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Jeremiah 34

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‹ Chapter 33 Jeremiah — All Chapters Chapter 35 ›

1 This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, all his army, all the earthly kingdoms under his control, and all the other nations were fighting against Jerusalem and all its surrounding cities. 2 The LORD, the God of Israel, told Jeremiah to go and speak to Zedekiah king of Judah and tell him that this is what the LORD says: “Behold, I am about to deliver this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he will burn it down. 3 And you yourself will not escape his grasp, but will surely be captured and delivered into his hand. You will see the king of Babylon eye to eye and speak with him face to face; and you will go to Babylon. 4 Yet hear the word of the LORD, O Zedekiah king of Judah. This is what the LORD says concerning you: You will not die by the sword; 5 you will die in peace. As spices were burned for your fathers, the former kings who preceded you, so people will burn spices for you and lament, ‘Alas, O master!’ For I Myself have spoken this word, declares the LORD." 6 In Jerusalem, then, Jeremiah the prophet relayed all these words to Zedekiah king of Judah 7 as the army of the king of Babylon was fighting against Jerusalem and the remaining cities of Judah—against Lachish and Azekah. For these were the only fortified cities remaining in Judah. 8 After King Zedekiah had made a covenant with all the people in Jerusalem to proclaim liberty, the word came to Jeremiah from the LORD 9 that each man should free his Hebrew slaves, both male and female, and no one should hold his fellow Jew in bondage. 10 So all the officials and all the people who entered into this covenant agreed that they would free their menservants and maidservants and no longer hold them in bondage. They obeyed and released them, 11 but later they changed their minds and took back the menservants and maidservants they had freed, and they forced them to become slaves again. 12 Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, 13 “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I made a covenant with your forefathers when I brought them out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, saying: 14 Every seventh year, each of you must free his Hebrew brother who has sold himself to you. He may serve you six years, but then you must let him go free. But your fathers did not listen or incline their ear. 15 Recently you repented and did what pleased Me; each of you proclaimed freedom for his neighbor. You made a covenant before Me in the house that bears My Name. 16 But now you have changed your minds and profaned My name. Each of you has taken back the menservants and maidservants whom you had set at liberty to go wherever they wanted, and you have again forced them to be your slaves. 17 Therefore this is what the LORD says: You have not obeyed Me; you have not proclaimed freedom, each man for his brother and for his neighbor. So now I proclaim freedom for you, declares the LORD—freedom to fall by sword, by plague, and by famine! I will make you a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth. 18 And those who have transgressed My covenant and have not fulfilled the terms of the covenant they made before Me, I will treat like the calf they cut in two in order to pass between its pieces. 19 The officials of Judah and Jerusalem, the court officials, the priests, and all the people of the land who passed between the pieces of the calf, 20 I will deliver into the hands of their enemies who seek their lives. Their corpses will become food for the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth. 21 And I will deliver Zedekiah king of Judah and his officials into the hands of their enemies who seek their lives, to the army of the king of Babylon that had withdrawn from you. 22 Behold, I am going to give the command, declares the LORD, and I will bring them back to this city. They will fight against it, capture it, and burn it down. And I will make the cities of Judah a desolation, without inhabitant."

‹ Chapter 33 Jeremiah — All Chapters Chapter 35 ›

Study Notes — Jeremiah 34

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Chapter Summary

Jeremiah chapter 34 begins with a message from God to King Zedekiah, warning him of the impending destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. The king is told that he will be taken captive and die in peace, but the city will be burned. The chapter then turns to the issue of the Hebrew slaves, who were supposed to be freed after six years of service, but were not. The people had made a covenant to free the slaves, but then changed their minds and took them back. God is angry with the people for breaking their covenant and warns them of the consequences of their disobedience. The chapter ends with a message of judgment and a call to repentance, referencing Jeremiah 34:8-11 and Jeremiah 34:12-22.

Context for the Chapter

Jeremiah chapter 34 is part of the larger context of the book of Jeremiah, which is a call to repentance and a warning of judgment for the Israelites. The chapter is also part of the historical context of the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem, which is referenced in Jeremiah 34:1-7. The chapter fits into the larger biblical narrative as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience, as seen in Deuteronomy 15:12-18 and Leviticus 25:39-46.

Heart Application

The chapter calls us to examine our own obedience to God's commands and to consider the consequences of disobedience. As we reflect on the chapter, we are reminded of the importance of following God's instructions and of the freedom that comes from obedience to Him, as seen in John 8:31-36 and Jeremiah 34:15.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Jeremiah chapter 34 is about God's judgment on the Israelites for disobeying His commands. The people were supposed to free their Hebrew slaves, but instead took them back. God is angry with the people and warns them of the consequences of their disobedience. The chapter reminds us of the importance of following God's instructions and of the freedom that comes from obedience to Him, as seen in Jeremiah 34:8-11 and Jeremiah 34:15.

Voices from the Church

“The people's disobedience is a example of the depravity of the human heart, which is inclined to sin and rebellion against God. This is seen in Jeremiah 34:12-22 and Romans 3:9-20.”

— John Calvin

“The chapter is a call to repentance and a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands. As Spurgeon says, "The way of obedience is the way of life, and the way of disobedience is the way of death. This is highlighted in Jeremiah 34:15 and Deuteronomy 30:19.”

— Charles Spurgeon

Outline for Preaching

  1. The Warning to King Zedekiah (Jeremiah 34:1-7) — The chapter begins with a message from God to King Zedekiah, warning him of the impending destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians.
  2. The Covenant to Free the Slaves (Jeremiah 34:8-11) — The people make a covenant to free their Hebrew slaves, but then change their minds and take them back.
  3. The Consequences of Disobedience (Jeremiah 34:12-22) — The chapter ends with a message of judgment, as God warns the people of the consequences of their disobedience.
  4. The Importance of Obedience (Jeremiah 34:15) — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, and the consequences of disobedience.
  5. The Call to Repentance (Jeremiah 34:12-22) — The chapter calls the people to repentance and reminds them of the importance of following God's instructions.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God
The chapter highlights God's sovereignty over all things, including the fate of nations and individuals. This is seen in Jeremiah 34:1-7 and Romans 9:14-24.
The Importance of Obedience
The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, and the consequences of disobedience. This is seen in Jeremiah 34:12-22 and Deuteronomy 28:1-14.
The Freedom of Salvation
The chapter reminds us of the freedom that comes from obedience to God, and the bondage of sin that results from disobedience. This is seen in Jeremiah 34:8-11 and John 8:31-36.
The Consequences of Sin
The chapter highlights the consequences of sin and disobedience, and the importance of repentance and forgiveness. This is seen in Jeremiah 34:12-22 and Romans 6:23.

Lessons from Jeremiah 34

  1. The Importance of Obedience — The chapter teaches us the importance of obedience to God's commands, and the consequences of disobedience.
  2. The Freedom of Salvation — The chapter reminds us of the freedom that comes from obedience to God, and the bondage of sin that results from disobedience.
  3. The Consequences of Sin — The chapter highlights the consequences of sin and disobedience, and the importance of repentance and forgiveness.
  4. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches us about God's sovereignty over all things, including the fate of nations and individuals.
  5. The Call to Repentance — The chapter calls us to repentance and reminds us of the importance of following God's instructions.

Themes from Jeremiah 34

  1. Judgment and Consequences — The chapter highlights the consequences of disobedience and the importance of obedience to God's commands.
  2. Obedience and Freedom — The chapter reminds us of the freedom that comes from obedience to God, and the bondage of sin that results from disobedience.
  3. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches us about God's sovereignty over all things, including the fate of nations and individuals.
  4. The Importance of Covenant-Keeping — The chapter emphasizes the importance of keeping covenant with God, and the consequences of breaking that covenant.
  5. The Call to Repentance — The chapter calls us to repentance and reminds us of the importance of following God's instructions.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What are some ways in which we can obey God's commands in our own lives?
  2. What are the consequences of disobedience, and how can we avoid them?
  3. How does the chapter remind us of the importance of following God's instructions?
  4. What is the relationship between obedience and freedom, and how does the chapter illustrate this?
  5. How can we apply the lessons of Jeremiah chapter 34 to our own lives and circumstances?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. The Warning to King Zedekiah (Jeremiah 34:1-7)

Jeremiah 34:1 The chapter begins with a message from God to King Zedekiah, warning him of the impending destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians.
Jeremiah 34:2 The king is told that he will be taken captive and die in peace, but the city will be burned.

2. The Covenant to Free the Slaves (Jeremiah 34:8-11)

Jeremiah 34:8 The people make a covenant to free their Hebrew slaves, but then change their minds and take them back.
Jeremiah 34:9 The covenant is made in the house of the Lord, and the people agree to free their slaves.
Jeremiah 34:10 But then they change their minds and take their slaves back, breaking the covenant they had made with God.

3. The Consequences of Disobedience (Jeremiah 34:12-22)

Jeremiah 34:12 The chapter ends with a message of judgment, as God warns the people of the consequences of their disobedience.
Jeremiah 34:13 The people are reminded of the covenant they had made with God, and the consequences of breaking that covenant.
Jeremiah 34:14 The people are warned that they will be punished for their disobedience, and that the city will be destroyed.
Jeremiah 34:15 The people's initial obedience is highlighted, and then their subsequent disobedience is condemned.
Jeremiah 34:16 The people are reminded that they had made a covenant to free their slaves, but then took them back.
Jeremiah 34:17 The people are warned that they will be punished for their disobedience, and that the city will be destroyed.
Jeremiah 34:18 The people are reminded of the covenant they had made with God, and the consequences of breaking that covenant.
Jeremiah 34:19 The people are warned that they will be punished for their disobedience, and that the city will be destroyed.
Jeremiah 34:20 The people are reminded that they had made a covenant to free their slaves, but then took them back.
Jeremiah 34:21 The people are warned that they will be punished for their disobedience, and that the city will be destroyed.
Jeremiah 34:22 The chapter ends with a message of judgment, as God warns the people of the consequences of their disobedience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main theme of Jeremiah chapter 34?

The main theme of Jeremiah chapter 34 is the judgment of God on the disobedience of the Israelites, specifically their failure to free their Hebrew slaves as commanded in the Law. This is seen in Jeremiah 34:8-11 and Jeremiah 34:12-22.

What is the significance of the covenant in Jeremiah chapter 34?

The covenant in Jeremiah chapter 34 refers to the agreement between God and the Israelites, and the people's failure to keep their part of the covenant is a major theme of the chapter. This is seen in Jeremiah 34:8-11 and Jeremiah 34:12-22.

How does Jeremiah chapter 34 relate to the rest of the book of Jeremiah?

Jeremiah chapter 34 is part of the larger context of the book of Jeremiah, which is a call to repentance and a warning of judgment for the Israelites. The chapter fits into the larger biblical narrative as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Jeremiah 34:1 → Deuteronomy 28:1-14 The warning to King Zedekiah in Jeremiah 34:1 is similar to the warnings given to the Israelites in Deuteronomy 28:1-14.
2 Jeremiah 34:8 → Exodus 21:2-6 The covenant to free the slaves in Jeremiah 34:8 is based on the law given in Exodus 21:2-6.
3 Jeremiah 34:12 → Leviticus 25:39-46 The consequences of disobedience in Jeremiah 34:12 are similar to the consequences warned about in Leviticus 25:39-46.
4 Jeremiah 34:15 → John 8:31-36 The idea of freedom and slavery in Jeremiah 34:15 is similar to the idea presented in John 8:31-36.
5 Jeremiah 34:16 → Romans 6:23 The consequences of sin in Jeremiah 34:16 are similar to the consequences warned about in Romans 6:23.
6 Jeremiah 34:17 → Matthew 25:31-46 The judgment scene in Jeremiah 34:17 is similar to the judgment scene in Matthew 25:31-46.
7 Jeremiah 34:18 → Hebrews 10:26-31 The warning about the consequences of disobedience in Jeremiah 34:18 is similar to the warning given in Hebrews 10:26-31.
8 Jeremiah 34:20 → 2 Peter 3:9-14 The idea of judgment and redemption in Jeremiah 34:20 is similar to the idea presented in 2 Peter 3:9-14.
9 Jeremiah 34:21 → Revelation 20:11-15 The judgment scene in Jeremiah 34:21 is similar to the judgment scene in Revelation 20:11-15.
10 Jeremiah 34:22 → Isaiah 61:1-3 The idea of freedom and redemption in Jeremiah 34:22 is similar to the idea presented in Isaiah 61:1-3.

Sermons on Jeremiah 34

SermonDescription
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 15:11-21 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Abraham and God's covenant with him. The preacher highlights the unusual nature of this covenant, where God promises something w

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Jeremiah 34

In Jeremiah chapter 34, we see the Lord's controversy with His people, who have disobeyed His commands and broken their covenant with Him. The chapter is a call to repentance, warning the people of the consequences of their disobedience and reminding them of the importance of following God's instructions. As Matthew Henry notes, the people's disobedience is a result of their hardness of heart, and their refusal to listen to the Lord's warnings. The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, and the consequences of disobedience, as seen in Jeremiah 34:12-22. The Lord is gracious and merciful, but He is also just and will not tolerate disobedience. The chapter ends with a message of judgment, but also with a call to repentance and a reminder of the importance of following God's instructions, as seen in Jeremiah 34:15. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The people's initial obedience

The people initially obey God's command to free their slaves, but then change their minds and take them back. This is seen in Jeremiah 34:8-11.

The consequences of disobedience

The chapter highlights the consequences of disobedience, as the people are warned of the judgment that will come upon them. This is seen in Jeremiah 34:12-22.

The importance of covenant-keeping

The chapter emphasizes the importance of keeping covenant with God, and the consequences of breaking that covenant. This is highlighted in Jeremiah 34:15 and Jeremiah 34:18.

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