Jeremiah 22:25

KJV

And I will give thee into the hand of them that seek thy life, and into the hand [of them] whose face thou fearest, even into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and into the hand of the Chaldeans.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will give {H5414} thee into the hand {H3027} of them that seek {H1245} thy life {H5315}, and into the hand {H3027} of them whose face {H6440} thou fearest {H3016}, even into the hand {H3027} of Nebuchadrezzar {H5019} king {H4428} of Babylon {H894}, and into the hand {H3027} of the Chaldeans {H3778}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and hand you over to those who seek your life, to those you fear, N'vukhadretzar king of Bavel and the Kasdim.

Berean Standard Bible

In fact, I will hand you over to those you dread, who want to take your life—to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and to the Chaldeans.

American Standard Version

and I will give thee into the hand of them that seek thy life, and into the hand of them of whom thou art afraid, even into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and into the hand of the Chaldeans.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 22:25 delivers a powerful and unyielding prophecy of divine judgment against King Coniah (Jehoiachin) of Judah. It unequivocally declares that God Himself will orchestrate the king's downfall, delivering him into the control of his most feared adversaries—specifically naming Nebuchadrezzar, king of Babylon, and the Chaldeans. This verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty over earthly rulers and nations, revealing that even a king's perceived power is subject to the divine will, especially in response to covenant unfaithfulness and persistent sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 22:25 is situated within a series of oracles (Jeremiah 21-23) that pronounce judgment against the corrupt kings of Judah and their unrighteous rule, contrasting their failures with the ideal of a righteous king. Chapters 21 and 22 specifically address Zedekiah and the royal house, culminating in a direct and severe indictment of Coniah (also known as Jeconiah or Jehoiachin) from [Jeremiah 22:24](/jeremiah/22-24 "Jeremiah 22:24 - God's Oath Against Coniah"). The preceding verses in chapter 22 had already warned of the consequences of failing to uphold justice and righteousness, particularly for the royal house. This specific prophecy against Coniah is particularly harsh, emphasizing his complete rejection and impending exile, reinforcing the message that no one, regardless of lineage or position, is exempt from divine judgment for disobedience. The subsequent verses in [Jeremiah 22:28-30](/jeremiah/22-28 "Jeremiah 22:28-30 - The Fate of Coniah and His Descendants") further detail Coniah's fate and the end of his direct royal line, solidifying the finality of this judgment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy against Coniah occurred during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, as the Neo-Babylonian Empire, under the formidable leadership of Nebuchadrezzar, was rapidly asserting its dominance over the ancient Near East. Coniah reigned for a mere three months and ten days in 597 BC, following the death of his father, Jehoiakim. Judah was a vassal state, constantly caught between the geopolitical ambitions of Egypt and Babylon. The "Chaldeans" were the ruling dynasty of Babylonia at this time, often used synonymously with Babylonians in prophetic literature. The cultural understanding of kingship in the ancient Near East often involved the belief that a king's success or failure was tied to his relationship with the divine. Jeremiah's message directly challenges this, asserting that Judah's God, Yahweh, is the supreme sovereign who actively uses foreign powers, even powerful empires like Babylon, as instruments of His judgment against His disobedient people and their unfaithful leaders. The phrase "seek thy life" (Hebrew: *bâqash nephesh*) was a common idiom for plotting to kill or utterly destroy someone, indicating the extreme danger Coniah faced.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 22:25 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, demonstrating that God is the ultimate authority, capable of delivering even kings into the hands of their enemies as a consequence of their sin. This is a recurring motif, as seen in God's use of Assyria in [Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - Assyria as God's Rod") or the explicit declaration that [Nebuchadnezzar is God's servant](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant"). Secondly, the verse underscores the **Consequences of Disobedience and Covenant Unfaithfulness**. Coniah's short, ill-fated reign and subsequent exile serve as a stark example of the severe repercussions for Judah's persistent rebellion against God's covenant commands. Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of **Prophetic Fulfillment**, as Jeremiah's specific and detailed predictions regarding Coniah's fate and the role of Babylon were precisely actualized in historical events, lending immense credibility to Jeremiah's divine commission and the truthfulness of God's word.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **give (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This primitive root signifies "to give," but with immense latitude in application, including "put," "make," "deliver (up)," or "commit." In Jeremiah 22:25, God's declaration "I will give thee" emphasizes His active agency and sovereign control over Coniah's fate. It is not merely a passive allowance but an intentional act of divine delivery, underscoring that Nebuchadrezzar is an instrument in God's hand, not an independent force.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** This word, literally referring to the open hand, is used extensively in a vast array of literal and figurative applications. Here, the repeated phrase "into the hand of" is a powerful idiom signifying being delivered into the power, control, or dominion of another. It denotes complete subjugation and vulnerability, emphasizing Coniah's utter helplessness once God's judgment is enacted. The repetition amplifies the inescapable nature of this transfer of power.
* **seek (Hebrew, _bâqash'_):** This root means "to search out," "strive after," "desire," or "enquire." When paired with "life" (nephesh), as in "seek thy life," it denotes a determined and active pursuit to harm, destroy, or even kill. It highlights the hostile and relentless intent of Coniah's enemies, who are not merely opportunists but actively pursuing his demise.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will give thee into the hand of them that seek thy life":** This opening clause immediately establishes God as the primary agent of judgment. The pronoun "I" refers to Yahweh, the God of Israel, asserting His sovereign authority over the king. "Give thee" signifies a deliberate act of handing over, a divine surrender of Coniah to his enemies. "Them that seek thy life" identifies the adversaries as those with hostile and destructive intent, actively plotting against Coniah's very existence, implying a threat to his person, reign, and freedom.
* **"and into the hand [of them] whose face thou fearest":** This phrase serves as a parallel and intensifying description of the same hostile party. "Whose face thou fearest" reveals Coniah's internal state and the identity of his oppressors from his perspective. It indicates that these enemies are not unknown or insignificant; they are a formidable and terrifying force that inspires dread in the king himself, highlighting the profound psychological and political impact of their power.
* **"even into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon":** This clause provides the specific and unambiguous identification of the primary instrument of God's judgment. Nebuchadrezzar, the powerful monarch of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, is named directly, leaving no doubt about the precise nature and source of the impending subjugation. This specificity underscores the prophetic accuracy and the historical reality of the coming events.
* **"and into the hand of the Chaldeans.":** This final clause further clarifies and reinforces the identity of the oppressive force. The "Chaldeans" were the dominant ethnic group and ruling dynasty of Babylonia. This phrase functions as a synonymous parallel to "Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon," emphasizing the collective might and unified threat of the Babylonian empire, ensuring the message of inescapable captivity is fully understood.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 22:25 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment and inescapable fate. **Repetition** is prominently used with the phrase "into the hand of," appearing four times. This anaphora emphasizes the absolute and inescapable transfer of power, highlighting Coniah's utter helplessness and the complete control of his adversaries. It underscores the divine agency in this delivery, as God is the one who "gives" him over. The use of **Specific Naming** ("Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon," "the Chaldeans") grounds the prophecy in concrete historical reality, removing any ambiguity about the identity of the instruments of judgment and bolstering the prophecy's credibility. Furthermore, **Parallelism** is evident in the descriptions of Coniah's enemies: "them that seek thy life" and "them whose face thou fearest" are synonymous phrases that describe the same hostile force from different perspectives—their destructive intent and the king's terror. Similarly, "Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon" and "the Chaldeans" function as synonymous parallels, reinforcing the identity of the foreign power. This layered description intensifies the sense of impending doom and the overwhelming nature of the threat. Finally, the declaration "I will give thee" exemplifies **Divine Agency**, portraying God not as a passive observer but as the active orchestrator of these events, wielding nations as instruments of His righteous judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 22:25 stands as a stark testament to God's unwavering sovereignty over all earthly powers and His commitment to justice, particularly concerning the covenant people and their leaders. It powerfully illustrates that divine judgment is not arbitrary but a direct consequence of persistent disobedience and a failure to uphold righteousness, even for those in positions of power. The verse demonstrates God's capacity to use unlikely instruments, even pagan empires like Babylon, to accomplish His divine purposes and enforce His righteous decrees. This highlights a profound theological truth: no human authority, however mighty, can ultimately thwart the will of the Almighty. The prophecy's specificity regarding Nebuchadrezzar and the Chaldeans also underscores the reliability and precision of God's prophetic word, which finds its ultimate fulfillment in history.

* [2 Kings 24:14](/2_kings/24-14 "2 Kings 24:14 - First Deportation to Babylon")
* [Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - Assyria as God's Rod")
* [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 22:25 serves as a profound and sobering reminder of God's ultimate authority over all human affairs, particularly over those in positions of leadership. For contemporary leaders, whether in government, business, or the church, this verse underscores the immense responsibility that comes with power. It calls them to govern with righteousness, justice, and integrity, recognizing that their actions are not only subject to human scrutiny but ultimately to divine judgment. For all believers, this passage reinforces the principle that disobedience to God's revealed will carries severe consequences, while faithfulness leads to blessing. It encourages a deep trust in God's sovereign control, even when circumstances appear chaotic or overwhelming, knowing that He orchestrates all events, even through seemingly hostile forces, to accomplish His perfect and just purposes. This should inspire both reverence for God's power and a commitment to living in alignment with His commands, regardless of our station in life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the specific naming of Nebuchadrezzar and the Chaldeans in this prophecy impact your understanding of God's sovereignty over nations?**
* **In what ways might leaders today be tempted to believe they are exempt from accountability, and how does this verse challenge that notion?**
* **What personal areas of life might God be calling you to greater obedience, recognizing that even seemingly small acts of unfaithfulness can have significant consequences?**

### FAQ
**Was King Coniah truly as wicked as his father, Jehoiakim, to warrant such a severe prophecy?**

Answer: While Coniah's reign was exceptionally brief (three months and ten days), the biblical record suggests he "did evil in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father had done" ([2 Kings 24:9](/2_kings/24-9 "2 Kings 24:9 - Coniah's Evil Reign")). Jeremiah's prophecies often condemned the cumulative sin of the royal house and the nation, not just individual acts. Coniah inherited a kingdom steeped in idolatry and injustice, and his failure to reverse course or demonstrate repentance, even in such a short time, marked him as continuing the pattern of unfaithfulness that invited divine judgment. The severity of the prophecy reflects God's unwavering commitment to His covenant and His intolerance for persistent rebellion, particularly from those entrusted with leading His people.

**How does God "give" a king into the hand of an enemy? Does He directly intervene or simply allow events to unfold?**

Answer: The phrase "I will give thee" (Hebrew: *nâthan*) signifies God's active and deliberate agency. It's not merely passive permission but an intentional act of divine orchestration. While God uses human instruments and historical circumstances (like the rise of the Babylonian Empire), the biblical perspective is that He is ultimately directing these events to fulfill His purposes. In this case, God actively "gave" Coniah over by withdrawing His protective hand from Judah, allowing Babylon to succeed in its conquest, and ensuring that the king's capture and exile were part of His sovereign plan for judgment and eventual restoration. This concept is seen elsewhere, such as when God "hardened Pharaoh's heart" ([Exodus 9:12](/exodus/9-12 "Exodus 9:12 - God Hardens Pharaoh's Heart")) or when He raised up Assyria as "the rod of My anger" ([Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - Assyria as God's Rod")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 22:25, with its stark portrayal of a disobedient king delivered into the hands of his enemies by divine decree, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in a literal parallel, but in a dramatic reversal and ultimate triumph. Coniah, a failed earthly king, was "given" by God into the hands of Babylon for judgment due to his and his people's sin. In striking contrast, Jesus, the true King of Israel and the Son of God, was also "given" into the hands of His enemies—the religious authorities and the Roman state—but not for His own sin, for He knew no sin ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Knew No Sin")). Rather, He was "delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God" ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - Christ Delivered by God's Plan")) as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity. While Coniah's delivery led to exile and the end of his earthly reign, Christ's delivery led to the cross, then to resurrection, and ultimately to His enthronement as King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). The fear Coniah felt before Nebuchadrezzar is replaced by the victory of Christ, who conquered death and the grave, disarming the powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Thus, Jeremiah 22:25, in its depiction of divine sovereignty over judgment, foreshadows the even greater divine sovereignty over redemption, where God "gave His only Son" ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")) not to destroy, but to save, establishing an eternal kingdom that will never be delivered into the hand of any foe.

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 21:7

And afterward, saith the LORD, I will deliver Zedekiah king of Judah, and his servants, and the people, and such as are left in this city from the pestilence, from the sword, and from the famine, into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of those that seek their life: and he shall smite them with the edge of the sword; he shall not spare them, neither have pity, nor have mercy.

Jeremiah 34:20

I will even give them into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of them that seek their life: and their dead bodies shall be for meat unto the fowls of the heaven, and to the beasts of the earth.

Jeremiah 34:21

And Zedekiah king of Judah and his princes will I give into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of them that seek their life, and into the hand of the king of Babylon's army, which are gone up from you.

2 Kings 24:15

And he carried away Jehoiachin to Babylon, and the king's mother, and the king's wives, and his officers, and the mighty of the land, [those] carried he into captivity from Jerusalem to Babylon.

2 Kings 24:16

And all the men of might, [even] seven thousand, and craftsmen and smiths a thousand, all [that were] strong [and] apt for war, even them the king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon.

Proverbs 10:24

¶ The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.

Jeremiah 22:28

[Is] this man Coniah a despised broken idol? [is he] a vessel wherein [is] no pleasure? wherefore are they cast out, he and his seed, and are cast into a land which they know not?