Ezekiel 8

Ezekiel 8:1

Confirmation of the Promises

Again the word of the LORD comes to Jeremiah (Jeremiah 33:23). The LORD asks Jeremiah if he has also noticed how the people speak of what He, according to them, has done to His people (Jeremiah 33:24). They speak of the fact that He has now rejected the two generations that He had chosen – by this they mean that of David and that of Levi about which the LORD has just said such wonderful things. They blame Him for the misery they are in and declare that God’s people are no longer His people.

Jeremiah should just not be fooled and discouraged by that talk. Once again the “thus says the LORD” is heard followed by a repetition of the declaration of God’s covenant with the day and the night (Jeremiah 33:25). An additional assurance is added and that is that He also established the fixed patterns of heaven and earth. Just as He will not overturn those two fixed certainties, neither will He reject the descendants of Jacob and that of His servant David (Jeremiah 33:26). That would be tantamount to saying that He would not take rulers from the descendants of David to rule over the descendants of the patriarchs to whom He promised.

The mention of the names “Abraham, Isaac and Jacob” of whom they are “the descendants” gives the greatest possible assurance of the fulfillment of the promises made to them. The unchanging promises He has made to them guarantee that He will see to it that the descendants about whom and the rulers of whom He has spoken will be there. For this He will bring a reversal in their captivity. He will not leave His people to their fate, but will take care of them.

Ezekiel 8:3

Announcement of the End of Zedekiah

After the “book of comfort” (Jeremiah 30-33) we are back to everyday life. The word of the LORD comes to Jeremiah at the moment when the entire world is gathered against Jerusalem (Jeremiah 34:1). Nebuchadnezzar and all his army and all the kingdoms over which he rules and all the nations over which he does not rule are fighting against Jerusalem and all the cities that belong to it. Jerusalem is the target. In that situation, the LORD instructs Jeremiah to go to Zedekiah saying that He will give the city into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar who will burn it with fire (Jeremiah 34:2).

The LORD alludes to Zedekiah’s fleeing when He says that he will certainly be seized and brought before Nebuchadnezzar personally (Jeremiah 34:3). His fleeing will be futile. He will come to Babylon. He will come face to face with the king of Babylon, but Babylon itself he will not see because his eyes will be put out before he is taken to Babylon (Jeremiah 52:11; Ezekiel 12:13b).

In His mercy, the LORD also says that Zedekiah will not die by the sword (Jeremiah 34:4), but in peace in Babylon. It is even so, that spices will be burned for him (cf. 2 Chronicles 16:14; 2 Chronicles 21:19). This is an unexpected sign of tribute to this yet so wicked king, who apparently still had a certain care for his people (Jeremiah 34:5).

Once again the Spirit of God points out the circumstances under which Jeremiah speaks all his words to Zedekiah (Jeremiah 34:6). The battle for Jerusalem and all the cities of Judah that have not yet fallen is in full swing (Jeremiah 34:7). Two remaining cities are mentioned by name, because they are the only cities that have been fortified – by Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 11:5; 9) – and there the opposition is fiercest.

Ezekiel 8:4

Announcement of the End of Zedekiah

After the “book of comfort” (Jeremiah 30-33) we are back to everyday life. The word of the LORD comes to Jeremiah at the moment when the entire world is gathered against Jerusalem (Jeremiah 34:1). Nebuchadnezzar and all his army and all the kingdoms over which he rules and all the nations over which he does not rule are fighting against Jerusalem and all the cities that belong to it. Jerusalem is the target. In that situation, the LORD instructs Jeremiah to go to Zedekiah saying that He will give the city into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar who will burn it with fire (Jeremiah 34:2).

The LORD alludes to Zedekiah’s fleeing when He says that he will certainly be seized and brought before Nebuchadnezzar personally (Jeremiah 34:3). His fleeing will be futile. He will come to Babylon. He will come face to face with the king of Babylon, but Babylon itself he will not see because his eyes will be put out before he is taken to Babylon (Jeremiah 52:11; Ezekiel 12:13b).

In His mercy, the LORD also says that Zedekiah will not die by the sword (Jeremiah 34:4), but in peace in Babylon. It is even so, that spices will be burned for him (cf. 2 Chronicles 16:14; 2 Chronicles 21:19). This is an unexpected sign of tribute to this yet so wicked king, who apparently still had a certain care for his people (Jeremiah 34:5).

Once again the Spirit of God points out the circumstances under which Jeremiah speaks all his words to Zedekiah (Jeremiah 34:6). The battle for Jerusalem and all the cities of Judah that have not yet fallen is in full swing (Jeremiah 34:7). Two remaining cities are mentioned by name, because they are the only cities that have been fortified – by Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 11:5; 9) – and there the opposition is fiercest.

Ezekiel 8:5

Announcement of the End of Zedekiah

After the “book of comfort” (Jeremiah 30-33) we are back to everyday life. The word of the LORD comes to Jeremiah at the moment when the entire world is gathered against Jerusalem (Jeremiah 34:1). Nebuchadnezzar and all his army and all the kingdoms over which he rules and all the nations over which he does not rule are fighting against Jerusalem and all the cities that belong to it. Jerusalem is the target. In that situation, the LORD instructs Jeremiah to go to Zedekiah saying that He will give the city into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar who will burn it with fire (Jeremiah 34:2).

The LORD alludes to Zedekiah’s fleeing when He says that he will certainly be seized and brought before Nebuchadnezzar personally (Jeremiah 34:3). His fleeing will be futile. He will come to Babylon. He will come face to face with the king of Babylon, but Babylon itself he will not see because his eyes will be put out before he is taken to Babylon (Jeremiah 52:11; Ezekiel 12:13b).

In His mercy, the LORD also says that Zedekiah will not die by the sword (Jeremiah 34:4), but in peace in Babylon. It is even so, that spices will be burned for him (cf. 2 Chronicles 16:14; 2 Chronicles 21:19). This is an unexpected sign of tribute to this yet so wicked king, who apparently still had a certain care for his people (Jeremiah 34:5).

Once again the Spirit of God points out the circumstances under which Jeremiah speaks all his words to Zedekiah (Jeremiah 34:6). The battle for Jerusalem and all the cities of Judah that have not yet fallen is in full swing (Jeremiah 34:7). Two remaining cities are mentioned by name, because they are the only cities that have been fortified – by Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 11:5; 9) – and there the opposition is fiercest.

Ezekiel 8:6

Announcement of the End of Zedekiah

After the “book of comfort” (Jeremiah 30-33) we are back to everyday life. The word of the LORD comes to Jeremiah at the moment when the entire world is gathered against Jerusalem (Jeremiah 34:1). Nebuchadnezzar and all his army and all the kingdoms over which he rules and all the nations over which he does not rule are fighting against Jerusalem and all the cities that belong to it. Jerusalem is the target. In that situation, the LORD instructs Jeremiah to go to Zedekiah saying that He will give the city into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar who will burn it with fire (Jeremiah 34:2).

The LORD alludes to Zedekiah’s fleeing when He says that he will certainly be seized and brought before Nebuchadnezzar personally (Jeremiah 34:3). His fleeing will be futile. He will come to Babylon. He will come face to face with the king of Babylon, but Babylon itself he will not see because his eyes will be put out before he is taken to Babylon (Jeremiah 52:11; Ezekiel 12:13b).

In His mercy, the LORD also says that Zedekiah will not die by the sword (Jeremiah 34:4), but in peace in Babylon. It is even so, that spices will be burned for him (cf. 2 Chronicles 16:14; 2 Chronicles 21:19). This is an unexpected sign of tribute to this yet so wicked king, who apparently still had a certain care for his people (Jeremiah 34:5).

Once again the Spirit of God points out the circumstances under which Jeremiah speaks all his words to Zedekiah (Jeremiah 34:6). The battle for Jerusalem and all the cities of Judah that have not yet fallen is in full swing (Jeremiah 34:7). Two remaining cities are mentioned by name, because they are the only cities that have been fortified – by Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 11:5; 9) – and there the opposition is fiercest.

Ezekiel 8:7

Announcement of the End of Zedekiah

After the “book of comfort” (Jeremiah 30-33) we are back to everyday life. The word of the LORD comes to Jeremiah at the moment when the entire world is gathered against Jerusalem (Jeremiah 34:1). Nebuchadnezzar and all his army and all the kingdoms over which he rules and all the nations over which he does not rule are fighting against Jerusalem and all the cities that belong to it. Jerusalem is the target. In that situation, the LORD instructs Jeremiah to go to Zedekiah saying that He will give the city into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar who will burn it with fire (Jeremiah 34:2).

The LORD alludes to Zedekiah’s fleeing when He says that he will certainly be seized and brought before Nebuchadnezzar personally (Jeremiah 34:3). His fleeing will be futile. He will come to Babylon. He will come face to face with the king of Babylon, but Babylon itself he will not see because his eyes will be put out before he is taken to Babylon (Jeremiah 52:11; Ezekiel 12:13b).

In His mercy, the LORD also says that Zedekiah will not die by the sword (Jeremiah 34:4), but in peace in Babylon. It is even so, that spices will be burned for him (cf. 2 Chronicles 16:14; 2 Chronicles 21:19). This is an unexpected sign of tribute to this yet so wicked king, who apparently still had a certain care for his people (Jeremiah 34:5).

Once again the Spirit of God points out the circumstances under which Jeremiah speaks all his words to Zedekiah (Jeremiah 34:6). The battle for Jerusalem and all the cities of Judah that have not yet fallen is in full swing (Jeremiah 34:7). Two remaining cities are mentioned by name, because they are the only cities that have been fortified – by Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 11:5; 9) – and there the opposition is fiercest.

Ezekiel 8:8

Announcement of the End of Zedekiah

After the “book of comfort” (Jeremiah 30-33) we are back to everyday life. The word of the LORD comes to Jeremiah at the moment when the entire world is gathered against Jerusalem (Jeremiah 34:1). Nebuchadnezzar and all his army and all the kingdoms over which he rules and all the nations over which he does not rule are fighting against Jerusalem and all the cities that belong to it. Jerusalem is the target. In that situation, the LORD instructs Jeremiah to go to Zedekiah saying that He will give the city into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar who will burn it with fire (Jeremiah 34:2).

The LORD alludes to Zedekiah’s fleeing when He says that he will certainly be seized and brought before Nebuchadnezzar personally (Jeremiah 34:3). His fleeing will be futile. He will come to Babylon. He will come face to face with the king of Babylon, but Babylon itself he will not see because his eyes will be put out before he is taken to Babylon (Jeremiah 52:11; Ezekiel 12:13b).

In His mercy, the LORD also says that Zedekiah will not die by the sword (Jeremiah 34:4), but in peace in Babylon. It is even so, that spices will be burned for him (cf. 2 Chronicles 16:14; 2 Chronicles 21:19). This is an unexpected sign of tribute to this yet so wicked king, who apparently still had a certain care for his people (Jeremiah 34:5).

Once again the Spirit of God points out the circumstances under which Jeremiah speaks all his words to Zedekiah (Jeremiah 34:6). The battle for Jerusalem and all the cities of Judah that have not yet fallen is in full swing (Jeremiah 34:7). Two remaining cities are mentioned by name, because they are the only cities that have been fortified – by Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 11:5; 9) – and there the opposition is fiercest.

Ezekiel 8:9

Announcement of the End of Zedekiah

After the “book of comfort” (Jeremiah 30-33) we are back to everyday life. The word of the LORD comes to Jeremiah at the moment when the entire world is gathered against Jerusalem (Jeremiah 34:1). Nebuchadnezzar and all his army and all the kingdoms over which he rules and all the nations over which he does not rule are fighting against Jerusalem and all the cities that belong to it. Jerusalem is the target. In that situation, the LORD instructs Jeremiah to go to Zedekiah saying that He will give the city into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar who will burn it with fire (Jeremiah 34:2).

The LORD alludes to Zedekiah’s fleeing when He says that he will certainly be seized and brought before Nebuchadnezzar personally (Jeremiah 34:3). His fleeing will be futile. He will come to Babylon. He will come face to face with the king of Babylon, but Babylon itself he will not see because his eyes will be put out before he is taken to Babylon (Jeremiah 52:11; Ezekiel 12:13b).

In His mercy, the LORD also says that Zedekiah will not die by the sword (Jeremiah 34:4), but in peace in Babylon. It is even so, that spices will be burned for him (cf. 2 Chronicles 16:14; 2 Chronicles 21:19). This is an unexpected sign of tribute to this yet so wicked king, who apparently still had a certain care for his people (Jeremiah 34:5).

Once again the Spirit of God points out the circumstances under which Jeremiah speaks all his words to Zedekiah (Jeremiah 34:6). The battle for Jerusalem and all the cities of Judah that have not yet fallen is in full swing (Jeremiah 34:7). Two remaining cities are mentioned by name, because they are the only cities that have been fortified – by Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 11:5; 9) – and there the opposition is fiercest.

Ezekiel 8:10

The Servants Deceived

Again the word of the LORD comes to Jeremiah (Jeremiah 34:8). The occasion is a covenant Zedekiah made with all in Jerusalem to proclaim the release of the male servants and the female servants (Jeremiah 34:9). The agreement is that each one will set free his male servant and his female servant who was a Hebrew man or a Hebrew woman, that is, a member of the people. This will be done from the understanding that it is a brother, a neighbor. It seems that the rich made the poor serve as servant for longer than the seven years prescribed by God in the law (Exodus 21:1-11; Leviticus 25:39-55; Deuteronomy 15:12-18). This covenant is entered into by many (Jeremiah 34:10). They obey it and set them free.

Then comes the regret (Jeremiah 34:11). As soon as they notice what a loss they have suffered, they turn around and take back the servants and submit them to themselves again as male servants and female servants. This is a low, mean trick. The covenant was not made wholeheartedly. It has been assumed that Zedekiah also made this covenant only for political reasons. He must have thought that set free male servants and female servants would be much more willing to help defend the city against Nebuchadnezzar’s attack than if they had to do hard servant service. It is impossible to imagine that such a wicked man who cared nothing for God’s law would now suddenly be so insistent on carrying out a commandment of the law. He is known as a covenant breaker (Ezekiel 17:11-21).

However, as soon as relief comes in the distress, they come back to their decision (cf. Ecclesiastes 5:3). It can rightly be said of them: “For your loyalty is like a morning cloud and like the dew which goes away early” (Hosea 6:4b). The enemy has (temporarily) moved away (Jeremiah 34:21). This will be related to a threat from Egypt (Jeremiah 37:5; 7-10). Life largely resumes its normal course and they force the set free servants to serve them again.

The precept about the release of a servant has a spiritual meaning for us. For us, it means that we show our brother his true spiritual freedom and do not oblige him to us. If a brother owes us something, we must write off his debt. If we do not do so, we keep him in bondage in a certain respect. Then we will be disciplined. What matters is how we treat each other as brothers and sisters, whether we submit to each other and not someone to us.

Ezekiel 8:11

The Servants Deceived

Again the word of the LORD comes to Jeremiah (Jeremiah 34:8). The occasion is a covenant Zedekiah made with all in Jerusalem to proclaim the release of the male servants and the female servants (Jeremiah 34:9). The agreement is that each one will set free his male servant and his female servant who was a Hebrew man or a Hebrew woman, that is, a member of the people. This will be done from the understanding that it is a brother, a neighbor. It seems that the rich made the poor serve as servant for longer than the seven years prescribed by God in the law (Exodus 21:1-11; Leviticus 25:39-55; Deuteronomy 15:12-18). This covenant is entered into by many (Jeremiah 34:10). They obey it and set them free.

Then comes the regret (Jeremiah 34:11). As soon as they notice what a loss they have suffered, they turn around and take back the servants and submit them to themselves again as male servants and female servants. This is a low, mean trick. The covenant was not made wholeheartedly. It has been assumed that Zedekiah also made this covenant only for political reasons. He must have thought that set free male servants and female servants would be much more willing to help defend the city against Nebuchadnezzar’s attack than if they had to do hard servant service. It is impossible to imagine that such a wicked man who cared nothing for God’s law would now suddenly be so insistent on carrying out a commandment of the law. He is known as a covenant breaker (Ezekiel 17:11-21).

However, as soon as relief comes in the distress, they come back to their decision (cf. Ecclesiastes 5:3). It can rightly be said of them: “For your loyalty is like a morning cloud and like the dew which goes away early” (Hosea 6:4b). The enemy has (temporarily) moved away (Jeremiah 34:21). This will be related to a threat from Egypt (Jeremiah 37:5; 7-10). Life largely resumes its normal course and they force the set free servants to serve them again.

The precept about the release of a servant has a spiritual meaning for us. For us, it means that we show our brother his true spiritual freedom and do not oblige him to us. If a brother owes us something, we must write off his debt. If we do not do so, we keep him in bondage in a certain respect. Then we will be disciplined. What matters is how we treat each other as brothers and sisters, whether we submit to each other and not someone to us.

Ezekiel 8:12

The Servants Deceived

Again the word of the LORD comes to Jeremiah (Jeremiah 34:8). The occasion is a covenant Zedekiah made with all in Jerusalem to proclaim the release of the male servants and the female servants (Jeremiah 34:9). The agreement is that each one will set free his male servant and his female servant who was a Hebrew man or a Hebrew woman, that is, a member of the people. This will be done from the understanding that it is a brother, a neighbor. It seems that the rich made the poor serve as servant for longer than the seven years prescribed by God in the law (Exodus 21:1-11; Leviticus 25:39-55; Deuteronomy 15:12-18). This covenant is entered into by many (Jeremiah 34:10). They obey it and set them free.

Then comes the regret (Jeremiah 34:11). As soon as they notice what a loss they have suffered, they turn around and take back the servants and submit them to themselves again as male servants and female servants. This is a low, mean trick. The covenant was not made wholeheartedly. It has been assumed that Zedekiah also made this covenant only for political reasons. He must have thought that set free male servants and female servants would be much more willing to help defend the city against Nebuchadnezzar’s attack than if they had to do hard servant service. It is impossible to imagine that such a wicked man who cared nothing for God’s law would now suddenly be so insistent on carrying out a commandment of the law. He is known as a covenant breaker (Ezekiel 17:11-21).

However, as soon as relief comes in the distress, they come back to their decision (cf. Ecclesiastes 5:3). It can rightly be said of them: “For your loyalty is like a morning cloud and like the dew which goes away early” (Hosea 6:4b). The enemy has (temporarily) moved away (Jeremiah 34:21). This will be related to a threat from Egypt (Jeremiah 37:5; 7-10). Life largely resumes its normal course and they force the set free servants to serve them again.

The precept about the release of a servant has a spiritual meaning for us. For us, it means that we show our brother his true spiritual freedom and do not oblige him to us. If a brother owes us something, we must write off his debt. If we do not do so, we keep him in bondage in a certain respect. Then we will be disciplined. What matters is how we treat each other as brothers and sisters, whether we submit to each other and not someone to us.

Ezekiel 8:13

The Servants Deceived

Again the word of the LORD comes to Jeremiah (Jeremiah 34:8). The occasion is a covenant Zedekiah made with all in Jerusalem to proclaim the release of the male servants and the female servants (Jeremiah 34:9). The agreement is that each one will set free his male servant and his female servant who was a Hebrew man or a Hebrew woman, that is, a member of the people. This will be done from the understanding that it is a brother, a neighbor. It seems that the rich made the poor serve as servant for longer than the seven years prescribed by God in the law (Exodus 21:1-11; Leviticus 25:39-55; Deuteronomy 15:12-18). This covenant is entered into by many (Jeremiah 34:10). They obey it and set them free.

Then comes the regret (Jeremiah 34:11). As soon as they notice what a loss they have suffered, they turn around and take back the servants and submit them to themselves again as male servants and female servants. This is a low, mean trick. The covenant was not made wholeheartedly. It has been assumed that Zedekiah also made this covenant only for political reasons. He must have thought that set free male servants and female servants would be much more willing to help defend the city against Nebuchadnezzar’s attack than if they had to do hard servant service. It is impossible to imagine that such a wicked man who cared nothing for God’s law would now suddenly be so insistent on carrying out a commandment of the law. He is known as a covenant breaker (Ezekiel 17:11-21).

However, as soon as relief comes in the distress, they come back to their decision (cf. Ecclesiastes 5:3). It can rightly be said of them: “For your loyalty is like a morning cloud and like the dew which goes away early” (Hosea 6:4b). The enemy has (temporarily) moved away (Jeremiah 34:21). This will be related to a threat from Egypt (Jeremiah 37:5; 7-10). Life largely resumes its normal course and they force the set free servants to serve them again.

The precept about the release of a servant has a spiritual meaning for us. For us, it means that we show our brother his true spiritual freedom and do not oblige him to us. If a brother owes us something, we must write off his debt. If we do not do so, we keep him in bondage in a certain respect. Then we will be disciplined. What matters is how we treat each other as brothers and sisters, whether we submit to each other and not someone to us.

Ezekiel 8:14

The Sin of the Nation

Then comes the word of the LORD to Jeremiah (Jeremiah 34:12). The LORD recalls to the people that He, “the LORD God of Israel”, made a covenant with their fathers when He led them out of Egypt, the house of slavery (Jeremiah 34:13). With emphasis, Egypt is called “the house of bondage”. Then the LORD decreed that a Hebrew brother who had had to sell himself as slave must be set free by his lord after six years of service (Jeremiah 34:14; Exodus 21:1-6).

This law was given right after their exodus from Egypt, where they themselves served as servants for a long time. As a result, they know what it is to be a servant. Then you would say that they would execute such a law wholeheartedly. But the fathers did not listen. Man quickly forgets the misery in which he has been when things are going well for him and is then even able to exploit others.

Now the people to whom Jeremiah addresses the word did listen to this commandment (Jeremiah 34:15). The LORD even says that they have repented and done what is right in His sight. The release and the covenant they have carried out. He praises that. What He does not praise, however, is that they have gone back on their made covenant (Jeremiah 34:16). He blames them for that. It is a great injustice and unworthy of man to go back on such a decision. It is a great sin against God and against their neighbor. They had the servants “set free according to their desire”, but then subjected them to serve as servants again. The LORD is rightly very angry about this.

Ezekiel 8:15

The Sin of the Nation

Then comes the word of the LORD to Jeremiah (Jeremiah 34:12). The LORD recalls to the people that He, “the LORD God of Israel”, made a covenant with their fathers when He led them out of Egypt, the house of slavery (Jeremiah 34:13). With emphasis, Egypt is called “the house of bondage”. Then the LORD decreed that a Hebrew brother who had had to sell himself as slave must be set free by his lord after six years of service (Jeremiah 34:14; Exodus 21:1-6).

This law was given right after their exodus from Egypt, where they themselves served as servants for a long time. As a result, they know what it is to be a servant. Then you would say that they would execute such a law wholeheartedly. But the fathers did not listen. Man quickly forgets the misery in which he has been when things are going well for him and is then even able to exploit others.

Now the people to whom Jeremiah addresses the word did listen to this commandment (Jeremiah 34:15). The LORD even says that they have repented and done what is right in His sight. The release and the covenant they have carried out. He praises that. What He does not praise, however, is that they have gone back on their made covenant (Jeremiah 34:16). He blames them for that. It is a great injustice and unworthy of man to go back on such a decision. It is a great sin against God and against their neighbor. They had the servants “set free according to their desire”, but then subjected them to serve as servants again. The LORD is rightly very angry about this.

Ezekiel 8:16

The Sin of the Nation

Then comes the word of the LORD to Jeremiah (Jeremiah 34:12). The LORD recalls to the people that He, “the LORD God of Israel”, made a covenant with their fathers when He led them out of Egypt, the house of slavery (Jeremiah 34:13). With emphasis, Egypt is called “the house of bondage”. Then the LORD decreed that a Hebrew brother who had had to sell himself as slave must be set free by his lord after six years of service (Jeremiah 34:14; Exodus 21:1-6).

This law was given right after their exodus from Egypt, where they themselves served as servants for a long time. As a result, they know what it is to be a servant. Then you would say that they would execute such a law wholeheartedly. But the fathers did not listen. Man quickly forgets the misery in which he has been when things are going well for him and is then even able to exploit others.

Now the people to whom Jeremiah addresses the word did listen to this commandment (Jeremiah 34:15). The LORD even says that they have repented and done what is right in His sight. The release and the covenant they have carried out. He praises that. What He does not praise, however, is that they have gone back on their made covenant (Jeremiah 34:16). He blames them for that. It is a great injustice and unworthy of man to go back on such a decision. It is a great sin against God and against their neighbor. They had the servants “set free according to their desire”, but then subjected them to serve as servants again. The LORD is rightly very angry about this.

Ezekiel 8:17

The Sin of the Nation

Then comes the word of the LORD to Jeremiah (Jeremiah 34:12). The LORD recalls to the people that He, “the LORD God of Israel”, made a covenant with their fathers when He led them out of Egypt, the house of slavery (Jeremiah 34:13). With emphasis, Egypt is called “the house of bondage”. Then the LORD decreed that a Hebrew brother who had had to sell himself as slave must be set free by his lord after six years of service (Jeremiah 34:14; Exodus 21:1-6).

This law was given right after their exodus from Egypt, where they themselves served as servants for a long time. As a result, they know what it is to be a servant. Then you would say that they would execute such a law wholeheartedly. But the fathers did not listen. Man quickly forgets the misery in which he has been when things are going well for him and is then even able to exploit others.

Now the people to whom Jeremiah addresses the word did listen to this commandment (Jeremiah 34:15). The LORD even says that they have repented and done what is right in His sight. The release and the covenant they have carried out. He praises that. What He does not praise, however, is that they have gone back on their made covenant (Jeremiah 34:16). He blames them for that. It is a great injustice and unworthy of man to go back on such a decision. It is a great sin against God and against their neighbor. They had the servants “set free according to their desire”, but then subjected them to serve as servants again. The LORD is rightly very angry about this.

Ezekiel 8:18

The Sin of the Nation

Then comes the word of the LORD to Jeremiah (Jeremiah 34:12). The LORD recalls to the people that He, “the LORD God of Israel”, made a covenant with their fathers when He led them out of Egypt, the house of slavery (Jeremiah 34:13). With emphasis, Egypt is called “the house of bondage”. Then the LORD decreed that a Hebrew brother who had had to sell himself as slave must be set free by his lord after six years of service (Jeremiah 34:14; Exodus 21:1-6).

This law was given right after their exodus from Egypt, where they themselves served as servants for a long time. As a result, they know what it is to be a servant. Then you would say that they would execute such a law wholeheartedly. But the fathers did not listen. Man quickly forgets the misery in which he has been when things are going well for him and is then even able to exploit others.

Now the people to whom Jeremiah addresses the word did listen to this commandment (Jeremiah 34:15). The LORD even says that they have repented and done what is right in His sight. The release and the covenant they have carried out. He praises that. What He does not praise, however, is that they have gone back on their made covenant (Jeremiah 34:16). He blames them for that. It is a great injustice and unworthy of man to go back on such a decision. It is a great sin against God and against their neighbor. They had the servants “set free according to their desire”, but then subjected them to serve as servants again. The LORD is rightly very angry about this.