Jeremiah 32:4

KJV

And Zedekiah king of Judah shall not escape out of the hand of the Chaldeans, but shall surely be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon, and shall speak with him mouth to mouth, and his eyes shall behold his eyes;

KJV (with Strong's)

And Zedekiah {H6667} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063} shall not escape {H4422} out of the hand {H3027} of the Chaldeans {H3778}, but shall surely {H5414} be delivered {H5414} into the hand {H3027} of the king {H4428} of Babylon {H894}, and shall speak {H1696} with him mouth {H6310} to mouth {H6310}, and his eyes {H5869} shall behold {H7200} his eyes {H5869};

Complete Jewish Bible

Tzidkiyahu king of Y'hudah will not escape from the Kasdim but will certainly be handed over to the king of Bavel, who will address him face to face, with their eyes meeting;

Berean Standard Bible

Zedekiah king of Judah will not escape from the hands of the Chaldeans, but he will surely be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon, and will speak with him face to face and see him eye to eye.

American Standard Version

and Zedekiah king of Judah shall not escape out of the hand of the Chaldeans, but shall surely be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon, and shall speak with him mouth to mouth, and his eyes shall behold his eyes;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 32:4 delivers a precise and unalterable prophecy concerning King Zedekiah, the final monarch of Judah. It unequivocally declares that Zedekiah will not escape the Babylonian forces, but will certainly be handed over to the king of Babylon. The prophecy further details a highly personal and humiliating encounter, stating that Zedekiah will speak face-to-face with Nebuchadnezzar, and their eyes will meet, signifying the complete and inescapable fulfillment of divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jeremiah chapter 32, a pivotal moment in the prophet's ministry. Despite Jerusalem being under siege by the Babylonians and Jeremiah himself imprisoned in the court of the guard for prophesying the city's fall, God commands him to purchase a field in Anathoth ([Jeremiah 32:6-15](/jeremiah/32-6 "Jeremiah 32:6-15 - Jeremiah Buys a Field")). This act serves as a powerful symbolic gesture of future restoration and hope, even amidst immediate judgment. Verse 4, however, grounds this hope in the stark reality of the present judgment, specifically detailing the inescapable fate of King Zedekiah, which was the very message that led to Jeremiah's imprisonment ([Jeremiah 32:2-3](/jeremiah/32-2 "Jeremiah 32:2-3 - Jeremiah's Imprisonment for Prophecy")). The immediate context thus juxtaposes the certainty of impending doom for the current leadership with the unwavering promise of God's long-term faithfulness and restoration for His people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this prophecy (c. 588-586 BC), Jerusalem was enduring its final, devastating siege by Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian army. King Zedekiah, installed as a puppet king by Babylon after the first deportation, had foolishly rebelled against his overlord, seeking alliances with Egypt that proved futile. This defiance was in direct opposition to Jeremiah's consistent counsel to submit to Babylon as God's instrument of judgment. Culturally, for a king to be captured and brought before a conquering monarch was the ultimate humiliation, signifying not just personal defeat but the complete subjugation of his kingdom and people. The direct, face-to-face encounter described in the prophecy underscores the profound degradation awaiting Zedekiah, stripping him of all royal dignity and power. The "Chaldeans" were the dominant ethnic group within the Neo-Babylonian Empire, often used synonymously with "Babylonians" in biblical texts.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 32:4 powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the **inevitable judgment** for persistent disobedience and covenant breaking. Zedekiah's inability to "escape" and his certain "delivery" into Babylonian hands underscore the absolute certainty of God's declared consequences for Judah's idolatry and rebellion. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **divine sovereignty** over nations and their leaders. Even the mighty Babylonian Empire, led by Nebuchadnezzar, is portrayed as an instrument in God's hands, fulfilling His predetermined plan for Judah. This demonstrates that God remains in ultimate control, orchestrating historical events to achieve His purposes, a theme echoed in passages like [Jeremiah 27:6](/jeremiah/27-6 "Jeremiah 27:6 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant"). Finally, the prophecy conveys the theme of **personal confrontation and humiliation**. The vivid imagery of "mouth to mouth" and "eyes shall behold his eyes" speaks to the profound personal degradation and accountability Zedekiah would face, a direct consequence of his rejection of God's word through Jeremiah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **escape (Hebrew, _mâlaṭ'_):** This primitive root means "to be smooth," implying "to escape (as if by slipperiness)." In this context, it signifies Zedekiah's utter inability to evade his fate. Despite any attempts he might make, God's decree ensures there will be no "slipping away" from the grasp of the Chaldeans. The use of "shall not escape" emphasizes the absolute certainty of his capture, leaving no room for hope of evasion.
* **delivered (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This versatile primitive root means "to give," used with a wide latitude of application including "to put," "to make," or "to hand over." Here, it powerfully conveys God's active role in Zedekiah's capture. It's not merely that he *will be* caught, but that he *shall surely be given* or *handed over* into the power of the king of Babylon. This highlights divine agency in the unfolding judgment, indicating that the Chaldeans are instruments of God's sovereign will.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** This word, often meaning "the open hand," is used here to signify power, control, or dominion. Zedekiah will not escape "out of the hand of the Chaldeans," meaning out of their control or grasp. Conversely, he will be "delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon," indicating his complete submission and transfer into Nebuchadnezzar's authority and dominion. The repetition underscores the inescapable transfer of power and sovereignty.
* **eyes (Hebrew, _ʻayin'_):** Primarily meaning "an eye," this word can also figuratively refer to outward appearance, presence, or sight. The phrase "his eyes shall behold his eyes" emphasizes a direct, unmediated, and unavoidable visual confrontation. It speaks to the intense, personal nature of the encounter, where the defeated king is forced to look directly into the eyes of his conqueror, a moment of profound humiliation and acknowledgment of his complete subjugation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Zedekiah king of Judah shall not escape out of the hand of the Chaldeans,"**: This opening clause establishes the absolute certainty of Zedekiah's capture. Despite his royal status and any efforts he might make to flee or resist, the prophecy declares that he will not succeed in evading the Babylonian forces, emphasizing the futility of human resistance against divine decree.
* **"but shall surely be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon,"**: This phrase reinforces the first clause with even greater emphasis, using the Hebrew idiom for certainty ("surely be delivered"). It clarifies that Zedekiah's capture is not accidental but a predetermined act of divine intervention, where he will be actively "handed over" into the dominion and authority of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. This highlights God's sovereignty in orchestrating the events.
* **"and shall speak with him mouth to mouth,"**: This vivid imagery describes a direct, personal, and unmediated conversation between Zedekiah and Nebuchadnezzar. It signifies that there will be no intermediaries or diplomatic distance; the defeated king will be forced into an intimate, face-to-face encounter with his conqueror, likely involving interrogation, judgment, or the pronouncement of his fate. This directness underscores the humiliation and total loss of royal dignity.
* **"and his eyes shall behold his eyes;"**: This final clause intensifies the personal nature of the confrontation. It paints a powerful picture of Zedekiah being compelled to look directly into the eyes of Nebuchadnezzar. This eye-to-eye contact symbolizes the ultimate submission, the acknowledgment of defeat, and the stripping away of all pretense or power. It is a moment of profound personal degradation and the visual confirmation of the prophecy's fulfillment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 32:4 is rich in literary devices that amplify its prophetic power and emotional impact. The primary device is **Prophecy** itself, as the verse is a direct, declarative statement of a future event, presented with absolute certainty. This is reinforced by **Repetition** and **Emphasis**, particularly in phrases like "shall not escape" and "shall surely be delivered," which leave no doubt about the inevitability of Zedekiah's fate. The use of "mouth to mouth" and "eyes shall behold his eyes" employs a form of **Merism** (using two contrasting parts to represent a whole) to signify a complete and unmediated personal encounter, emphasizing the directness and inescapability of the confrontation. This also serves as powerful **Imagery**, painting a vivid mental picture of the humiliating meeting between the two kings. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** in Zedekiah's desperate attempts to escape, which are rendered futile by the divine decree that he will be brought directly before his conqueror. The precise detail of the prophecy also functions as a **Foreshadowing** of the historical fulfillment recorded in later biblical accounts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 32:4 stands as a stark testament to the unwavering truthfulness of God's prophetic word and His absolute sovereignty over human affairs. It underscores that divine judgment, once declared, is inescapable, regardless of human power or resistance. The humiliation of Zedekiah, a king, before Nebuchadnezzar serves as a potent reminder that even those in positions of ultimate earthly authority are subject to God's ultimate rule. This prophecy highlights the severe consequences of persistent disobedience and rebellion against God's revealed will, demonstrating that God holds His covenant people accountable. It also implicitly affirms God's justice, as the judgment meted out to Zedekiah and Judah was a direct result of their unfaithfulness and idolatry.

* [Jeremiah 39:5](/jeremiah/39-5 "Jeremiah 39:5 - Zedekiah's Capture and Encounter")
* [2 Kings 25:7](/2_kings/25-7 "2 Kings 25:7 - Zedekiah's Tragic End")
* [Ezekiel 12:13](/ezekiel/12-13 "Ezekiel 12:13 - Prophecy of Zedekiah's Blindness and Captivity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 32:4 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the absolute reliability of God's Word. Just as this specific and seemingly improbable prophecy concerning Zedekiah was fulfilled to the letter, so too can we trust in all of God's promises and warnings, whether concerning salvation, judgment, or future hope. It calls us to heed God's warnings seriously, recognizing that disobedience carries real and inevitable consequences, regardless of our status or perceived power. Secondly, the verse reminds us of God's ultimate sovereignty. Even in chaotic or seemingly uncontrollable circumstances, God remains on the throne, orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes. This should inspire both reverence and trust, knowing that His plans will prevail. Finally, Zedekiah's humiliation serves as a cautionary tale against pride and self-reliance, urging us to humble ourselves before God and align our lives with His will, rather than resisting His counsel or seeking our own escape routes from divine truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the absolute certainty of this prophecy's fulfillment strengthen your faith in the reliability of God's Word today?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to "escape" from God's clear commands or warnings, and what does Zedekiah's fate teach you about the futility of such attempts?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over nations and leaders, as demonstrated in this verse, impact your perspective on current global events or political situations?**
* **What does the personal humiliation of Zedekiah teach us about the consequences of pride and rebellion against God's authority?**

### FAQ
**Was this prophecy literally fulfilled, and if so, how?**

Answer: Yes, this prophecy was fulfilled with remarkable precision, as recorded in both [Jeremiah 39:5](/jeremiah/39-5 "Jeremiah 39:5 - Zedekiah's Capture and Encounter") and [2 Kings 25:7](/2_kings/25-7 "2 Kings 25:7 - Zedekiah's Tragic End"). After Jerusalem was breached, Zedekiah attempted to escape through the king's garden, but he was captured in the plains of Jericho. He was indeed brought to Riblah, where he stood before Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, fulfilling the "mouth to mouth" and "eyes shall behold his eyes" encounter. The fulfillment was even more tragic than the prophecy explicitly stated, as Nebuchadnezzar executed Zedekiah's sons before his eyes, and then put out Zedekiah's own eyes, before binding him in bronze chains and taking him to Babylon.

**Why was Zedekiah's fate so harsh, especially the personal confrontation?**

Answer: Zedekiah's harsh fate was a direct consequence of his persistent rebellion against God's explicit word delivered through the prophet Jeremiah. God had commanded Judah to submit to Babylon as a form of divine discipline, and Jeremiah had consistently urged Zedekiah to comply. Zedekiah, however, repeatedly rebelled, trusting in human alliances (like with Egypt) over divine counsel ([Jeremiah 37:7-10](/jeremiah/37-7 "Jeremiah 37:7-10 - Prophecy Against Egypt")). The personal confrontation was significant because it symbolized the complete stripping away of his royal dignity and sovereignty. It was not merely a military defeat but a profound public humiliation for a king, demonstrating the absolute nature of God's judgment and the futility of resisting His will.

**What is the significance of the phrase "mouth to mouth, and his eyes shall behold his eyes"?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful literary device emphasizing the direct, personal, and inescapable nature of the encounter. It signifies that there would be no intermediaries, no diplomatic distance, and no way for Zedekiah to avoid a direct confrontation with his conqueror. For a king, this was the ultimate humiliation, forcing him to acknowledge his defeat and the complete subjugation of his kingdom face-to-face. It underscored the thoroughness of God's judgment and the certainty of its fulfillment, leaving no doubt about Zedekiah's absolute loss of power and dignity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 32:4 speaks of the judgment and humiliation of an earthly king, it foreshadows profound truths concerning the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. Zedekiah's inescapable capture and confrontation with Nebuchadnezzar, the instrument of God's judgment, ultimately points to the certainty of God's divine justice and the fulfillment of His word. In Christ, we see the ultimate King who willingly embraced humiliation, not as a consequence of sin, but as a path to redemption. Unlike Zedekiah, who was delivered into the hands of his enemy due to disobedience, Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), voluntarily delivered Himself into the hands of sinful men to fulfill the Father's redemptive plan ([John 19:11](/john/19-11 "John 19:11 - Jesus' Authority from God")). His "mouth to mouth" encounter was not with a conquering earthly king, but with His accusers and ultimately with death itself, which He conquered. His "eyes beheld" the suffering of humanity, and through His suffering, He became the Victor. The certainty of Zedekiah's fate highlights the even greater certainty of Christ's return, not as a defeated king, but as the triumphant King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Return as Judge and Warrior")), who will execute perfect justice and establish His eternal kingdom, a kingdom that "shall never be destroyed" ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Kingdom Endures Forever")), contrasting sharply with the overthrown kingdom of Judah. Thus, Zedekiah's judgment serves as a stark reminder of God's unwavering commitment to His word, a commitment fully realized and supremely glorified in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

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 39:4

And it came to pass, [that] when Zedekiah the king of Judah saw them, and all the men of war, then they fled, and went forth out of the city by night, by the way of the king's garden, by the gate betwixt the two walls: and he went out the way of the plain.

Jeremiah 39:7

Moreover he put out Zedekiah's eyes, and bound him with chains, to carry him to Babylon.

2 Kings 25:4

And the city was broken up, and all the men of war [fled] by night by the way of the gate between two walls, which [is] by the king's garden: (now the Chaldees [were] against the city round about:) and [the king] went the way toward the plain.

2 Kings 25:7

And they slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound him with fetters of brass, and carried him to Babylon.

Jeremiah 38:23

So they shall bring out all thy wives and thy children to the Chaldeans: and thou shalt not escape out of their hand, but shalt be taken by the hand of the king of Babylon: and thou shalt cause this city to be burned with fire.

Jeremiah 37:17

Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took him out: and the king asked him secretly in his house, and said, Is there [any] word from the LORD? And Jeremiah said, There is: for, said he, thou shalt be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon.

Jeremiah 38:18

But if thou wilt not go forth to the king of Babylon's princes, then shall this city be given into the hand of the Chaldeans, and they shall burn it with fire, and thou shalt not escape out of their hand.