Jeremiah and Zedekiah Hold a Final Secret Consultation

Zedekiah swears not to kill Jeremiah or give him to the men who seek his life

Zedekiah sent and took Jeremiah unto him into the third entry of the house of the LORD. I will ask thee a thing; hide nothing from me. Jeremiah said, If I declare it unto thee, wilt thou not surely put me to death? and if I give thee counsel, wilt thou not hearken unto me?

Zedekiah swore secretly, As the LORD liveth, that made us this soul, I will not put thee to death, neither will I give thee into the hand of these men that seek thy life. The consultation is real, and so is the prophet's risk assessment.

Surrender still offers life; the king names his fear of those already with the Chaldeans

If thou wilt assuredly go forth unto the king of Babylon's princes, then thy soul shall live, and this city shall not be burned with fire; and thou shalt live, and thine house. If thou wilt not go forth, this city shall be given, thou shalt not escape, and this city shall be burned.

Zedekiah said, I am afraid of the Jews that are fallen to the Chaldeans, lest they deliver me into their hand, and they mock me. Jeremiah says they will not deliver him if he obeys. This specific counsel does not mandate surrender in all wars. The king's fear of mockery does not excuse exposing the city to fire. Women of the king's house singing a taunt is announced as the alternative future, not as a joke to enjoy.