34:11 34:11

Jeremiah 34:12

34:13 34:13

Bible Versions

Therefore the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,
Therefore the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came to Jeremiah {H3414} from the LORD {H3068}, saying {H559},
Therefore this word of ADONAI came to Yirmeyahu from ADONAI:
Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,
Therefore the word of Jehovah came to Jeremiah from Jehovah, saying,

Jeremiah 34:12 serves as a crucial transitional verse, introducing a new divine message from the LORD to the prophet Jeremiah. While brief, it signals the profound significance of the words that follow, emphasizing their direct origin from God Himself.

Context

This verse immediately follows a detailed account (found in Jeremiah 34:8-11) where King Zedekiah and the people of Jerusalem had entered into a solemn covenant. Under pressure from the impending Babylonian siege, they agreed to free their Hebrew slaves, in accordance with the Mosaic Law concerning debt-slavery (Deuteronomy 15:12-18). However, once the Babylonian army temporarily withdrew, they notoriously broke this covenant, forcing the freed slaves back into servitude. It is this act of profound disobedience and covenant-breaking that directly provokes the "word of the LORD" in this verse.

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation: The verse explicitly states that the message originated "from the LORD," highlighting God's active involvement and communication with His people through His chosen prophet, Jeremiah.
  • Consequence of Disobedience: This introduction sets the stage for a message of judgment, directly stemming from the people's failure to uphold their sacred vows and obey God's commands regarding justice and compassion.
  • Prophetic Authority: It reaffirms Jeremiah's role as God's mouthpiece, underscoring that the words he speaks are not his own opinions but the authoritative declaration of the Almighty.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the word of the LORD" (Hebrew: dabar Yahweh) is a common and powerful prophetic formula throughout the Old Testament. It signifies the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message being delivered. The repetition, "came to Jeremiah from the LORD," further emphasizes that this is a direct, undeniable communication from God, not merely a human interpretation or thought. This divine pronouncement carries the weight of God's character and His unwavering commitment to justice.

Significance and Application

Jeremiah 34:12 reminds us of several timeless truths. Firstly, God is not silent; He communicates His will and His perspective on human actions. The fact that "the word of the LORD came" indicates God's direct response to the broken covenant and the injustice committed by Zedekiah and the people. This highlights that there are consequences for our choices, especially when we break promises made before God or disregard principles of justice and righteousness. Just as God held ancient Israel accountable for their actions, He expects integrity and obedience from His people today. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that nothing is hidden from God's sight, and His word always comes to address sin and call for repentance.

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.

No cross-references found for this verse.

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