Jeremiah 34:7

KJV

When the king of Babylon's army fought against Jerusalem, and against all the cities of Judah that were left, against Lachish, and against Azekah: for these defenced cities remained of the cities of Judah.

KJV (with Strong's)

When the king {H4428} of Babylon's {H894} army {H2428} fought {H3898} against Jerusalem {H3389}, and against all the cities {H5892} of Judah {H3063} that were left {H3498}, against Lachish {H3923}, and against Azekah {H5825}: for these defenced {H4013} cities {H5892} remained {H7604} of the cities {H5892} of Judah {H3063}.

Complete Jewish Bible

at the time when the king of Bavel's army was fighting against Yerushalayim and against all the cities of Y'hudah that were left - that is, against Lakhish and 'Azekah, since only these remained of the fortified cities of Y'hudah.

Berean Standard Bible

as the army of the king of Babylon was fighting against Jerusalem and the remaining cities of Judah—against Lachish and Azekah. For these were the only fortified cities remaining in Judah.

American Standard Version

when the king of Babylon’s army was fighting against Jerusalem, and against all the cities of Judah that were left, against Lachish and against Azekah; for these alone remained of the cities of Judah as fortified cities.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 34:7 vividly captures the desperate final moments of the Kingdom of Judah, under siege by Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian army. This verse specifically names Jerusalem, Lachish, and Azekah as the last remaining fortified cities still resisting the overwhelming foreign power. It underscores the culmination of God's judgment against His unfaithful people, highlighting the futility of human resistance against divine decree and the imminent collapse of Judah's sovereignty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 34 is situated within a broader section of Jeremiah's prophecies concerning Judah's final days and the impending Babylonian exile. Specifically, this chapter details King Zedekiah's broken covenant regarding the release of Hebrew slaves, a direct act of disobedience that further solidifies God's judgment. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 34:1-6) describe the siege of Jerusalem and Zedekiah's personal fate, while Jeremiah 34:7 then narrows the focus to the few remaining strongholds outside the capital. The mention of Lachish and Azekah serves to emphasize the near-total conquest of Judah, setting the stage for the ultimate fall of Jerusalem itself, which is the primary focus of the book's later chapters. This verse functions as a stark snapshot, illustrating the dire military reality that confirmed Jeremiah's long-standing warnings.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Jeremiah 34:7 transpired during the final siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar II's Babylonian army, roughly between 588 and 586 BC. This period marked the twilight of the Kingdom of Judah, with King Zedekiah ruling as a vassal king who eventually rebelled against Babylon. Culturally, Judah was a nation steeped in covenant theology, where faithfulness to Yahweh was expected to bring blessing and disobedience, judgment. The siege was a direct fulfillment of prophetic warnings, including those in [Deuteronomy 28:49-52](/deuteronomy/28-49 "Prophecy of Siege and Destruction") concerning foreign invasion and siege. Lachish and Azekah were strategically vital, heavily fortified cities in the Shephelah region, west of Jerusalem, serving as key defensive outposts protecting the capital. Archaeological discoveries, such as the Lachish Letters (ostraca found at Lachish), corroborate the biblical account, with one letter explicitly mentioning the visual signal fires from Azekah having ceased, indicating its fall. This historical backdrop paints a picture of a nation cornered, its last defenses crumbling under the weight of divine judgment enacted through a powerful empire.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 34:7 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. First, it underscores the theme of **Imminent Judgment** and the **Consequences of Disobedience**. The dwindling number of resisting cities is a tangible sign that God's patience has run out, and His promised judgment for Judah's persistent idolatry and unfaithfulness to the covenant is at hand (cf. [Jeremiah 25:8-11](/jeremiah/25-8 "Seventy Years of Exile")). Second, it highlights the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**. Jeremiah's often-ridiculed warnings about Babylon serving as God's instrument of wrath are now demonstrably coming to pass, validating his prophetic office and the certainty of God's word (cf. [Jeremiah 28:8-9](/jeremiah/28-8 "True Prophets Prophesy Disaster")). Finally, the verse implicitly asserts **God's Sovereignty** over nations and history. Despite the immense military might of Babylon, it is ultimately God who orchestrates these events, using a pagan empire to execute His righteous purposes and discipline His people, demonstrating that no human stronghold or military resistance can thwart His ultimate will (cf. [Jeremiah 27:5-8](/jeremiah/27-5 "God's Sovereignty Over Nations")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **army (Hebrew, _chayil'_):** This word, derived from a root suggesting "force" or "strength," denotes a military host, a band of soldiers, or a powerful force. In Jeremiah 34:7, it emphasizes the formidable and overwhelming military might of Nebuchadnezzar's forces, highlighting their destructive capacity and the futility of Judah's resistance against such a powerful instrument of divine judgment.
* **fought (Hebrew, _lâcham'_):** This primitive root means "to feed on" or "to consume," and figuratively, "to battle" or "to make war." The implication is one of destructive engagement, where the act of fighting is akin to devouring or consuming the enemy. Here, it vividly portrays the aggressive and relentless nature of the Babylonian siege, not merely as a skirmish but as a consuming war aimed at total subjugation and destruction.
* **defenced (Hebrew, _mibtsâr'_):** This term refers to a fortification, a castle, or a fortified city, and metaphorically, a defender or stronghold. The use of "defenced cities" for Lachish and Azekah underscores their strategic importance and the strength of their fortifications. It highlights that these were not easily conquered towns but well-prepared strongholds, making their imminent fall even more indicative of the overwhelming power of the Babylonian army and the inevitability of Judah's defeat.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When the king of Babylon's army fought against Jerusalem,"**: This clause establishes the primary aggressor, Nebuchadnezzar's formidable military, and its ultimate target, Jerusalem, the capital and spiritual heart of Judah. It sets the scene of the grand siege, which was the culmination of years of warnings and smaller incursions.
* **"and against all the cities of Judah that were left,"**: This phrase emphasizes the widespread destruction and conquest that had already occurred throughout Judah. It indicates that the vast majority of Judahite cities had already fallen, leaving only a desperate few. This highlights the dire and isolated position of Jerusalem and the remaining strongholds.
* **"against Lachish, and against Azekah:"**: These specific cities are named because they were the last significant fortified outposts outside Jerusalem still holding out. Their mention underscores their strategic importance as the final line of defense for the capital, and their inclusion signifies the near-total collapse of Judah's kingdom.
* **"for these defenced cities remained of the cities of Judah."**: This concluding clause confirms the status of Lachish and Azekah as the final strongholds. The term "defenced" (fortified) accentuates their military strength, making their continued resistance, however brief, notable. Yet, the very fact that only *these* remained speaks volumes about the extent of Babylon's conquest and the impending doom for Judah.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 34:7 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the mention of only two remaining "defenced cities" alongside Jerusalem strongly hints at the imminent and complete fall of the capital itself. This dwindling resistance serves as a grim **Symbolism** of Judah's final, desperate stand, representing the last vestiges of a once-proud kingdom before its total collapse. The verse also utilizes **Understatement** through its concise enumeration; by simply stating what "remained," it implicitly conveys the vast extent of what had already been lost, allowing the reader to grasp the overwhelming nature of the Babylonian conquest without explicit description of every fallen city. Furthermore, there's an element of **Irony** in the description of these cities as "defenced" or fortified, for despite their strength, they are ultimately unable to withstand the divinely ordained judgment, illustrating the futility of human might against God's purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 34:7 serves as a stark theological commentary on the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness and the certainty of God's word. It demonstrates that divine judgment, though often delayed, is inevitable when a people persistently rebels against God's commands. The fall of these last strongholds underscores that no human defense or strategic advantage can thwart the will of the sovereign God, who uses even pagan empires as instruments of His righteous discipline. This historical moment is a powerful reminder that God holds nations accountable for their actions and that His prophecies are not idle threats but sure declarations that will come to pass. The verse also highlights the theme of a "remnant," though here it is a remnant of cities under siege, it foreshadows the theological concept of a spiritual remnant that God would preserve through the exile.

* [Jeremiah 39:1-3](/jeremiah/39-1 "The Fall of Jerusalem")
* [Lamentations 2:1-5](/lamentations/2-1 "God's Wrath Poured Out")
* [Isaiah 1:7-9](/isaiah/1-7 "Desolation of the Land")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 34:7 stands as a solemn monument to the unwavering truth of God's word and the severe consequences of persistent disobedience. For us today, it serves as a profound call to heed divine warnings, whether spoken through Scripture, conscience, or the counsel of faithful believers. Just as Judah's fortified cities could not withstand God's judgment, so too are our own self-reliant "strongholds"—be they wealth, power, intellect, or self-righteousness—ultimately powerless against the righteous hand of God. This verse compels us to examine our lives for areas of unfaithfulness and to embrace genuine repentance, recognizing that true security lies not in human defenses but in humble obedience and trust in God's sovereignty. It reminds us that God's plans, though sometimes involving painful discipline, are always just and ultimately aim for our good and His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "fortified cities" or areas of self-reliance do I tend to trust in more than God's unfailing word?**
* **How seriously do I take God's warnings and calls to repentance in my own life?**
* **In what ways can I better align my life with God's revealed will, recognizing His ultimate sovereignty over all circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why are Lachish and Azekah specifically mentioned alongside Jerusalem?**

Answer: Lachish and Azekah were strategically vital, heavily fortified cities located in the Shephelah (foothills) region of Judah. They served as key defensive outposts protecting the approach to Jerusalem from the west. Their specific mention in [Jeremiah 34:7](/jeremiah/34-7 "The Last Remaining Cities") signifies that by this point in the Babylonian siege, nearly all other cities in Judah had already fallen. Their continued, albeit brief, resistance highlighted their strength as "defenced cities" and underscored the dire reality that only these last few strongholds remained before Jerusalem itself would inevitably fall. Archaeological evidence, such as the Lachish Letters, further confirms their importance and their role in the final days of the kingdom.

**What happened to these cities after this verse?**

Answer: Shortly after the events described in [Jeremiah 34:7](/jeremiah/34-7 "The Last Remaining Cities"), both Lachish and Azekah fell to the Babylonian army. Archaeological excavations at both sites have revealed extensive destruction layers consistent with the Babylonian conquest. The Lachish Letters, ancient ostraca discovered at Lachish, include one letter (Lachish Letter IV) that mentions the signal fires from Azekah no longer being visible, suggesting its fall. The fall of these last remaining fortified cities left Jerusalem isolated and vulnerable, leading to its eventual capture and destruction in 586 BC, as detailed in [Jeremiah 39:1-10](/jeremiah/39-1 "The Fall of Jerusalem and Exile").

**How does this verse relate to Jeremiah's overall message of judgment and hope?**

Answer: [Jeremiah 34:7](/jeremiah/34-7 "The Last Remaining Cities") is a powerful illustration of the fulfillment of Jeremiah's long-standing prophecies of judgment against Judah for its persistent idolatry and unfaithfulness. It represents the culmination of God's discipline, demonstrating the certainty of His word and the futility of human resistance against His sovereign will. While this verse focuses on the immediate, devastating judgment, it is part of Jeremiah's broader message that, even amidst judgment, God preserves a remnant and promises future restoration and a new covenant ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "The New Covenant")). Thus, it highlights the severity of sin but also implicitly points to the necessity of divine intervention for true hope beyond human failure.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 34:7, depicting Judah's final, desperate stand against an overwhelming enemy, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. The vulnerability of Jerusalem and its last strongholds under divine judgment foreshadows the ultimate judgment for sin, which Christ bore on the cross. Just as no human "defenced cities" could withstand God's decree against a rebellious Judah, so too no human effort or self-righteousness can withstand the righteous judgment against sin. We are all, in our fallen state, like those besieged cities, without true defense against the consequences of our rebellion. However, in Christ, we find the ultimate "stronghold" and "defender." He is the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice to satisfy divine justice. His lament over Jerusalem in [Matthew 23:37-38](/matthew/23-37 "Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem") echoes the sorrow of judgment, yet His ultimate act of redemption provides the only true escape from the condemnation that Judah faced. Furthermore, while Judah's physical strongholds crumbled, Christ is presented as the living cornerstone, the immovable foundation upon which God is building a spiritual house, a new people who will never be put to shame ([1 Peter 2:4-6](/1_peter/2-4 "Christ, the Living Stone")). He is the true King, establishing an eternal kingdom that will never be overthrown, unlike the earthly kingdom of Judah. Thus, the despair of Jeremiah 34:7 ultimately points to the hope found in Christ, our only true refuge and the fulfillment of God's saving purposes.

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

Joshua 10:3

Wherefore Adonizedek king of Jerusalem sent unto Hoham king of Hebron, and unto Piram king of Jarmuth, and unto Japhia king of Lachish, and unto Debir king of Eglon, saying,

Jeremiah 4:5

¶ Declare ye in Judah, and publish in Jerusalem; and say, Blow ye the trumpet in the land: cry, gather together, and say, Assemble yourselves, and let us go into the defenced cities.

2 Kings 18:13

Now in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah did Sennacherib king of Assyria come up against all the fenced cities of Judah, and took them.

2 Kings 18:14

And Hezekiah king of Judah sent to the king of Assyria to Lachish, saying, I have offended; return from me: that which thou puttest on me will I bear. And the king of Assyria appointed unto Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold.

Joshua 15:35

Jarmuth, and Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah,

2 Chronicles 11:5

And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and built cities for defence in Judah.

2 Chronicles 11:10

And Zorah, and Aijalon, and Hebron, which [are] in Judah and in Benjamin fenced cities.