Then said Jeremiah unto them, Thus shall ye say to Zedekiah:
Yirmeyahu answered them, "Here is what you are to tell Tzidkiyahu:
But Jeremiah answered, “You are to tell Zedekiah that
Then said Jeremiah unto them, Thus shall ye say to Zedekiah:
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
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Context of Jeremiah 21:3
Jeremiah 21 opens during a critical period for the Kingdom of Judah. King Zedekiah, the last king before Jerusalem's destruction, sends messengers to the prophet Jeremiah. The city is under siege by Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian army, and Zedekiah, in desperation, seeks a word from the Lord, hoping for a miraculous intervention to repel the invaders. This verse, Jeremiah 21:3, marks the beginning of Jeremiah's divine response, delivered through these same messengers back to the king. It underscores Jeremiah's role as God's appointed spokesperson during this time of national crisis and impending judgment.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "Thus shall ye say" (KJV) is a common prophetic formula in the Old Testament, indicating that the prophet is merely a mouthpiece for God. It emphasizes the divine origin and authority of the message, leaving no room for misinterpretation of its source. It is the prophetic equivalent of "Thus saith the Lord," a powerful declaration that often precedes major divine pronouncements and underscores the absolute certainty of the message to follow.
Related Scriptures
Practical Application
This verse serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His consistent communication with humanity, even in times of severe judgment. It challenges us to consider our own responsiveness to divine warnings and guidance. Just as Zedekiah sought a word from the Lord, we too should seek God's will, but with a heart prepared to obey, regardless of whether the message is what we want to hear. The faithful delivery of God's word by Jeremiah, despite personal cost, also highlights the importance of courage and integrity for those who speak on God's behalf, and for all believers to discern and adhere to truth.