the king then sitting in the gate of Benjamin) .

Ebedmelech was unquestionably the name of the person, though some interpret it appellatively a servant of the King, it is particularly noted that he was an Ethiopian or a C[illegible: 1 letter]shite, to let us know that this Prophet of the Lord sound more kindness from a stranger, that was a Native Heathen, then from his own countrymen.

Princes were wont to keep Eunuchs in their houses in those countries, 2 Kings 9.32. Dan. 1.9. Acts 8.27. it should seem the Princes had privately put Jeremiah into this miserable place, but yet the noise of it came to Ebedmelechs ear, who was attending in the Court.

The Gates of the City were places where Princes were wont to sit to execute justice, and to receive Petitions, and give answers, 2 Sam. 19.8. Prov. [illegible: 1 letter]1.23. &c.

Marginal references: chap. 39.16.