Jeremiah 21:10

KJV

For I have set my face against this city for evil, and not for good, saith the LORD: it shall be given into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire.

KJV (with Strong's)

For I have set {H7760} my face {H6440} against this city {H5892} for evil {H7451}, and not for good {H2896}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}: it shall be given {H5414} into the hand {H3027} of the king {H4428} of Babylon {H894}, and he shall burn {H8313} it with fire {H784}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For I have determined absolutely that this city will have evil, not good," says ADONAI. "It is going to be handed over to the king of Bavel, and he will burn it to the ground."'

Berean Standard Bible

For I have set My face against this city to bring disaster and not good, declares the LORD. It will be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon, who will destroy it with fire.’

American Standard Version

For I have set my face upon this city for evil, and not for good, saith Jehovah: it shall be given into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 21:10 delivers a definitive and unyielding divine decree against Jerusalem, announcing its inescapable and complete destruction at the hands of the Babylonian king. This pronouncement, stemming directly from the LORD, clarifies that the impending catastrophe is not merely a geopolitical event but a deliberate act of divine judgment. God declares His unwavering resolve to bring "evil, and not for good," upon the city, signifying the finality of His decision to deliver Jerusalem into the absolute control of Nebuchadnezzar, who will then burn it with fire, sealing its devastating fate.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 21:10 is a pivotal and climactic verse within a direct prophetic oracle delivered by Jeremiah to King Zedekiah. The chapter opens with Zedekiah sending Pashhur and Zephaniah to Jeremiah, desperately seeking a word from the LORD regarding the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, hoping for a miraculous intervention similar to past deliverances, as seen in [Jeremiah 21:1-2](/jeremiah/21-1-2 "Jeremiah 21:1-2 - King Zedekiah Seeks a Word from the LORD"). However, Jeremiah's response, beginning in [Jeremiah 21:3](/jeremiah/21-3 "Jeremiah 21:3 - God's Stern Reply"), shatters any such hope. Instead of deliverance, God declares He will fight *against* Jerusalem, turning its own weapons back upon it and gathering its inhabitants for slaughter, as detailed in [Jeremiah 21:4-6](/jeremiah/21-4-6 "Jeremiah 21:4-6 - God Fights Against Jerusalem"). Verse 10 solidifies this grim reality, explicitly stating the LORD's unalterable decision to bring destruction. The verses immediately following (e.g., [Jeremiah 21:8-9](/jeremiah/21-8-9 "Jeremiah 21:8-9 - The Way of Life and Death") then offer individual counsel, distinguishing between the fate of the city and the potential for survival for those who surrender to the Babylonians.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Jeremiah 21:10 is the final, desperate days of the Kingdom of Judah, specifically during the third and decisive Babylonian siege of Jerusalem (588-586 BC). Jerusalem was under siege by the formidable Neo-Babylonian Empire, led by King Nebuchadnezzar II. This was the culmination of Judah's long history of rebellion against God, following earlier deportations and the installation of Zedekiah as a vassal king, who then rebelled against Babylon. Culturally, Jerusalem held immense significance as the capital, the city of David, and the location of the Temple, God's dwelling place. The people often clung to a false sense of security, believing Jerusalem was inviolable due to God's presence there, a belief challenged by prophets like Micah, as seen in [Micah 3:11](/micah/3-11 "Micah 3:11 - False Security in Zion"). Jeremiah's message directly confronted this presumption, emphasizing that God's covenant blessings were conditional upon obedience, and persistent idolatry and injustice had led to this divine judgment. The "king of Babylon" was not merely a foreign aggressor but, in God's sovereign plan, an instrument of divine wrath, referred to as God's "servant" in [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant").

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 21:10 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Consequences**. The explicit declaration "for evil, and not for good" highlights the severe and inevitable consequences of Judah's chronic unfaithfulness, idolatry, and rejection of God's prophetic warnings. This judgment is not arbitrary but a just response to covenant breaking, as forewarned in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Secondly, the verse powerfully asserts **God's Absolute Sovereignty**. The LORD declares, "I have set my face against this city," emphasizing His active, decisive, and intentional involvement in the unfolding historical events. He is not a passive observer but the ultimate orchestrator, using even foreign powers like Babylon as instruments of His righteous judgment, as seen in [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant"). Finally, it conveys the theme of **Irreversible Decree**. At this stage, God's judgment against the city of Jerusalem is presented as final and unalterable. The city "shall be given into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire," leaving no room for negotiation or escape for the city itself, a stark contrast to earlier opportunities for repentance and a reminder of the point of no return for persistent rebellion, as also depicted in [2 Kings 24:3-4](/2_kings/24-3-4 "2 Kings 24:3-4 - Manasseh's Sins and God's Wrath").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Face (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** H6440. This word, typically referring to the physical face, is used idiomatically here in the phrase "set my face." It denotes a firm, unwavering resolve, a determined and intentional opposition. When God "sets His face" against something, it signifies His full attention, purposeful action, and unchangeable decision to bring about a specific outcome. It conveys a sense of direct confrontation and unyielding commitment to judgment, indicating that His purpose is fixed and will not be diverted.
* **Evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** H7451. This term encompasses a wide range of meanings, including bad, calamity, distress, mischief, and wickedness. In this context, it refers to the calamitous outcome, the disaster, and the suffering that God Himself will bring upon Jerusalem. It stands in stark contrast to "good" (H2896, _ṭôwb_), emphasizing that the divine action will result in destruction and hardship, not prosperity, peace, or well-being. It signifies a complete reversal of covenant blessings due to covenant infidelity.
* **Given (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** H5414. A highly versatile verb meaning to give, put, make, or deliver. Here, it signifies the act of handing over or delivering. God is actively surrendering Jerusalem into the power and authority ("hand") of the Babylonian king. This is not a passive surrender by the city but an active, deliberate handing over by God, underscoring His sovereign control over the events and His use of Babylon as His agent to execute His predetermined judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I have set my face against this city for evil, and not for good, saith the LORD:"** This opening clause reveals the divine speaker, the LORD (Yahweh), and His unalterable decision. The powerful idiom "set my face against" signifies God's resolute determination and active opposition to Jerusalem. His purpose is explicitly stated as "for evil, and not for good," meaning the outcome will be calamitous destruction, not prosperity or deliverance. This is a direct, authoritative declaration of judgment, leaving no ambiguity about His intent and revealing the severity of their rebellion.
* **"it shall be given into the hand of the king of Babylon,"** This clause specifies the means by which God's judgment will be executed. Jerusalem will not merely fall by chance or military might alone; it "shall be given" (a passive construction implying God's active role as the giver) into the "hand" (symbolizing power, authority, and control) of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. This highlights God's sovereignty over nations and His use of foreign powers as instruments to accomplish His righteous purposes, even when those nations are themselves wicked.
* **"and he shall burn it with fire."** This final clause details the specific and devastating consequence of Jerusalem being delivered into Babylon's hand. The city, including its structures, homes, and most notably the Temple, will be utterly consumed by fire. This act of burning signifies complete destruction, desolation, and purification through judgment, a common motif for divine wrath and the thoroughness of God's disciplinary action in the Old Testament.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 21:10 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message of impending judgment with dramatic force. The most striking is **Anthropomorphism**, seen in the phrase "I have set my face against this city." Attributing a human action (setting one's face) to God vividly portrays His unyielding resolve and direct, personal opposition to Jerusalem. This is not a detached decree but an active, determined stance. There is also clear **Contrast** established by the phrase "for evil, and not for good," which starkly juxtaposes the expected divine blessing with the declared divine curse, emphasizing the severity and nature of the judgment that is the antithesis of the covenant blessings. The entire verse functions as a **Prophetic Utterance**, a direct, authoritative word from God delivered through His prophet, authenticated by the concluding "saith the LORD." This formula authenticates the message as divine and unchallengeable. Finally, **Metonymy** is present in "into the hand of the king of Babylon," where "hand" represents the full power, authority, and control of the Babylonian king, signifying complete subjugation and destruction under his dominion, as God's chosen instrument.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 21:10 stands as a stark testament to God's justice and holiness, revealing that His patience with persistent sin eventually gives way to righteous judgment. It underscores the serious consequences of covenant infidelity and highlights God's sovereign control over history, even using pagan nations as instruments of His will. While deeply sobering, this judgment is not arbitrary but flows from a long history of Judah's rebellion against God's commands and repeated rejections of His prophetic warnings. The destruction of Jerusalem, the very city where God's Temple resided, serves as a powerful reminder that divine favor is conditional upon faithfulness, and even a chosen people are not immune to the consequences of their sin. This act of judgment, though devastating, ultimately clears the way for a future restoration and a new covenant, emphasizing God's ultimate faithfulness to His long-term redemptive plan, even through the crucible of suffering and purification.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience") This extensive passage details the curses that would befall Israel if they disobeyed God's covenant, including siege, famine, and destruction by foreign nations, directly foreshadowing the events of Jeremiah 21:10.
* [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5-6 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria as God's Instrument") Here, God declares Assyria to be "the rod of my anger," demonstrating His pattern of using powerful foreign empires as instruments of judgment against disobedient nations, a role later fulfilled by Babylon in Jeremiah's time.
* [Lamentations 2:1-4](/lamentations/2-1-4 "Lamentations 2:1-4 - The LORD's Fierce Anger Against Zion") This poetic lament vividly describes the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy, portraying the LORD's active role in the destruction of Jerusalem and Zion, confirming the severity of the judgment foretold in Jeremiah 21:10.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 21:10 serves as a sobering and enduring reminder of the gravity of sin and the unwavering justice of God. For believers today, it challenges any complacency regarding our own spiritual state and the warnings found in Scripture. While we live under the New Covenant of grace, this verse powerfully illustrates that God is not indifferent to disobedience or unfaithfulness. It calls us to a deep reverence for God's holiness and a serious consideration of His commands. We are invited to examine our own lives for areas of rebellion or spiritual apathy, understanding that while God is merciful and patient, He is also just and will not be mocked. This passage encourages us to heed divine warnings, to cultivate a posture of humility and repentance, and to trust in God's sovereignty even when His ways are difficult to comprehend. It reminds us that true security is found not in physical structures or past blessings, but in a right relationship with the living God, characterized by obedience and faith, and a willingness to align our lives with His revealed will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jeremiah 21:10 challenge my understanding of God's character, particularly His justice and sovereignty, in light of His mercy and love?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be taking God's patience for granted, and what specific steps can I take towards greater obedience and faithfulness?**
* **How does understanding God's use of difficult circumstances (like the Babylonian invasion) as instruments of His purpose shape my perspective on trials in my own life or in the world today?**

### FAQ
**Was God unfair or cruel to Jerusalem by bringing such destruction?**

Answer: From a biblical perspective, God's actions, though severe, were not unfair or cruel but righteous judgment. Jeremiah 21:10 is the culmination of centuries of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness, idolatry, social injustice, and rejection of prophetic warnings. God had repeatedly sent prophets, including Jeremiah, to call His people to repentance and had demonstrated immense patience. The destruction of Jerusalem was a direct consequence of their persistent rebellion, a fulfillment of the curses outlined in the Mosaic Covenant (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")). It was a demonstration of God's holiness and His commitment to His own character, which cannot tolerate unrepentant sin indefinitely.

**How does this verse, which speaks of "evil" and "not for good," reconcile with God's loving and merciful nature?**

Answer: This verse highlights the tension between God's love and His justice. While God is indeed loving and merciful, He is also perfectly just and holy. His love is not a sentimental affection that overlooks sin, but a steadfast commitment to righteousness. The "evil" referred to here is the calamitous judgment, the just consequence of prolonged rebellion, not an act of malice. Even in judgment, God's ultimate purpose is often redemptive – to purify His people and lead them to repentance, as seen in later prophecies of restoration (e.g., [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10-14 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - God's Plans for Restoration")). The judgment serves to underscore the seriousness of sin and the value of His covenant, ultimately aiming for His people's good by bringing them back to Himself.

**What was the ultimate fate of King Zedekiah and the people of Jerusalem after this prophecy?**

Answer: Jeremiah 21:10 foreshadows the grim reality that unfolded. King Zedekiah was captured, forced to watch his sons executed, and then had his eyes put out before being taken in chains to Babylon [Jeremiah 39:6-7](/jeremiah/39-6-7 "Jeremiah 39:6-7 - Zedekiah's Punishment and Capture"). The city of Jerusalem was indeed burned with fire, and its walls were torn down, as extensively detailed in [Jeremiah 52:12-14](/jeremiah/52-12-14 "Jeremiah 52:12-14 - Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple"). The majority of the surviving population was deported to Babylon, marking the end of the Kingdom of Judah and the beginning of the Babylonian exile. However, as Jeremiah himself prophesied, a remnant would eventually return after 70 years, demonstrating God's faithfulness even beyond judgment and His commitment to His covenant promises [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Seventy Years of Exile").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 21:10, with its stark pronouncement of divine judgment and fiery destruction upon Jerusalem, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment and reinterpretation in the person and work of Jesus. While earthly Jerusalem faced the temporal judgment of God for its unfaithfulness, the New Testament reveals that the ultimate "fire" of God's wrath, due to humanity's sin, was poured out upon Christ on the cross. He became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bearing the "evil" and judgment that humanity deserved, so that all who believe might receive "good" and not condemnation [Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus"). The "face" of God, once set against a rebellious city in judgment, is now turned towards believers in grace and mercy through the **face of Jesus Christ**, in whom the glory of God is revealed [2 Corinthians 4:6](/2_corinthians/4-6 "2 Corinthians 4:6 - Light of the Knowledge of God's Glory in Christ"). Furthermore, while earthly Jerusalem was burned, Christ inaugurates a new, spiritual Jerusalem, the Church, which is not subject to such destruction but is built upon Him as the cornerstone, a holy temple in the Lord [Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone and the Church as God's Dwelling"). Ultimately, the book of Revelation portrays a [New Jerusalem descending from heaven](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth"), a city perfected by Christ's redemption, where there is no more curse, sorrow, or pain, and where God Himself dwells eternally with His people, a stark and glorious contrast to the judgment of old Jerusalem. Thus, the judgment in Jeremiah 21:10 foreshadows the severity of sin, while Christ's sacrifice provides the ultimate escape from that judgment, offering eternal life and a secure dwelling in the very presence of God.

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 44:11

Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will set my face against you for evil, and to cut off all Judah.

Jeremiah 44:27

Behold, I will watch over them for evil, and not for good: and all the men of Judah that [are] in the land of Egypt shall be consumed by the sword and by the famine, until there be an end of them.

Amos 9:4

And though they go into captivity before their enemies, thence will I command the sword, and it shall slay them: and I will set mine eyes upon them for evil, and not for good.

Ezekiel 15:7

And I will set my face against them; they shall go out from [one] fire, and [another] fire shall devour them; and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I set my face against them.

Jeremiah 52:13

And burned the house of the LORD, and the king's house; and all the houses of Jerusalem, and all the houses of the great [men], burned he with fire:

Jeremiah 38:3

Thus saith the LORD, This city shall surely be given into the hand of the king of Babylon's army, which shall take it.

Jeremiah 34:2

Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; Go and speak to Zedekiah king of Judah, and tell him, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire: