Jeremiah 32:5

KJV

And he shall lead Zedekiah to Babylon, and there shall he be until I visit him, saith the LORD: though ye fight with the Chaldeans, ye shall not prosper.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he shall lead {H3212} Zedekiah {H6667} to Babylon {H894}, and there shall he be until I visit {H6485} him, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}: though ye fight {H3898} with the Chaldeans {H3778}, ye shall not prosper {H6743}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and he will lead Tzidkiyahu to Bavel, where he will stay until I remember him,' says ADONAI, 'and even if you fight the Kasdim, you will fail'?"

Berean Standard Bible

He will take Zedekiah to Babylon, where he will stay until I attend to him, declares the LORD. If you fight against the Chaldeans, you will not succeed.’”

American Standard Version

and he shall bring Zedekiah to Babylon, and there shall he be until I visit him, saith Jehovah: though ye fight with the Chaldeans, ye shall not prosper?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 32:5 delivers a definitive prophetic word from the Lord concerning the inescapable fate of King Zedekiah and the futility of Judah's resistance against the Babylonian siege. It declares that Zedekiah will be led into Babylonian captivity, remaining there under divine oversight, and unequivocally states that all human efforts to fight against the Chaldeans will be met with failure, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty over the unfolding historical events and the destiny of nations and their leaders.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 32:5 is embedded within a profoundly significant chapter that juxtaposes immediate, severe judgment with a powerful promise of future restoration. Jeremiah, imprisoned in the court of the guard for his prophecies of Jerusalem's fall and the necessity of surrender to Babylon ([Jeremiah 32:2](/jeremiah/32-2 "Jeremiah 32:2 - Jeremiah's Imprisonment")), receives a divine command to purchase a field in Anathoth from his cousin Hanamel ([Jeremiah 32:6-15](/jeremiah/32-6 "Jeremiah 32:6-15 - Jeremiah Buys a Field")). This act, performed amidst the siege, serves as a powerful symbolic assurance that "houses and fields and vineyards shall again be bought in this land" ([Jeremiah 32:15](/jeremiah/32-15 "Jeremiah 32:15 - Promise of Future Restoration")). Verse 5, however, focuses on the grim immediate reality for Zedekiah and Judah, serving as a stark counterpoint to the long-term hope, emphasizing that the judgment must first run its course before restoration can begin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Jeremiah 32:5 is the final, desperate days of the Kingdom of Judah. Jerusalem was under its last siege by Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian army, which began in 588 BC and culminated in the city's destruction in 586 BC. King Zedekiah, a puppet king installed by Nebuchadnezzar, had rebelled against Babylon, seeking alliances with Egypt, a move repeatedly condemned by Jeremiah as foolish and disobedient to God's will ([Jeremiah 37:7](/jeremiah/37-7 "Jeremiah 37:7 - Prophecy Against Pharaoh's Army")). The people, including Zedekiah, largely rejected Jeremiah's consistent message of surrender, clinging to false hopes of divine intervention or military success. This verse directly addresses that stubborn resistance, highlighting the cultural and political hubris that blinded Judah to the divine decree, despite the prophet's clear warnings.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in the book of Jeremiah. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, where the Lord explicitly declares His control over the fate of Zedekiah and the outcome of the war, using Babylon as His instrument of wrath against a rebellious Judah. This underscores that human actions, particularly defiance against God's revealed will, have inevitable consequences, a theme woven throughout the prophetic books (e.g., [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria as God's Rod")). Another crucial theme is the **Futility of Human Resistance** against God's decreed plan. Despite Judah's military efforts and alliances, the Lord declares they "shall not prosper," emphasizing that no human might can thwart divine purpose. This resonates with the broader biblical principle that God's counsel will stand ([Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")). Finally, the verse highlights the **Consequences of Disobedience and Unbelief**, as Zedekiah's ultimate fate in Babylon serves as a direct result of his persistent rejection of Jeremiah's prophetic warnings and his rebellion against the Lord's appointed path.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **lead (Hebrew, _yâlak'_):** From H3212, this primitive root means "to walk" or, causatively, "to carry" or "to lead." In this context, it signifies a forceful, divinely ordained movement. Zedekiah will not willingly go; he will be "led" or "carried" into captivity, emphasizing his lack of control and the irresistible nature of God's decree through the Babylonians.
* **visit (Hebrew, _pâqad'_):** From H6485, this crucial word means "to visit," "to oversee," "to muster," or "to care for." While it can imply a benevolent visitation, in prophetic contexts of judgment, it often carries the connotation of a visitation for accountability, inspection, or punishment. Here, "until I visit him" implies that Zedekiah's time in Babylon is not an escape but a period under divine scrutiny, leading to a final reckoning or conclusion of his earthly life under God's sovereign hand.
* **fight (Hebrew, _lâcham'_):** From H3898, this root means "to feed on," "to consume," and by implication, "to battle" or "to make war." The use of this word underscores the active, military resistance Zedekiah and Judah were mounting. The prophecy directly confronts this action, declaring its utter ineffectiveness.
* **prosper (Hebrew, _tsâlach'_):** From H6743, this root means "to push forward," "to break out," or "to be profitable/successful." The negative "ye shall not prosper" (Hebrew: לֹא תַצְלִחוּ, _lo' tatslihu_) is a definitive declaration of failure. It means that despite all their efforts, their military campaigns, strategies, and alliances will not advance, succeed, or achieve their desired outcome against the divinely appointed Chaldeans.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he shall lead Zedekiah to Babylon,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the central subject, King Zedekiah, and his inescapable destiny. The "he" refers to Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king, acting as God's instrument. The active verb "lead" (H3212) underscores the forceful, non-consensual nature of Zedekiah's removal from his throne and kingdom, directly into the heart of the enemy's territory, Babylon. This is a direct fulfillment of Jeremiah's earlier prophecies and a stark reversal of Zedekiah's royal status.
* **"and there shall he be until I visit him, saith the LORD:"**: This clause specifies the duration and divine oversight of Zedekiah's captivity. He will not return to Judah, but will remain in Babylon. The phrase "until I visit him" (H6485) is pregnant with meaning. It indicates that Zedekiah's time in exile is not open-ended but subject to God's precise timing and purpose. In this context, "visit" carries a strong connotation of a final reckoning, a divine inspection that will bring about his end, confirming God's ultimate authority over life and death, even for kings in exile. The declaration "saith the LORD" (H5002, H3068) powerfully authenticates the prophecy as a direct, unalterable word from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel.
* **"though ye fight with the Chaldeans, ye shall not prosper."**: This concluding clause broadens the scope from Zedekiah's personal fate to the collective efforts of Judah. It directly addresses the ongoing military conflict. The conjunction "though" (or "for even if") highlights the futility of their resistance. Despite their best efforts to "fight" (H3898) against the "Chaldeans" (H3778, the Babylonians), the divine decree is absolute: "ye shall not prosper" (H6743). This is a categorical statement of inevitable defeat, emphasizing that human strength and strategy are utterly powerless when they stand in opposition to God's sovereign will and judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 32:5 is rich in **Prophecy**, delivering a direct, divinely revealed future event concerning Zedekiah and Judah. It functions as a **Divine Oracle**, explicitly stated by the phrase "saith the LORD," which authenticates the message as Yahweh's authoritative word, leaving no room for doubt regarding its source or certainty. There is a strong element of **Contrast** within the broader chapter, as this verse's immediate judgment stands in stark opposition to the promise of future restoration found elsewhere in [Jeremiah 32](/jeremiah/32 "Jeremiah 32 - Jeremiah Buys a Field and Prophesies Restoration"). The verse also employs **Foreshadowing**, hinting at Zedekiah's ultimate demise and the complete subjugation of Judah, details that are later explicitly recounted in historical books like [2 Kings 25:7](/2_kings/25-7 "2 Kings 25:7 - Zedekiah's Capture and Blinding") and [Jeremiah 39:7](/jeremiah/39-7 "Jeremiah 39:7 - Zedekiah's Fate"). Finally, the declaration "though ye fight... ye shall not prosper" serves as a powerful **Rhetorical Device**, emphasizing the absolute futility of human defiance against divine judgment, intended to underscore the overwhelming power and unchallengeable will of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 32:5 profoundly articulates God's absolute sovereignty over human history and the destiny of nations. It demonstrates that even the most powerful earthly rulers and their military might are utterly subject to the divine will. The Lord is not merely an observer but an active orchestrator, using nations like Babylon as instruments of His righteous judgment against His disobedient people. This verse underscores the severe consequences of persistent rebellion against God's revealed word through His prophets, highlighting that human resistance to divine decrees is not only futile but also brings about inevitable and often painful outcomes. It serves as a stark reminder that true prosperity and security are found not in human strength or political maneuvering, but in humble submission to the Lord's purposes, even when those purposes involve difficult and painful periods of judgment.

* [Habakkuk 1:6](/habakkuk/1-6 "Habakkuk 1:6 - God Raises Up the Chaldeans")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom, No Understanding, No Counsel Against the Lord")
* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 32:5 serves as a sobering reminder that God's purposes will prevail, regardless of human opposition or perceived strength. In our own lives, this means recognizing that there are times when circumstances are beyond our control, and resisting God's sovereign hand, whether in personal trials or broader societal shifts, is ultimately a futile endeavor. Instead, this verse calls us to a posture of humility and discernment, seeking to understand God's will and aligning ourselves with it, even when it leads through difficult or uncomfortable paths. It challenges us to trust in God's wisdom and justice, even when His methods seem harsh or His judgments severe. Furthermore, it encourages us to examine our own lives for areas of stubborn resistance to God's truth, reminding us that persistent disobedience carries inevitable consequences, while submission to His leading, even through hardship, is the path to ultimate peace and purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to resist God's clear will or direction, believing my own efforts or plans will "prosper" more?**
* **How does the sovereignty of God, as demonstrated in this verse, impact my perspective on current global events or personal challenges that feel overwhelming?**
* **What does it mean to "submit" to God's will, especially when it involves hardship or the dismantling of familiar comforts, as Zedekiah was called to do?**

### FAQ

**What does "until I visit him" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Jeremiah 32:5, the phrase "until I visit him" (Hebrew: _pâqad_) carries the strong connotation of a divine visitation for judgment or accountability. While _pâqad_ can mean to visit for blessing or care, in a prophetic context concerning a rebellious king led into captivity, it signifies that Zedekiah's time in Babylon would be under God's watchful eye, leading to his ultimate reckoning or the conclusion of his life under divine decree. It indicates that his exile was not an escape but a divinely appointed period leading to his final fate, which historical accounts confirm was a tragic end involving the killing of his sons, blinding, and imprisonment until his death ([2 Kings 25:7](/2_kings/25-7 "2 Kings 25:7 - Zedekiah's Sons Killed, Zedekiah Blinded") and [Jeremiah 52:11](/jeremiah/52-11 "Jeremiah 52:11 - Zedekiah's Fate")).

**Why did God allow Zedekiah to be led to Babylon, and why couldn't Judah prosper in fighting the Chaldeans?**

Answer: God allowed Zedekiah to be led to Babylon as a direct consequence of Judah's persistent rebellion, idolatry, and rejection of His prophetic warnings. For decades, Jeremiah had urged Judah and its kings to repent and submit to Babylon, which God had raised up as His instrument of judgment ([Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant")). Zedekiah, specifically, had broken his oath of allegiance to Nebuchadnezzar and defied God's command to surrender, instead seeking futile alliances with Egypt. Judah could not prosper in fighting the Chaldeans because their resistance was not merely against a human army but against the divinely ordained plan of God. When God's judgment is set in motion, no human strength, wisdom, or military might can thwart it ([Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")). Their defeat was a demonstration of God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His determination to fulfill His word, both in judgment and in eventual restoration.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 32:5, with its stark declaration of divine sovereignty over human rulers and the futility of resistance, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. While Zedekiah's "visitation" by the Lord brought judgment and an end to his earthly reign, Christ's "visitation" to humanity brought salvation and the establishment of an eternal kingdom. The King of Judah was led into captivity, but Christ, the true King of Kings and Lord of Lords, willingly laid down His life, only to conquer death and captivity, leading captivity itself captive ([Ephesians 4:8](/ephesians/4-8 "Ephesians 4:8 - Christ Leads Captivity Captive")). The futility of fighting against God's plan, so evident in Judah's defeat, is perfectly contrasted by the absolute triumph of God's plan in Christ. All human efforts to establish lasting peace or justice apart from God ultimately "shall not prosper," but in Christ, God's eternal purposes are fully realized. He is the one in whom all things hold together and through whom God's kingdom truly prospers ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Holds All Things Together")). The "visitation" of God in the person of Jesus was not for judgment on those who believe, but for redemption, offering a path to true freedom and eternal life where human resistance to God's will is transformed into joyful submission and participation in His glorious reign ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent His Son to Save the World")).

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 39:7

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

Ezekiel 17:9

Say thou, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Shall it prosper? shall he not pull up the roots thereof, and cut off the fruit thereof, that it wither? it shall wither in all the leaves of her spring, even without great power or many people to pluck it up by the roots thereof.

Ezekiel 17:10

Yea, behold, [being] planted, shall it prosper? shall it not utterly wither, when the east wind toucheth it? it shall wither in the furrows where it grew.

Jeremiah 33:5

They come to fight with the Chaldeans, but [it is] to fill them with the dead bodies of men, whom I have slain in mine anger and in my fury, and for all whose wickedness I have hid my face from this city.

Ezekiel 17:15

But he rebelled against him in sending his ambassadors into Egypt, that they might give him horses and much people. Shall he prosper? shall he escape that doeth such [things]? or shall he break the covenant, and be delivered?

Jeremiah 27:22

They shall be carried to Babylon, and there shall they be until the day that I visit them, saith the LORD; then will I bring them up, and restore them to this place.

Ezekiel 12:13

My net also will I spread upon him, and he shall be taken in my snare: and I will bring him to Babylon [to] the land of the Chaldeans; yet shall he not see it, though he shall die there.