Jeremiah 34:21

KJV

And Zedekiah king of Judah and his princes will I give into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of them that seek their life, and into the hand of the king of Babylon's army, which are gone up from you.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Zedekiah {H6667} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063} and his princes {H8269} will I give {H5414} into the hand {H3027} of their enemies {H341}, and into the hand {H3027} of them that seek {H1245} their life {H5315}, and into the hand {H3027} of the king {H4428} of Babylon's {H894} army {H2428}, which are gone up {H5927} from you.

Complete Jewish Bible

Tzidkiyahu king of Y'hudah and his officials I will hand over to their enemies, to those who seek their lives and to the army of the king of Bavel, which has withdrawn.

Berean Standard Bible

And I will deliver Zedekiah king of Judah and his officials into the hands of their enemies who seek their lives, to the army of the king of Babylon that had withdrawn from you.

American Standard Version

And Zedekiah king of Judah and his princes will I give into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of them that seek their life, and into the hand of the king of Babylon’s army, that are gone away from you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 34:21 delivers a severe divine pronouncement of judgment against King Zedekiah of Judah and his leading officials. Despite a momentary withdrawal of the Babylonian siege forces, God unequivocally declares that He Himself will actively deliver them into the relentless grasp of their enemies, specifically the army of the king of Babylon. This judgment is a direct consequence of their profound covenant infidelity and egregious hypocrisy in re-enslaving those Hebrew servants they had just publicly liberated, underscoring God's unwavering sovereignty over historical events and His righteous response to disobedience and injustice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This prophecy is situated within a series of escalating divine pronouncements in Jeremiah concerning the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the inevitable exile of Judah. Specifically, [Jeremiah 34](/jeremiah/34 "Jeremiah 34 - Covenant Broken and Judgment Declared") details a critical juncture during the final siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar's forces. The immediate backdrop to [Jeremiah 34:21](/jeremiah/34-21 "Jeremiah 34:21 - Judgment on Zedekiah") is the breaking of a solemn covenant (see [Jeremiah 34:8-11](/jeremiah/34-8-11 "Jeremiah 34:8-11 - The Covenant to Free Slaves")). Following the temporary withdrawal of the Babylonian army to confront an approaching Egyptian force ([Jeremiah 37:5](/jeremiah/37-5 "Jeremiah 37:5 - Egyptian Army Approaches")), King Zedekiah and the people of Jerusalem made a public vow before God to free their Hebrew slaves, as mandated by Mosaic Law. However, in a shocking display of spiritual hypocrisy and utter disregard for their sacred oath, they soon re-enslaved those they had just set free ([Jeremiah 34:16](/jeremiah/34-16 "Jeremiah 34:16 - The Broken Covenant and Re-enslavement")). [Jeremiah 34:21](/jeremiah/34-21 "Jeremiah 34:21 - Judgment on Zedekiah") is God's direct, unyielding response to this egregious act of covenant violation, declaring the resumption and ultimate success of the Babylonian siege as a divinely ordained judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is the twilight of the Kingdom of Judah, specifically around 588-587 BC. Jerusalem was under siege by the formidable Babylonian Empire, led by King Nebuchadnezzar II. This was not the first Babylonian incursion; the first major deportation had occurred in 597 BC, taking King Jehoiachin and many nobles into exile. King Zedekiah, Jehoiachin's uncle, had been installed as a puppet king by Nebuchadnezzar. The temporary lifting of the siege was a moment of false hope for Jerusalem, as an Egyptian army advanced to challenge Babylon. Culturally, the covenant to free slaves was deeply rooted in the Mosaic Law, particularly [Deuteronomy 15:12-18](/deuteronomy/15-12-18 "Deuteronomy 15:12-18 - Release of Hebrew Servants"). This law stipulated that Hebrew servants were to be set free after six years of service. The act of making and then breaking such a covenant, especially one made before God in His temple, was a profound act of spiritual rebellion and societal injustice, demonstrating a deep-seated lack of integrity and faithfulness to God's commands.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. First, it highlights **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating God's righteous wrath against disobedience, covenant infidelity, and social injustice. The delivery of Zedekiah and his princes into the hands of their enemies is presented as a direct, divinely ordained consequence. Second, the passage underscores the absolute **Sovereignty of God**. Even though the Babylonian army had "gone up from you" (temporarily departed), the Lord declares, "will I give," emphasizing that the ultimate outcome of the conflict and the destiny of Judah are entirely under His control. God is actively orchestrating historical events to fulfill His prophetic word, using foreign nations as instruments of His judgment ([Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5-6 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria as God's Rod")). Third, the immediate catalyst for this prophecy—the violation of a solemn vow to free slaves—emphasizes the severe **Consequences of Covenant Breaking**. God views promises made in His name and obedience to His laws with utmost seriousness. Finally, [Jeremiah 34:21](/jeremiah/34-21 "Jeremiah 34:21 - Judgment on Zedekiah") is an integral part of the larger prophetic narrative in Jeremiah foretelling the **Inevitable Doom of Jerusalem** ([Jeremiah 52](/jeremiah/52 "Jeremiah 52 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Exile")), the destruction of its temple, and the exile of its people, all as a result of their persistent rebellion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **give (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** H5414 - a primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.). In this context, "give" denotes a deliberate act of handing over or delivering, highlighting God's active and decisive role in orchestrating the judgment. It signifies not merely a passive observation of events but a direct divine intervention, where God Himself is the agent of transfer, sealing the fate of Zedekiah and his princes.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** H3027 - a primitive word; the open hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.). In this context, "into the hand of" is a common Hebrew idiom signifying surrender, subjugation, or being placed under the authority or power of another. Its repeated use in the verse emphasizes the complete vulnerability, helplessness, and lack of control Zedekiah and his princes will experience once delivered into the dominion of their foes.
* **seek (Hebrew, _bâqash'_):** H1245 - a primitive root; to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after. Here, "seek" implies a relentless, determined pursuit, indicating the enemies' unwavering intent to capture and destroy Zedekiah and his officials. Their pursuit is not casual but driven by a strong, focused desire for vengeance or conquest, specifically targeting their "life" (_nephesh_), signifying their very existence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Zedekiah king of Judah and his princes will I give":** This opening clause immediately identifies the primary recipients of God's severe judgment: King Zedekiah, the last reigning monarch of Judah, and his high-ranking officials. The divine "I" (referring to Yahweh) emphasizes God's direct agency and supreme authority in this pronouncement. It is not a mere prediction of what might happen, but a declarative statement of divine action, indicating that their fate is sealed by God's unalterable decree.
* **"into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of them that seek their life":** This segment specifies the nature of the judgment: a complete and utter surrender to hostile forces. The repetition of "into the hand of" powerfully underscores the totality of their subjugation and loss of power, leaving no room for escape. The enemies are not just any adversaries but those who actively "seek their life," implying a relentless, deadly pursuit aimed at their very existence, highlighting the severe and existential threat they face.
* **"and into the hand of the king of Babylon's army, which are gone up from you":** This final clause precisely identifies the specific instrument of God's judgment: the formidable army of the king of Babylon (Nebuchadnezzar). The phrase "which are gone up from you" is crucial; it refers to the temporary withdrawal of the Babylonian forces from Jerusalem to confront the Egyptians. This detail highlights the profound irony and the absolute certainty of the prophecy: despite their momentary departure, God declares that it is into the hands of this very army that Zedekiah and his princes will ultimately be delivered. This reinforces God's sovereign control over even the movements of mighty empires and the futility of human attempts to evade His judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 34:21 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending and inescapable judgment. **Repetition** is prominently featured with the phrase "into the hand of," which appears three times. This emphatic repetition serves to underscore the absolute certainty and totality of the surrender and subjugation of Zedekiah and his princes. It highlights their complete loss of autonomy and the divine agency behind their downfall. The phrase "into the hand of" itself is a common **idiom** in Hebrew, signifying being delivered into the power or control of another, further emphasizing the divine initiative in this act of judgment. The verse is a direct **Divine Pronouncement** or **Prophecy**, delivered by God through Jeremiah, which lends it an authoritative and unalterable quality, emphasizing that this is God's decree, not merely a human prediction. Furthermore, there is a subtle but powerful layer of **Irony** in the final phrase, "which are gone up from you." At the time of this prophecy, the Babylonians had temporarily lifted the siege, offering a false sense of relief and security to Jerusalem. God's declaration that it is precisely this army, which had seemingly departed and brought a moment of hope, that will ultimately be the instrument of their demise, highlights the futility of their temporary reprieve and the inescapable, predetermined nature of divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 34:21 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that God holds leaders and nations accountable for their actions, particularly concerning covenant faithfulness and justice. The deliberate breaking of a sacred vow, especially one made before God and concerning the liberation of the oppressed, provoked a swift and severe divine response. This passage underscores that God's justice is not merely punitive but restorative in its broader purpose, aiming to uphold His righteous character and the sanctity of His covenant. Even when human powers seem to have the upper hand or when circumstances appear to offer a reprieve, God's sovereign hand remains firmly on the rudder of history, orchestrating events to fulfill His declared purposes, whether for judgment or for ultimate redemption. The fate of Zedekiah and Judah serves as a stark warning against hypocrisy and the illusion that one can defy God's commands without consequence.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience") - This verse is part of a larger chapter detailing the curses that will befall Israel if they disobey God's covenant, directly paralleling the judgment on Zedekiah.
* [Leviticus 26:25](/leviticus/26-25 "Leviticus 26:25 - God's Sword of Vengeance") - This passage speaks of God bringing a sword upon those who break His covenant, leading to their delivery into enemy hands, a clear thematic link to Jeremiah 34:21.
* [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - God's Counsel Stands") - While humans may devise many plans, this proverb affirms that it is the Lord's purpose that will prevail, echoing the sovereignty of God seen in Jeremiah 34:21.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 34:21 serves as a powerful and enduring reminder of the gravity of our commitments, especially those made before God and to one another. The swift and decisive judgment upon Zedekiah and his princes for their covenant-breaking highlights that integrity, faithfulness, and justice are not optional but foundational to a right relationship with God and a flourishing society. For us today, this means taking our promises seriously, whether in marriage, business, or community, recognizing that our word should be our bond and that breaking it carries significant spiritual weight. It also calls us to consider how we treat the vulnerable and marginalized, as God's heart is consistently aligned with justice for the oppressed, and He holds those in power particularly accountable for their stewardship. Furthermore, the passage reminds us that even when circumstances seem to shift in our favor or when external threats recede, God's ultimate plan and judgment remain unswayed by human maneuvering or temporary reprieves. It encourages a posture of humility and dependence on God, trusting in His righteous character and sovereign control even when His ways involve difficult consequences. Ultimately, it compels us to examine our own lives for areas of hypocrisy or unfulfilled commitments, urging us to repent and walk in faithful obedience, knowing that true freedom comes from living in alignment with God's will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life or in my community might there be "broken covenants" or unfulfilled promises that need to be addressed, and what steps can I take toward restoration?**
* **How does the sovereignty of God in this verse, even in judgment, shape my understanding of His character and my trust in His ultimate control over my life and the world, especially when circumstances seem uncertain?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to act hypocritically, making outward displays of piety or commitment while my heart is far from true obedience or justice?**
* **What does this passage teach me about the importance of integrity and compassion, especially in how I treat those who may be in a vulnerable or dependent position?**

### FAQ

**Why did God specifically mention Zedekiah and his princes?**

Answer: God specifically mentioned Zedekiah and his princes because they were the primary leaders and decision-makers responsible for the covenant made and subsequently broken. As the king, Zedekiah bore the ultimate responsibility for the nation's spiritual and political fidelity. His princes were his advisors and enforcers, complicit in the act of re-enslaving the freed people. This direct naming underscores their personal accountability before God for their hypocrisy and disobedience. It highlights that leadership comes with significant responsibility, and those in positions of power are held to a higher standard, as seen throughout scripture (e.g., [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Rebellion as Witchcraft")). Their judgment served as a public demonstration of God's justice against those who led His people astray and violated His righteous commands.

**What was the significance of the Babylonian army 'going up from you' in this prophecy?**

Answer: The phrase "which are gone up from you" refers to the temporary withdrawal of the Babylonian army from Jerusalem. Historically, this occurred because an Egyptian army was advancing to challenge Babylon, forcing Nebuchadnezzar to divert his forces ([Jeremiah 37:5-7](/jeremiah/37-5-7 "Jeremiah 37:5-7 - Egyptian Relief and Babylon's Return")). This brief respite created a false sense of security and hope among the people of Jerusalem, leading them to believe that the siege was over and they were safe. The significance in the prophecy is profound: it highlights the **irony** and the **certainty** of God's judgment. Despite the apparent relief and the momentary departure of the enemy, God declares that it is precisely this same army that will return and be the instrument of His judgment. It underscores that human efforts or temporary reprieves cannot thwart God's determined purpose when judgment is due, reaffirming His ultimate sovereignty over all nations and events ([Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 34:21 speaks of judgment and the profound failure of an earthly king and his people to uphold their covenant, it ultimately points to the desperate need for a perfect King and a new, unbreakable covenant—both of which find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Zedekiah's failure to maintain a just and faithful kingdom, leading to its utter destruction, vividly foreshadows the inadequacy of all human rule and the absolute necessity of a divine King. Jesus, as the true [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), does not merely reign over a temporary earthly kingdom but establishes an eternal one, a kingdom that "shall never be destroyed" ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")). Furthermore, the broken covenant of Zedekiah's time starkly highlights humanity's inherent inability to perfectly keep God's righteous law. Christ, however, inaugurates a [new covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant") through His own shed blood, a covenant of grace and forgiveness where God's laws are not merely written on stone tablets but are supernaturally written on the hearts of His people ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). The "seeking of life" by enemies in Jeremiah 34:21 contrasts sharply with Christ, who came not to seek life for Himself, but to [give His life as a ransom for many](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve"). He is the ultimate [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bearing the righteous judgment that rebellious humanity deserved, thereby offering true life and eternal freedom from the dominion of sin and death to all who believe ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and Gift of God")). In Christ, God's righteous judgment is perfectly satisfied, and His covenant promises find their ultimate, unfailing fulfillment, offering hope where human failure brought only despair.

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 52:24

¶ And the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest, and Zephaniah the second priest, and the three keepers of the door:

Jeremiah 52:27

And the king of Babylon smote them, and put them to death in Riblah in the land of Hamath. Thus Judah was carried away captive out of his own land.

Jeremiah 39:6

Then the king of Babylon slew the sons of Zedekiah in Riblah before his eyes: also the king of Babylon slew all the nobles of Judah.

Ezekiel 17:16

[As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely in the place [where] the king [dwelleth] that made him king, whose oath he despised, and whose covenant he brake, [even] with him in the midst of Babylon he shall die.

Jeremiah 37:5

Then Pharaoh's army was come forth out of Egypt: and when the Chaldeans that besieged Jerusalem heard tidings of them, they departed from Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 37:11

¶ And it came to pass, that when the army of the Chaldeans was broken up from Jerusalem for fear of Pharaoh's army,

2 Kings 25:18

And the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest, and Zephaniah the second priest, and the three keepers of the door: