Jeremiah 34:2

KJV

Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; Go and speak to Zedekiah king of Judah, and tell him, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire:

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}; Go {H1980} and speak {H559} to Zedekiah {H6667} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}, and tell {H559} him, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}; Behold, I will give {H5414} this city {H5892} into the hand {H3027} of the king {H4428} of Babylon {H894}, and he shall burn {H8313} it with fire {H784}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"ADONAI the God of Isra'el says to go and speak to Tzidkiyahu king of Y'hudah. Tell him that ADONAI says: 'I am going to hand this city over to the king of Bavel, and he will burn it to the ground.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD, the God of Israel, told Jeremiah to go and speak to Zedekiah king of Judah and tell him that this is what the LORD says: “Behold, I am about to deliver this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he will burn it down.

American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, Go, and speak to Zedekiah king of Judah, and tell him, Thus saith Jehovah, Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 34:2 presents a direct and unyielding divine pronouncement from the LORD, the God of Israel, delivered through the prophet Jeremiah to King Zedekiah of Judah. This verse serves as a stark prophecy of Jerusalem's imminent and certain fall to the Babylonian forces, explicitly stating that the city will be given into the hand of the king of Babylon and subsequently consumed by fire. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over nations and His unwavering commitment to execute judgment upon persistent disobedience, even against His chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 34 opens with a renewed divine message to King Zedekiah, occurring during the final siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar's forces. This specific verse (Jeremiah 34:2) immediately follows the introductory statement that the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah when Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and all his army, and all the kingdoms of the earth under his dominion, and all the peoples, were fighting against Jerusalem and all its remaining cities. The subsequent verses (Jeremiah 34:3-7) elaborate on Zedekiah's personal fate, promising his capture but also a peaceful death, contrasting with the city's fiery destruction. The broader context of Jeremiah 34 is the breaking of a covenant made by Zedekiah and the people to free their Hebrew slaves, a covenant they quickly violated, further solidifying God's judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Jeremiah 34:2 is set in the tumultuous final years of the Kingdom of Judah, specifically during the reign of King Zedekiah (597-586 BC). At this time, Jerusalem was under siege by the Neo-Babylonian Empire, led by Nebuchadnezzar II. This was the third major Babylonian campaign against Judah, following the deportations of 605 BC and 597 BC. The people of Judah, including Zedekiah, had repeatedly rebelled against Babylonian vassalage and ignored the warnings of prophets like Jeremiah, who urged submission to Babylon as God's instrument of judgment. Culturally, the people of Judah had largely abandoned the covenant with Yahweh, engaging in widespread idolatry, social injustice, and reliance on political alliances rather than divine protection. The burning of a conquered city was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern warfare, serving as a sign of complete subjugation and devastation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, emphasizing that the impending destruction is not merely a geopolitical outcome but a direct act of God's will. The phrase "I will give this city" clearly indicates divine agency behind the Babylonian conquest, underscoring that God uses nations as instruments of His judgment against sin, a theme echoed in passages like [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - God uses Babylon as His servant"). Secondly, it reinforces the **Consequences of Disobedience and Covenant Faithfulness**. Judah's persistent idolatry, injustice, and rejection of God's prophetic warnings, despite numerous opportunities for repentance, ultimately led to this severe judgment, aligning with the covenant curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Thirdly, the verse underscores the **Futility of Resistance Against God's Decreed Will**. Zedekiah's attempts to resist Babylon, often against Jeremiah's counsel, are shown to be utterly useless against God's determined plan for Jerusalem's destruction, a message consistently delivered by Jeremiah throughout his ministry, as seen in [Jeremiah 21:8-10](/jeremiah/21-8 "Jeremiah 21:8-10 - Choose the Way of Life or Death").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **saith (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** This primitive root means "to say," but is used with great latitude, encompassing "to appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, command, commune, declare, demand, determine, promise, publish, report, require, speak, tell, think, utter." In Jeremiah 34:2, its repeated use ("Thus saith the LORD... and tell him, Thus saith the LORD") functions as a powerful prophetic formula, emphasizing the divine origin and absolute authority of the message. It is not Jeremiah's opinion but God's direct, authoritative word.
* **give (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** A primitive root meaning "to give," but also used broadly to mean "put, make, appoint, assign, bestow, bring forth, cause, commit, deliver up, grant, lay, let out, place, pour, set, take, yield." Here, "I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon" signifies God's active agency and sovereign control. It's not merely that Babylon will conquer, but that God Himself is delivering Jerusalem, His own city, into the enemy's power as an act of judgment. This highlights divine orchestration of historical events.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** This primitive word refers to "a hand," but is used in a vast variety of applications, both literally and figuratively, often denoting "power, means, direction, dominion, authority, custody." When God declares He will "give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon," it powerfully conveys the transfer of authority and control. Babylon's victory is not a result of its own might alone, but because God has granted them the power and dominion over Jerusalem. It signifies a complete surrender and subjugation under Babylonian authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; Go and speak to Zedekiah king of Judah, and tell him, Thus saith the LORD;":** This opening establishes the divine authority of the message. The double repetition of "Thus saith the LORD" (Hebrew: _koh amar Yahweh_) underscores the absolute certainty and non-negotiable nature of the prophecy. Jeremiah is merely the messenger, commanded to deliver God's precise words directly to the reigning monarch, Zedekiah, who is identified as "king of Judah," emphasizing his responsibility as the leader of God's covenant people. The address to "the God of Israel" reminds both Jeremiah and Zedekiah of the covenant relationship that is now being violated and judged.
* **"Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon,":** This is the core of the prophetic declaration. "Behold" (Hebrew: _hinneh_) serves as an interjection drawing immediate attention to a crucial, impending event. The active verb "I will give" (Hebrew: _nâthan_) clearly attributes the impending destruction to God's sovereign will, not merely to Babylonian military prowess. God is the one actively delivering Jerusalem, "this city" (Hebrew: _ʻîyr_), into the "hand" (Hebrew: _yâd_, signifying power and control) of Nebuchadnezzar, "the king of Babylon" (Hebrew: _melek Bâbel_). This signifies a divine handover for judgment, making Babylon an instrument in God's plan.
* **"and he shall burn it with fire:":** This final clause specifies the precise nature of the judgment. The "he" refers to the king of Babylon, who will carry out the destructive act of burning. "Burn it with fire" (Hebrew: _sâraph... ʼêsh_) indicates a complete and devastating destruction by conflagration, a common ancient Near Eastern method of utterly vanquishing a city, leaving it uninhabitable and symbolizing total defeat and divine wrath. This detail emphasizes the severity and finality of the impending judgment upon Jerusalem.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 34:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent and authoritative message. The most prominent is **Prophetic Formula**, specifically the repeated use of "Thus saith the LORD" (_koh amar Yahweh_). This formula acts as a divine signature, lending incontrovertible authority to the words that follow, ensuring that the audience understands the message originates directly from God and is not a human opinion or political prediction. Another device is **Divine Fiat**, where God declares His direct action: "I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon." This highlights God's absolute sovereignty and active involvement in historical events, portraying Him not as a passive observer but as the orchestrator of judgment. Finally, the phrase "into the hand of the king of Babylon" uses **Metonymy**, where "hand" represents power, authority, and control. It succinctly conveys the complete transfer of dominion over Jerusalem from God's protection to Babylonian subjugation and destruction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 34:2 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering justice and His sovereign control over the rise and fall of nations. It reveals that even His covenant people are not exempt from the consequences of persistent rebellion and idolatry. The prophecy underscores the principle that God uses foreign powers as instruments of His judgment, demonstrating that human history, even in its most chaotic moments, operates within the framework of His divine plan. This verse serves as a stark reminder that God's word, once spoken, will be fulfilled, whether for blessing or for judgment, and that true security lies in obedience and faithfulness to Him.

* [Jeremiah 21:10](/jeremiah/21-10 "Jeremiah 21:10 - God's determination to destroy Jerusalem")
* [2 Kings 25:9](/2_kings/25-9 "2 Kings 25:9 - The burning of the temple and city by Babylon")
* [2 Chronicles 36:19](/2_chronicles/36-19 "2 Chronicles 36:19 - Detailed account of Jerusalem's destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 34:2 offers a timeless and sobering lesson for all generations. It powerfully reminds us that God's warnings are not idle threats but expressions of His righteous character and unyielding commitment to justice. For us today, this verse challenges us to consider the seriousness with which we approach God's word. Do we heed His instructions, or do we, like Zedekiah, vacillate between fleeting obedience and persistent rebellion, swayed by worldly pressures or our own desires? The inevitable destruction of Jerusalem serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual consequences of turning away from God. It calls us to a posture of humility, repentance, and diligent obedience, recognizing that God's ultimate purposes will always prevail, and His judgment, though often delayed, is certain. This passage compels us to examine our own lives and communities for areas of spiritual compromise, urging us to align ourselves fully with God's will before the consequences of disobedience become irreversible.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be resisting God's clear instructions or warnings, similar to Zedekiah?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over nations and history (as seen in this verse) impact my perspective on current global events?**
* **What specific actions can I take to cultivate a greater sense of urgency and faithfulness in responding to God's word in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**Was Zedekiah given any opportunity to avoid this fate?**

Answer: Yes, Zedekiah was given multiple opportunities to avoid this fate, both for himself and for Jerusalem. Throughout Jeremiah's ministry, the prophet consistently urged Zedekiah and the people to surrender to Babylon, promising that if they did, their lives would be spared, and the city would not be burned. For instance, in [Jeremiah 27:12-13](/jeremiah/27-12 "Jeremiah 27:12-12 - Jeremiah's plea to Zedekiah to submit to Babylon"), Jeremiah directly tells Zedekiah to "bring your necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him and his people, and live." However, Zedekiah, influenced by false prophets and political advisors, largely ignored these divine warnings, repeatedly attempting to rebel against Babylon and seeking alliances with Egypt, which ultimately proved futile and led to the city's destruction as prophesied here.

**Does God truly "give" cities over to destruction, or is it merely a consequence of human actions?**

Answer: The biblical narrative, particularly in prophetic books like Jeremiah, consistently portrays God as actively involved in human history, orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes, whether through blessing or judgment. While human actions (Judah's disobedience) certainly provided the *reason* for judgment, the language "I will give this city" (Jeremiah 34:2) and similar phrases throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:48](/deuteronomy/28-48 "Deuteronomy 28:48 - God bringing an enemy against disobedient Israel")) clearly indicate God's direct agency and sovereign will in delivering His people into the hands of their enemies. This isn't to absolve human responsibility but to affirm God's ultimate control and His use of nations as instruments of His righteous judgment. The destruction of Jerusalem was not a random historical accident but a divinely ordained consequence of a broken covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 34:2 speaks of the judgment upon Old Covenant Israel, its core theological principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The prophecy of Jerusalem's destruction by fire foreshadows the ultimate judgment against sin that would be fully and finally borne by Jesus Christ. Just as God "gave" Jerusalem into the hands of Babylon due to its unfaithfulness, so too did God "give" His own Son into the hands of sinful humanity, not for destruction, but for salvation (cf. [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God so loved the world")). The fiery judgment on Jerusalem points forward to the righteous wrath of God against sin, which Jesus absorbed on the cross, becoming the ultimate sacrifice for a rebellious humanity (cf. [Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - The Suffering Servant")). Furthermore, the theme of God's word being fulfilled, even through devastating judgment, finds its ultimate expression in Christ, who is the Living Word (cf. [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - Jesus, the Word Incarnate")) and through whom all God's promises are "Yes" and "Amen" (cf. [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's promises are 'Yes' in Christ")). The old covenant city was burned for its unfaithfulness, but in Christ, a new Jerusalem, a spiritual city, is established, built on the foundation of His atoning work, offering eternal refuge and deliverance from the fires of eternal judgment to all who believe (cf. [Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem")).

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 21:10

For I have set my face against this city for evil, and not for good, saith the LORD: it shall be given into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire.

Jeremiah 34:22

Behold, I will command, saith the LORD, and cause them to return to this city; and they shall fight against it, and take it, and burn it with fire: and I will make the cities of Judah a desolation without an inhabitant.

Jeremiah 32:3

For Zedekiah king of Judah had shut him up, saying, Wherefore dost thou prophesy, and say, Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall take it;

2 Chronicles 36:11

¶ Zedekiah [was] one and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned eleven years in Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 36:12

And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD his God, [and] humbled not himself before Jeremiah the prophet [speaking] from the mouth of the LORD.

Jeremiah 22:1

¶ Thus saith the LORD; Go down to the house of the king of Judah, and speak there this word,

Jeremiah 22:2

And say, Hear the word of the LORD, O king of Judah, that sittest upon the throne of David, thou, and thy servants, and thy people that enter in by these gates: