Jeremiah 17:25

KJV

Then shall there enter into the gates of this city kings and princes sitting upon the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, they, and their princes, the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: and this city shall remain for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then shall there enter {H935} into the gates {H8179} of this city {H5892} kings {H4428} and princes {H8269} sitting {H3427} upon the throne {H3678} of David {H1732}, riding {H7392} in chariots {H7393} and on horses {H5483}, they, and their princes {H8269}, the men {H376} of Judah {H3063}, and the inhabitants {H3427} of Jerusalem {H3389}: and this city {H5892} shall remain {H3427} for ever {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

then kings and princes occupying the throne of David will enter through the gates of this city, riding in chariots and on horses. They, their princes, the people of Y'hudah and the inhabitants of Yerushalayim will enter; and this city will be inhabited forever.

Berean Standard Bible

then kings and princes will enter through the gates of this city. They will sit on the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses with their officials, along with the men of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem, and this city will be inhabited forever.

American Standard Version

then shall there enter in by the gates of this city kings and princes sitting upon the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, they, and their princes, the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and this city shall remain for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 17:25 presents a conditional promise of enduring prosperity and royal continuity for Jerusalem and the Davidic dynasty. This vision depicts a vibrant city where kings and princes, descendants of David, would perpetually enter its gates in grand procession, symbolizing an unbroken line of righteous rule and the city's perpetual existence. This profound blessing was contingent upon the people of Judah and Jerusalem faithfully observing God's covenant, particularly the sanctity of the Sabbath, underscoring the deep connection between national obedience and divine favor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 17:25 is the climactic positive outcome within a specific prophetic oracle (Jeremiah 17:19-27) delivered by the Lord through Jeremiah at the gate of Jerusalem. This passage directly follows a conditional statement in [Jeremiah 17:24](/jeremiah/17-24 "Jeremiah 17:24 - The Condition for Blessing"), which outlines the requirement for this blessing: "If you diligently obey me... and hallow the Sabbath day and do no work on it." The immediate verses preceding this oracle (Jeremiah 17:14-18) contain Jeremiah's personal lament and prayer for deliverance, setting a stark contrast between the prophet's personal struggle and God's grand, conditional promises for the nation. The broader context of [Jeremiah 17](/jeremiah/17 "Jeremiah 17 - Judah's Sin and God's Justice") deals with Judah's deep-seated sin, their reliance on human strength rather than God, and the impending judgment of exile, making this promise of perpetual prosperity a poignant offer of hope amidst dire warnings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah ministered during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a period of profound political and spiritual decline for the Kingdom of Judah, culminating in the Babylonian exile. The nation was steeped in idolatry, covenant unfaithfulness, and social injustice, despite repeated prophetic warnings. The "throne of David" refers to the Davidic monarchy, established by God's covenant with King David (as seen in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")), which promised an eternal dynasty. The imagery of kings and princes "riding in chariots and on horses" through the city gates evokes a scene of royal splendor, peace, and prosperity—a stark contrast to the besieged and eventually destroyed Jerusalem that Jeremiah himself would witness. The Sabbath, central to this passage, was a foundational sign of God's covenant with Israel, a weekly reminder of His creation and redemption, and its observance was a test of their obedience and trust in God's provision.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme is **Conditional Blessing**, emphasizing that the continuity of the Davidic monarchy and the prosperity of Jerusalem were directly tied to the nation's obedience to God's covenant, specifically the hallowing of the Sabbath. This highlights the Old Covenant principle of blessing for obedience and curse for disobedience, a theme prevalent throughout Deuteronomy (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). Another key theme is the **Enduring Davidic Covenant**. Despite the immediate conditional nature of the earthly kingdom's prosperity, the mention of "the throne of David" implicitly points to God's unwavering faithfulness to His unconditional covenant with David, which promised an eternal lineage and kingdom. This foreshadows a future, ultimate fulfillment beyond the immediate historical context. Finally, the **Perpetuity of Jerusalem** is a significant theme. The phrase "this city shall remain for ever" speaks to God's ultimate, long-term plan for Jerusalem, both as a physical city and as a spiritual symbol, even though it would face destruction and exile. This promise hints at its eschatological significance, pointing towards a future, eternal city of God (as seen in [Revelation 21](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Jerusalem")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **yâshab (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** This versatile primitive root appears twice in Jeremiah 17:25, translated as "sitting" ("sitting upon the throne of David") and "inhabitants" ("inhabitants of Jerusalem"), and implied in "shall remain" ("this city shall remain for ever"). Its core meaning is "to sit down," but it broadly implies "to dwell," "to remain," or "to abide." In the context of "sitting upon the throne," it signifies established rule and authority. For "inhabitants," it denotes settled residency. In "shall remain for ever," it conveys permanence and continued existence, emphasizing the stability and enduring presence of the city under God's favor.
* **kiççêʼ (Hebrew, _kiççêʼ'_):** Translated as "throne," this word properly refers to a "covered" seat, implying a canopied throne. It is a symbol of royal authority, power, and sovereignty. The phrase "throne of David" specifically references the dynastic rule promised to David and his descendants, signifying legitimate, divinely appointed kingship. Its presence here underscores the continuation of the Davidic line as a central element of the promised blessing.
* **ʻôwlâm (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** This significant Hebrew word, translated as "for ever," denotes a long duration, time out of mind, or eternity. While it can refer to an indefinite period within human history, especially in the context of God's promises, it often carries the weight of divine intention for permanence and perpetuity. Here, it underscores the divine desire for Jerusalem's lasting significance and the enduring nature of the Davidic line, even if its immediate historical manifestation is interrupted by human disobedience. It points to an ultimate, eternal reality beyond temporal limitations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then shall there enter into the gates of this city kings and princes sitting upon the throne of David":** This clause describes the glorious outcome of obedience. The "gates of this city" (Jerusalem) are depicted as bustling with activity, not of siege or mourning, but of triumphant entry. "Kings and princes" signifies the continuity and flourishing of the royal line, specifically those "sitting upon the throne of David," affirming the unbroken succession of the Davidic dynasty. This imagery speaks to an era of stability, legitimacy, and divine blessing upon the ruling house.
* **"riding in chariots and on horses, they, and their princes, the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem":** This expands on the royal procession, adding vivid details of grandeur and widespread participation. Chariots and horses symbolize power, wealth, and prestige, indicating a prosperous and secure kingdom. The inclusion of "they, and their princes, the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem" emphasizes that this blessing is not merely for the monarchy but extends to all levels of society, from the ruling elite to the common people of both the tribe of Judah and the capital city, signifying a holistic national flourishing.
* **"and this city shall remain for ever":** This final clause pronounces the ultimate blessing upon Jerusalem itself. The city, which faced imminent destruction, is promised an enduring existence. The phrase "for ever" (Hebrew: `ʻôwlâm`) implies a perpetual and lasting presence, a divine guarantee of its continued significance and survival, despite any temporary setbacks or judgments. This speaks to God's ultimate purpose for Jerusalem as His chosen city, a place of enduring spiritual and historical importance.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 17:25 employs several powerful literary devices. It functions as a **Conditional Promise**, directly linked to the preceding verse (17:24) by the temporal adverb "Then," indicating a direct cause-and-effect relationship between obedience and blessing. The verse is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of royal splendor: kings and princes entering the city gates, riding in chariots and on horses. This sensory detail creates a strong visual of prosperity, peace, and national pride, contrasting sharply with the impending desolation. The phrase "this city shall remain for ever" employs **Hyperbole** or **Idealization**, as Jerusalem would indeed suffer destruction and exile. However, this hyperbole serves to convey a deeper theological truth: God's ultimate intention for Jerusalem's enduring significance, pointing beyond immediate historical events to an eschatological fulfillment. Finally, the listing of "kings and princes... men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem" can be seen as a form of **Merism**, encompassing all segments of society, from the highest rulers to the common people, thereby emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the promised blessing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 17:25 profoundly illustrates the Old Covenant principle of conditional blessing: obedience to God's commands brings prosperity and stability, while disobedience leads to judgment. The specific focus on the Sabbath highlights its importance as a sign of the covenant and a test of Israel's faithfulness. However, this verse also subtly points to God's unwavering commitment to His unconditional Davidic Covenant. While the immediate earthly manifestation of the Davidic throne's continuity was conditional on human obedience, God's ultimate promise of an eternal ruler from David's line would stand, transcending human failure. This dual perspective—conditional blessing in the present and unconditional promise for the future—reveals God's justice and His steadfast love, preparing the way for a deeper understanding of redemptive history.

* [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")
* [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messianic King")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 17:25 serves as a powerful reminder that our faithfulness to God's revealed will has profound implications, not only for our personal lives but also for the communities and nations we inhabit. While the specific Old Testament laws like the Sabbath are fulfilled in Christ for New Covenant believers, the underlying principle of obedience leading to blessing remains eternally true. God desires to bless His people, and our alignment with His purposes opens the door for His favor and flourishing. This verse also offers immense hope: even when human institutions fail, and promises seem broken due to our disobedience, God's ultimate purposes and His foundational covenants will stand. The promise of an enduring Davidic throne, despite the temporary cessation of earthly kings, points us to the eternal reign of Jesus Christ, our true King. This provides a sure and steadfast hope that transcends any earthly failure or temporary setback, encouraging us to live in faithful anticipation of His ultimate reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does our obedience (or lack thereof) impact our experience of God's blessings in our lives and communities today?**
* **In what ways do we see God's faithfulness endure even when human promises or institutions fail, as suggested by the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant?**
* **How does the promise of an enduring Jerusalem and Davidic throne encourage our hope in Christ's eternal reign and the New Jerusalem?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "the throne of David" in this verse?**

Answer: The "throne of David" refers to the Davidic dynasty, which God established through an unconditional covenant with King David (see [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). God promised David that his house, kingdom, and throne would be established forever. In Jeremiah 17:25, the mention of kings and princes "sitting upon the throne of David" signifies the continuation and flourishing of this royal line, representing the stability, legitimacy, and divine blessing upon the monarchy. While the immediate fulfillment was conditional on Judah's obedience, the ultimate promise of an eternal Davidic king points forward to the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

**Does "this city shall remain for ever" mean Jerusalem will never be destroyed?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "for ever" (`ʻôwlâm`) can denote a long, indefinite period, or eternity, depending on the context. In the immediate historical context of Jeremiah's prophecy, Jerusalem was indeed destroyed by the Babylonians shortly after these words were spoken (as detailed in [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem")). Therefore, "for ever" here does not mean perpetual physical immunity from destruction. Instead, it conveys God's ultimate intention for Jerusalem's enduring significance and its eventual restoration. The promise points to Jerusalem's lasting spiritual and historical importance in God's redemptive plan, culminating in the vision of the New Jerusalem in the eschatological future (as described in [Revelation 21](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Jerusalem")).

**How does the Sabbath relate to this promise of prosperity?**

Answer: Jeremiah 17:25 is directly contingent on the preceding verse, [Jeremiah 17:24](/jeremiah/17-24 "Jeremiah 17:24 - The Condition for Blessing"), which states, "If you diligently obey me... and hallow the Sabbath day and do no work on it, then shall there enter..." The Sabbath was a foundational sign of God's covenant with Israel, a weekly reminder of His creation and redemption, and a test of their obedience and trust. By hallowing the Sabbath, Israel would demonstrate their faithfulness to God and His covenant, thereby unlocking the promised blessings of national stability, royal continuity, and urban prosperity. Disregarding the Sabbath, as warned in [Jeremiah 17:27](/jeremiah/17-27 "Jeremiah 17:27 - The Consequence of Disobedience"), would lead to the city's destruction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 17:25, with its vision of kings and princes perpetually entering Jerusalem and sitting on the throne of David, finds its ultimate and eternal fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the earthly Davidic monarchy eventually ceased and Jerusalem suffered destruction, God's promise of an everlasting kingdom and an eternal King from David's line was secured in the person of Jesus. He is the true Son of David, born to reign on the "throne of his father David" (as prophesied in [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Prophecy of Christ's Eternal Reign")). The imagery of a grand procession into the city foreshadows Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem (as recorded in [Matthew 21:1-11](/matthew/21-1 "Matthew 21:1-11 - The Triumphal Entry")), and more profoundly, His eternal reign as the King of kings and Lord of lords. The promise that "this city shall remain for ever" points beyond the earthly Jerusalem to the New Jerusalem, the heavenly city of God, of which Christ is the cornerstone and eternal light (as beautifully described in [Revelation 21:2-4](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2-4 - The New Jerusalem Descends")). Believers, through Christ, are citizens of this eternal city, where the Lamb himself is the temple, and His reign knows no end (see [Hebrews 12:22](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - The Heavenly Jerusalem")). Thus, the conditional promise of Jeremiah 17:25 finds its unconditional and glorious realization in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who establishes an eternal spiritual kingdom that will never be shaken ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 22:4

For if ye do this thing indeed, then shall there enter in by the gates of this house kings sitting upon the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, he, and his servants, and his people.

Isaiah 9:7

Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Jeremiah 33:21

[Then] may also my covenant be broken with David my servant, that he should not have a son to reign upon his throne; and with the Levites the priests, my ministers.

Jeremiah 33:17

¶ For thus saith the LORD; David shall never want a man to sit upon the throne of the house of Israel;

Jeremiah 33:15

In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.

Hebrews 12:22

But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

2 Samuel 7:16

And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.