Jeremiah 32:28

KJV

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the Chaldeans, and into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and he shall take it:

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}; Behold, I will give {H5414} this city {H5892} into the hand {H3027} of the Chaldeans {H3778}, and into the hand {H3027} of Nebuchadrezzar {H5019} king {H4428} of Babylon {H894}, and he shall take {H3920} it:

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, here is what ADONAI says: 'I will hand this city over to the Kasdim and to N'vukhadretzar king of Bavel; and he will capture it.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore this is what the LORD says: Behold, I am about to deliver this city into the hands of the Chaldeans and of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, who will capture it.

American Standard Version

Therefore thus saith Jehovah: Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the Chaldeans, and into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and he shall take it:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 32:28 powerfully declares the LORD's decisive judgment against Jerusalem, announcing its imminent surrender into the hands of the Chaldeans, led by Nebuchadrezzar, king of Babylon. This verse serves as a stark confirmation of divine sovereignty over human kingdoms and a clear pronouncement of the inevitable consequences of Judah's persistent rebellion and idolatry, underscoring that the city's fall is not merely a military defeat but a divinely orchestrated act of justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 32 opens with the prophet imprisoned in the court of the guard, a direct consequence of his unpopular prophecies of doom against Jerusalem. Despite the dire circumstances—the city is under siege by the Babylonian army—God commands Jeremiah to perform an unusual act: purchase a field in Anathoth. This act, described in [Jeremiah 32:6-15](/jeremiah/32-6 "Jeremiah 32:6-15 - Jeremiah Buys a Field"), serves as a symbolic promise of future restoration and return, even amidst the present judgment. Following this, Jeremiah offers a prayer of lament and praise to God, acknowledging His omnipotence and faithfulness, yet questioning the immediate reality of the city's impending fall ([Jeremiah 32:16-25](/jeremiah/32-16 "Jeremiah 32:16-25 - Jeremiah's Prayer of Praise and Questioning")). Verse 28 is God's direct response to Jeremiah's prayer, reaffirming the certainty of the judgment while also setting the stage for the subsequent promise of future restoration that will follow in [Jeremiah 32:36-44](/jeremiah/32-36 "Jeremiah 32:36-44 - Promise of Restoration").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Jeremiah 32 is the final, desperate days of the Kingdom of Judah. Jerusalem is under siege by Nebuchadrezzar's Babylonian forces, a siege that began in the ninth year of King Zedekiah's reign (588 BCE) and would culminate in the city's destruction in 586 BCE. For decades, Judah had vacillated between periods of reform and widespread idolatry, often adopting the pagan practices of surrounding nations, including child sacrifice and worship of Baal and Asherah. False prophets offered comforting but deceptive messages of peace and prosperity, directly contradicting Jeremiah's warnings of impending judgment. Culturally, the people of Judah held a strong, though often misguided, belief in the inviolability of Jerusalem and the Temple, believing God would never allow His holy city to fall. This verse shatters that illusion, demonstrating that God's covenant faithfulness also includes judgment for persistent disobedience.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several central themes woven throughout the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, emphasizing that the fall of Jerusalem is not merely a geopolitical event but a direct act of God's will. The phrase "I will give this city" reveals God as the ultimate orchestrator of history, using even pagan empires as instruments of His justice, a concept also seen in [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Rod"). Secondly, it reinforces the **Consequences of Persistent Disobedience and Idolatry**. Generations of covenant breaking, rejection of God's law, and the worship of false gods have led to this inevitable climax, serving as a solemn warning against spiritual apostasy. Lastly, it foreshadows the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as Jeremiah's long-standing, often ridiculed, pronouncements of doom are now on the cusp of realization, validating the authenticity and reliability of God's word, as affirmed in [Deuteronomy 18:22](/deuteronomy/18-22 "Deuteronomy 18:22 - Test of a True Prophet").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "the Lord." Derived from the root "to be," it signifies "the self-Existent or Eternal One." Its use here emphasizes that the declaration is not merely a human prediction but an authoritative, unchanging decree from the sovereign God who is eternally faithful to His word and covenant, even when that faithfulness necessitates judgment.
* **give (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This primitive root is highly versatile, meaning "to give, put, make, appoint, bestow," and more. In this context, "I will give" signifies God's active, intentional, and deliberate handing over of Jerusalem. It's not a passive allowance but an assertive act of divine agency, highlighting His direct involvement in the city's downfall and His absolute control over the destinies of nations and cities.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** While literally meaning "hand," this word is used with great figurative latitude. Here, "into the hand of" signifies power, authority, and dominion. God is transferring control and authority over Jerusalem from Judah to the Chaldeans, indicating that Nebuchadrezzar's victory is not by his own might alone, but by divine authorization and empowerment.
* **take (Hebrew, _lâkad'_):** This primitive root means "to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy." In this verse, it vividly describes the military conquest and occupation of Jerusalem. The use of this word underscores the completeness and inevitability of the Chaldean victory, portraying Jerusalem as a city caught in a snare from which there is no escape, precisely because God Himself is delivering it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore thus saith the LORD;":** This opening phrase establishes the divine authority and certainty of the pronouncement. It signals that what follows is a direct, unmediated word from God, not a human opinion or political analysis. It underscores the prophetic nature of Jeremiah's message.
* **"Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the Chaldeans,":** The exclamation "Behold" draws immediate attention to the gravity of the declaration. God explicitly states His active role ("I will give") in delivering Jerusalem ("this city") into the power and control ("into the hand of") of the Chaldeans, the Babylonian army. This emphasizes divine agency over human conflict.
* **"and into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon,":** This clause specifies the exact instrument of God's judgment. Nebuchadrezzar, the powerful Babylonian monarch, is named as the specific human agent through whom God's will is executed. This specificity leaves no room for doubt about the identity of the conqueror.
* **"and he shall take it:":** This final, concise statement confirms the inevitable outcome: Nebuchadrezzar will indeed capture and occupy Jerusalem. It is a declaration of absolute certainty, sealing the fate of the city as a direct consequence of divine decree.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 32:28 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Divine Fiat**, where God's declaration, "I will give this city," functions as a performative utterance, a word that brings about the reality it describes. This emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and control over historical events. The naming of "Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon" serves as a form of **Specific Prophecy**, lending credibility and stark reality to the impending doom, leaving no ambiguity about the instrument of judgment. The repetition of "into the hand of" functions as **Anaphora** (though short), subtly reinforcing the idea of transfer of power and dominion, underscoring that Jerusalem's fate is not accidental but a deliberate divine surrender to a chosen agent. Furthermore, the overall tone is one of **Solemn Declaration**, reflecting the gravity of the judgment and the finality of God's decision regarding Jerusalem's immediate future.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 32:28 stands as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty, even in the midst of human rebellion and suffering. It affirms that God is not merely a passive observer but an active participant in history, orchestrating events to fulfill His righteous purposes, including judgment. This verse challenges any notion of national invincibility or divine favoritism apart from covenant faithfulness, demonstrating that God's justice is unwavering. While devastating for Judah, it also sets the stage for God's redemptive plan, proving that even through severe discipline, His ultimate aim is to purify His people and draw them back to Himself, preparing them for future restoration.

* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "God Declares the End from the Beginning")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "God Changes Times and Seasons")
* [Habakkuk 1:5-6](/habakkuk/1-5 "God Raises Up the Chaldeans")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 32:28 offers a sobering yet ultimately hopeful message for believers today. It reminds us that God's word is utterly reliable; what He declares, He will bring to pass, whether it be warnings of judgment or promises of salvation. In a world often characterized by chaos and uncertainty, this verse anchors us in the truth of God's unwavering sovereignty. We are called to recognize that even difficult circumstances, which may feel like divine judgment or discipline, are ultimately under His control and serve His larger, often redemptive, purposes. This understanding should cultivate a deep trust in His plan, even when it is painful or incomprehensible. Furthermore, the verse serves as a powerful reminder of the seriousness of disobedience and the importance of living in faithful alignment with God's revealed will. It urges us to heed His warnings, repent of sin, and embrace the transformative power of His grace, knowing that true security lies not in earthly strongholds but in humble obedience to the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's active role in the fall of Jerusalem challenge or reinforce your view of His sovereignty in current global events or personal struggles?**
* **What specific areas in your life might God be calling you to greater obedience, in light of the consequences of Judah's persistent rebellion?**
* **How can the certainty of God's prophetic word, as demonstrated in Jeremiah 32:28, strengthen your faith and trust in His promises for your future?**

### FAQ
**Was Nebuchadrezzar a pagan king, and how could God use him for His purposes?**

Answer: Yes, Nebuchadrezzar was indeed a pagan king, the ruler of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, and he worshipped Babylonian deities. Jeremiah 32:28, along with other passages in Jeremiah and Habakkuk, clearly demonstrates that God, in His absolute sovereignty, uses even pagan rulers and nations as instruments to accomplish His divine purposes. He is not limited to working only through His covenant people. In this case, Nebuchadrezzar served as God's "servant" ([Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Nebuchadrezzar as God's Servant")) and "rod" ([Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Assyria as God's Rod")) to bring judgment upon Judah for their persistent idolatry and disobedience. This illustrates God's ultimate control over all of history and His ability to turn the hearts of kings and nations to fulfill His will, as seen in [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "The King's Heart in God's Hand").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 32:28 speaks directly of God's judgment upon Jerusalem through Nebuchadrezzar, it implicitly points to a deeper Christ-centered fulfillment by revealing the unwavering nature of God's justice and His ultimate plan for redemption. The fall of Jerusalem, though devastating, was not the end of God's covenant with His people; rather, it was a severe discipline intended to purify and prepare them. This pattern of judgment leading to a greater display of grace finds its ultimate expression in Christ. Just as Jerusalem was "given into the hand" of an earthly king for judgment, so too was Jesus, the true Jerusalem, the Son of God, "delivered up" ([Romans 8:32](/romans/8-32 "God Did Not Spare His Own Son")) into the hands of sinful men, and ultimately into the hand of God's justice, to bear the judgment for the sins of the world. His suffering and death on the cross were the ultimate act of divine judgment against sin, yet paradoxically, they paved the way for the ultimate restoration and new covenant. Through Christ's sacrifice, God offers a spiritual "city" that will never fall, a heavenly Jerusalem ([Hebrews 12:22](/hebrews/12-22 "The Heavenly Jerusalem")), where believers find refuge and eternal life, fulfilling the promise of a future hope that extends far beyond the earthly city's temporary destruction, culminating in the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "New Heavens and New Earth")).

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 32:3

For Zedekiah king of Judah had shut him up, saying, Wherefore dost thou prophesy, and say, Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall take it;

Jeremiah 32:24

Behold the mounts, they are come unto the city to take it; and the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans, that fight against it, because of the sword, and of the famine, and of the pestilence: and what thou hast spoken is come to pass; and, behold, thou seest [it].

Jeremiah 19:7

And I will make void the counsel of Judah and Jerusalem in this place; and I will cause them to fall by the sword before their enemies, and by the hands of them that seek their lives: and their carcases will I give to be meat for the fowls of the heaven, and for the beasts of the earth.

Jeremiah 19:12

Thus will I do unto this place, saith the LORD, and to the inhabitants thereof, and [even] make this city as Tophet:

Jeremiah 32:36

And now therefore thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning this city, whereof ye say, It shall be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence;

Jeremiah 20:5

Moreover I will deliver all the strength of this city, and all the labours thereof, and all the precious things thereof, and all the treasures of the kings of Judah will I give into the hand of their enemies, which shall spoil them, and take them, and carry them to Babylon.

2 Chronicles 36:17

Therefore he brought upon them the king of the Chaldees, who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion upon young man or maiden, old man, or him that stooped for age: he gave [them] all into his hand.