Jeremiah 34:15

KJV

And ye were now turned, and had done right in my sight, in proclaiming liberty every man to his neighbour; and ye had made a covenant before me in the house which is called by my name:

KJV (with Strong's)

And ye were now {H3117} turned {H7725}, and had done {H6213} right {H3477} in my sight {H5869}, in proclaiming {H7121} liberty {H1865} every man {H376} to his neighbour {H7453}; and ye had made {H3772} a covenant {H1285} before {H6440} me in the house {H1004} which is called {H7121} by my name {H8034}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Now you repented, you did what is right from my viewpoint when each of you proclaimed freedom to his fellow; and you made a covenant before me in the house bearing my name.

Berean Standard Bible

Recently you repented and did what pleased Me; each of you proclaimed freedom for his neighbor. You made a covenant before Me in the house that bears My Name.

American Standard Version

And ye were now turned, and had done that which is right in mine eyes, in proclaiming liberty every man to his neighbor; and ye had made a covenant before me in the house which is called by my name:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 34:15 captures a fleeting moment of obedience from the people of Judah and King Zedekiah during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. Faced with imminent destruction, they temporarily acted in accordance with God's law by releasing their Hebrew slaves, a practice commanded by the Mosaic covenant. This verse highlights their brief, externally motivated adherence to divine justice, particularly concerning the vulnerable, and the solemnity of the covenant they made in the Temple, which tragically proved to be short-lived.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 34 is situated within a series of prophecies concerning Judah's impending destruction and the fate of King Zedekiah. The immediate literary context of verse 15 begins with God's command to Zedekiah regarding Jerusalem's fall to Nebuchadnezzar (Jeremiah 34:1-7). Following this, Jeremiah recounts a specific covenant made by Zedekiah and the people to free their Hebrew slaves, driven by the desperation of the siege (Jeremiah 34:8-10). Verse 15 is God's acknowledgment of this momentary act of righteousness, serving as a stark contrast to their subsequent betrayal of the covenant in [Jeremiah 34:11](/jeremiah/34-11 "Jeremiah 34:11 - The Broken Covenant") and [Jeremiah 34:16](/jeremiah/34-16 "Jeremiah 34:16 - The Re-enslavement of Freed Slaves"), where they re-enslaved those they had freed. This narrative sequence underscores the conditional nature of their repentance and the severity of their ultimate judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Jeremiah 34 unfold during the final siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonian army, specifically around 588-587 BC. This was a period of extreme duress for Judah, with the city under immense pressure. The practice of enslaving fellow Hebrews was a clear violation of Mosaic Law, which stipulated that Hebrew servants were to be freed after six years of service or in the Year of Jubilee (cf. [Exodus 21:2](/exodus/21-2 "Exodus 21:2 - Law on Hebrew Servants") and [Deuteronomy 15:12-18](/deuteronomy/15-12 "Deuteronomy 15:12-18 - Release of Hebrew Servants")). The act of "proclaiming liberty" was a desperate attempt to appease God and avert disaster, reflecting a common ancient Near Eastern practice of making vows or performing religious acts during times of crisis. The covenant was made "in the house which is called by my name," referring to the Jerusalem Temple, which was the central place of worship and covenant ratification, lending immense solemnity to their promise.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 34:15 contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Violation**. God's covenant with Israel demanded justice and obedience, yet the people repeatedly failed to uphold their end, particularly concerning the vulnerable. Their brief act of freeing slaves was a momentary return to covenant principles, quickly abandoned. Secondly, the verse underscores **Divine Justice and Judgment**. God's commendation of their "right" action, even if temporary, reveals His consistent demand for righteousness. Their subsequent failure to maintain this righteousness directly leads to the pronouncement of severe judgment, emphasizing that God's justice is not satisfied by superficial or conditional obedience. Finally, it touches upon the theme of **True vs. Superficial Repentance**. While the people "turned" and "done right," their actions were driven by fear of human enemies rather than genuine heart change, demonstrating that outward acts without inward transformation are insufficient in God's sight, a recurring motif throughout Jeremiah (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:1-15](/jeremiah/7 "Jeremiah 7 - The Temple Sermon")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **turned (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** From H7725, meaning "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to retreat; often adverbial, again." In this context, "turned" signifies a change in direction or behavior, implying a temporary repentance or a return to a path of obedience. It suggests a reversal of their previous unjust practices, even if the underlying motivation was not pure.
* **liberty (Hebrew, _dᵉrôwr'_):** From H1865, meaning "freedom; hence, spontaneity of outflow, and so clear; liberty, pure." This word is significant as it specifically refers to the release of captives or slaves, often associated with the Year of Jubilee (cf. [Leviticus 25:10](/leviticus/25-10 "Leviticus 25:10 - The Year of Jubilee")). Its use here emphasizes that the act was not merely a cessation of oppression but a positive declaration of freedom, echoing a foundational principle of the Mosaic Law.
* **covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** From H1285, meaning "a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh); confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league." This term highlights the solemn and binding nature of the agreement made before God. Covenants in the ancient Near East were serious legal and religious agreements, often ratified with rituals (like cutting animals in half, as implied by the root of the word, and as seen in [Jeremiah 34:18-19](/jeremiah/34-18 "Jeremiah 34:18-19 - The Covenant Ritual")). To break such a covenant, especially one made "in the house which is called by my name," was a profound offense against God Himself.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye were now turned, and had done right in my sight,"**: This clause acknowledges a momentary shift in the people's behavior. "Turned" (shûwb) suggests a reversal from their previous disobedience, while "done right" (yâshâr) indicates that their actions aligned with God's standards of justice. The phrase "in my sight" emphasizes that God observed and recognized this act, even if it was short-lived and motivated by duress rather than genuine repentance.
* **"in proclaiming liberty every man to his neighbour;"**: This specifies the righteous act: the declaration of freedom for Hebrew slaves. "Proclaiming liberty" (dᵉrôwr) directly references the Mosaic Law concerning the release of servants, particularly the principles of the Jubilee. The phrase "every man to his neighbour" underscores the widespread nature of this injustice and the comprehensive scope of the required repentance, affecting all slaveholders.
* **"and ye had made a covenant before me in the house which is called by my name:"**: This clause details the solemnity and sacred context of their promise. The "covenant" (bᵉrîyth) was a formal, binding agreement. Performing it "before me" (pânîym) signifies that God was the witness and ultimate party to the agreement, making its violation an affront directly to Him. The location, "in the house which is called by my name" (referring to the Temple in Jerusalem), further elevates the sacredness of the oath, making their subsequent betrayal even more egregious.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 34:15 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The primary device is **Irony**, as the verse describes a moment of commendable obedience that is immediately juxtaposed with the people's subsequent, swift betrayal of that very promise. This creates a tragic irony, highlighting the superficiality of their repentance. There is also a strong element of **Contrast**, setting the brief period of "doing right" against their long history of injustice and their immediate return to it. The phrase "the house which is called by my name" is an example of **Metonymy**, where "house" (the Temple) stands for the divine presence and authority associated with it, emphasizing the sacredness of the covenant made within its walls. Furthermore, the use of "proclaiming liberty" (dᵉrôwr) is a powerful **Allusion** to the Mosaic Law and the Year of Jubilee, connecting their specific act to a broader, foundational principle of divine justice and restoration, thereby magnifying the gravity of their failure to uphold it.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 34:15 serves as a poignant illustration of humanity's propensity for conditional obedience, driven by circumstance rather than genuine heart transformation. Theologically, it underscores God's unwavering demand for justice and compassion, particularly for the oppressed, as a core expression of covenant faithfulness. While God acknowledges even a temporary turn towards righteousness, His ultimate desire is for a steadfast and sincere commitment to His commands, reflecting a heart truly aligned with His character. The breaking of a covenant made in His very presence reveals a profound disregard for divine authority and the sacredness of His name, demonstrating that external acts without internal integrity are ultimately futile and provoke further judgment.

* [Exodus 21:2](/exodus/21-2 "Exodus 21:2-6 - Laws Concerning Hebrew Servants")
* [Deuteronomy 15:12](/deuteronomy/15-12 "Deuteronomy 15:12-18 - Release of Servants")
* [Isaiah 1:11](/isaiah/1-11 "Isaiah 1:11-17 - God's Call for True Righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 34:15 challenges us to examine the depth and sincerity of our own obedience to God. It prompts us to consider whether our acts of righteousness are born out of genuine love for God and neighbor, or if they are merely reactive responses to external pressures, crises, or a desire for self-preservation. True faith calls for a consistent, unwavering commitment to justice, compassion, and covenant faithfulness, not just when it is convenient or when judgment looms. This verse reminds us that God sees beyond our outward actions to the motives of our hearts, desiring a transformed character that consistently seeks to "do right" and "proclaim liberty" in all aspects of life, advocating for the marginalized and upholding the dignity of every person.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might my obedience to God be conditional or temporary, rather than steadfast?**
* **Am I truly committed to justice and freedom for others, or do I only act when it benefits me or when circumstances force my hand?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that seeks genuine repentance and consistent integrity, rather than superficial compliance?**
* **What promises or commitments have I made to God, and am I faithfully upholding them, even when circumstances change?**

### FAQ
**Why did the people free their slaves only to take them back later?**

Answer: The people freed their slaves primarily out of desperation and fear during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. They saw this act of obedience to the Mosaic Law (specifically regarding the release of Hebrew servants, as outlined in [Exodus 21:2](/exodus/21-2 "Exodus 21:2 - Law on Hebrew Servants") and [Deuteronomy 15:12](/deuteronomy/15-12 "Deuteronomy 15:12 - Release of Servants")) as a means to appease God and potentially lift the siege. However, their repentance was superficial and not rooted in genuine heart change. When the Babylonians temporarily withdrew from Jerusalem (perhaps to confront an Egyptian relief force, as implied in [Jeremiah 37:5](/jeremiah/37-5 "Jeremiah 37:5 - Babylonian Withdrawal")), the people wrongly assumed the danger had passed. Their self-serving motives resurfaced, and they reneged on their covenant, re-enslaving those they had just freed, as described in [Jeremiah 34:11](/jeremiah/34-11 "Jeremiah 34:11 - The Broken Covenant") and [Jeremiah 34:16](/jeremiah/34-16 "Jeremiah 34:16 - The Re-enslavement of Freed Slaves").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 34:15, with its depiction of a broken covenant and superficial obedience, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate need for a new and unbreakable covenant, fulfilled in Christ. The people's inability to maintain their promise to "proclaim liberty" and "do right" highlights the deep-seated sinfulness of humanity and the inadequacy of the Old Covenant to truly transform hearts. While they failed to provide lasting freedom, Jesus Christ embodies the true and eternal "liberty" (Greek: _eleutheria_). He came not merely to release physical slaves, but to "proclaim liberty to the captives" from the bondage of sin and death (cf. [Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission Statement"), quoting [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord")). Furthermore, the covenant made in the Temple, which was so easily broken by human weakness, points to the "new covenant" established through Christ's blood (cf. [Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in Christ's Blood"); [Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8 "Hebrews 8 - The Superiority of the New Covenant")). Unlike the temporary obedience of Judah, Christ perfectly fulfilled all righteousness and established a covenant that is eternal, written not on tablets of stone but on the hearts of believers (cf. [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant Promise")). Through His sacrifice, He provides the true freedom and the power to genuinely "do right" in God's sight, enabling a steadfast faithfulness that the people of Jeremiah's day could not achieve.

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 34:8

¶ [This is] the word that came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, after that the king Zedekiah had made a covenant with all the people which [were] at Jerusalem, to proclaim liberty unto them;

2 Kings 23:3

And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all [their] heart and all [their] soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant.

Jeremiah 7:10

And come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations?

Jeremiah 7:11

Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen [it], saith the LORD.

Nehemiah 10:29

They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes;

2 Kings 10:30

And the LORD said unto Jehu, Because thou hast done well in executing [that which is] right in mine eyes, [and] hast done unto the house of Ahab according to all that [was] in mine heart, thy children of the fourth [generation] shall sit on the throne of Israel.

2 Kings 10:31

But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the LORD God of Israel with all his heart: for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin.