Jeremiah 29:3

By the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan, and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, (whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent unto Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon) saying,

By the hand {H3027} of Elasah {H501} the son {H1121} of Shaphan {H8227}, and Gemariah {H1587} the son {H1121} of Hilkiah {H2518},(whom Zedekiah {H6667} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063} sent {H7971} unto Babylon {H894} to Nebuchadnezzar {H5019} king {H4428} of Babylon {H894}) saying {H559},

The letter was entrusted to El'asah the son of Shafan and G'maryah the son of Hilkiyah; Tzidkiyah king of Y'hudah sent them to Bavel, to N'vukhadnetzar king of Bavel. The letter said:

The letter was entrusted to Elasah son of Shaphan and Gemariah son of Hilkiah, whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to King Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon. It stated:

by the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan, and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, (whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent unto Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon), saying,

Jeremiah 29:3 serves as an important introductory verse, identifying the royal envoys who carried the prophet Jeremiah's crucial letter from Jerusalem to the Jewish exiles in Babylon. This verse sets the stage for one of the most significant prophetic messages delivered to the exiled community, emphasizing God's enduring plan even in their captivity.

Context

This verse is part of a longer narrative detailed in Jeremiah chapter 29, which begins with Jeremiah sending a letter to the remnant of the elders, the priests, the prophets, and all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon. The letter itself contains profound messages of hope and instruction, including the well-known declaration of God's plans for their future, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11.

Key Figures and Their Significance

  • Elasah the son of Shaphan: Elasah belonged to a prominent and influential family in Judah. His father, Shaphan, was a trusted scribe and royal official during the reign of King Josiah, notably involved in the discovery of the Book of the Law (2 Kings 22:8). Elasah's involvement suggests that King Zedekiah chose individuals of high standing and integrity for this important diplomatic mission.
  • Gemariah the son of Hilkiah: Gemariah also came from a distinguished lineage. His father, Hilkiah, was the high priest who, along with Shaphan, played a crucial role in finding the Book of the Law (2 Kings 22:4). The selection of both Elasah and Gemariah underscores the seriousness and official nature of their journey to Babylon.
  • Zedekiah king of Judah: Zedekiah was the last king of Judah before its ultimate destruction and the final wave of the Babylonian exile. Appointed by Nebuchadnezzar, his decision to send envoys to Babylon likely served a dual purpose: maintaining diplomatic ties with the Babylonian emperor and perhaps conveying messages or requests on behalf of the remaining population in Judah or the exiles.
  • Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon: The powerful monarch of the Neo-Babylonian Empire who orchestrated the sieges of Jerusalem and the subsequent deportations of the Jewish people into exile. The envoys were sent directly to him, indicating the official nature of the communication.

Theological and Historical Implications

The act of sending these messengers, even by a puppet king like Zedekiah, highlights the ongoing, albeit strained, connection between the exiled community and those remaining in Judah. More importantly, it signifies that God's prophetic word, delivered through Jeremiah, was considered so vital that it needed to be conveyed through official channels to reach its intended audience in Babylon. This demonstrates God's commitment to His people, ensuring His message of instruction and future hope reached them even in foreign lands.

Practical Application

This verse, though seemingly a mere detail of logistics, reminds us of the importance of reliable communication, especially when conveying significant truths. Just as Jeremiah's letter brought guidance to a people in crisis, so too does God's Word today provide direction and comfort. It underscores the value of faithful messengers who carry God's message, ensuring it reaches those who need to hear it, even across significant distances or challenging circumstances.

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.

  • Jeremiah 26:24

    Nevertheless the hand of Ahikam the son of Shaphan was with Jeremiah, that they should not give him into the hand of the people to put him to death.

  • Jeremiah 36:25

    Nevertheless Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah had made intercession to the king that he would not burn the roll: but he would not hear them.

  • 2 Kings 22:8

    And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it.

  • 2 Chronicles 34:20

    And the king commanded Hilkiah, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Abdon the son of Micah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah a servant of the king's, saying,

  • 1 Chronicles 6:13

    And Shallum begat Hilkiah, and Hilkiah begat Azariah,

  • Jeremiah 39:14

    Even they sent, and took Jeremiah out of the court of the prison, and committed him unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, that he should carry him home: so he dwelt among the people.

  • 2 Kings 22:12

    And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's, saying,

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