Jeremiah 34:11

But afterward they turned, and caused the servants and the handmaids, whom they had let go free, to return, and brought them into subjection for servants and for handmaids.

But afterward {H310} they turned {H7725}, and caused the servants {H5650} and the handmaids {H8198}, whom they had let go {H7971} free {H2670}, to return {H7725}, and brought them into subjection {H3533}{H3533} for servants {H5650} and for handmaids {H8198}.

But afterwards, they changed their minds; they made the male and female slaves, whom they had freed, return; and they brought them back into subjection as slaves.

but later they changed their minds and took back the menservants and maidservants they had freed, and they forced them to become slaves again.

but afterwards they turned, and caused the servants and the handmaids, whom they had let go free, to return, and brought them into subjection for servants and for handmaids.

Jeremiah 34:11 vividly portrays a moment of profound moral failure and hypocrisy by the leaders and people of Judah during the reign of King Zedekiah. After making a solemn covenant to free their Hebrew servants and handmaids, driven by desperation during the Babylonian siege, they quickly reneged on their promise once the immediate threat seemed to subside. This verse highlights their swift reversal, forcing those they had just liberated back into bondage.

Context

This verse is set against the backdrop of Jerusalem's final days before its destruction by Babylon. King Zedekiah, under immense pressure from Nebuchadnezzar's siege, had entered into a covenant with his people to release all Hebrew slaves, male and female, in accordance with the Mosaic Law, specifically Deuteronomy 15:12-18. This act, described in Jeremiah 34:8-10, was likely an attempt to gain divine favor or to free up manpower for the war effort. However, when the Babylonian army temporarily withdrew (perhaps to confront an Egyptian relief force, as implied in Jeremiah 37:5), the people and their leaders immediately went back on their word, demonstrating a profound lack of genuine repentance or faith.

Key Themes

  • Broken Covenant and Promises: The central theme is the blatant disregard for a sacred oath made before God and their fellow citizens. This act of breaking a covenant was a grave offense in ancient Israel, reflecting a deep spiritual sickness.
  • Hypocrisy and Opportunism: The people's actions reveal their true motives: they sought God's favor only when convenient or when under duress. Once the immediate pressure was lifted, their commitment to justice and the law evaporated.
  • Disobedience to Mosaic Law: Beyond the broken covenant, their actions were a direct violation of God's commands regarding the treatment of Hebrew servants, who were to be freed after six years of service.
  • Divine Justice and Consequences: This act of unfaithfulness becomes a primary reason for God's severe judgment upon Jerusalem, as articulated by Jeremiah immediately afterward (Jeremiah 34:17).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "brought them into subjection" emphasizes the forceful and unjust nature of their actions. The Hebrew word for "subjection" (kibshu, related to kābash) implies bringing under control, subjugating, or even enslaving. It starkly contrasts with the freedom they had just granted, underscoring the cruelty and arbitrary power exercised by the masters.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 34:11 serves as a timeless warning about the dangers of conditional obedience and superficial faith. It challenges us to reflect on:

  • Integrity: The importance of keeping our word, not just when it's easy or beneficial, but as a fundamental aspect of our character and walk with God.
  • Authentic Repentance: True repentance involves a change of heart and action, not merely a temporary shift in behavior to escape immediate consequences.
  • Justice and Compassion: The verse reminds us of God's enduring concern for the oppressed and the vulnerable, and the severe consequences for those who exploit or mistreat them.

This passage underscores that God values consistent righteousness and faithfulness over fleeting acts of piety motivated by fear or self-interest.

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.

  • 2 Peter 2:20

    For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

  • 2 Peter 2:22

    But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog [is] turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

  • Proverbs 26:11

    ¶ As a dog returneth to his vomit, [so] a fool returneth to his folly.

  • Matthew 12:43

    When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.

  • Matthew 12:45

    Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last [state] of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

  • Ecclesiastes 8:11

    Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

  • Psalms 125:5

    As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: [but] peace [shall be] upon Israel.

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