Jeremiah 34:7

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Jeremiah 34:7 describes a critical moment during the Babylonian siege of Judah, highlighting the dire situation of the kingdom just before its complete collapse. The verse pinpoints the last remaining fortified cities resisting King Nebuchadnezzar's mighty army: Jerusalem, Lachish, and Azekah.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is set in the final years of the Kingdom of Judah, specifically around 588-586 BC, when King Zedekiah reigned in Jerusalem. The prophet Jeremiah had repeatedly warned the people and their kings about God's impending judgment due to their idolatry and unfaithfulness to the covenant. The Babylonian Empire, under Nebuchadnezzar II, was God's chosen instrument of discipline. By this point, most of Judah had already fallen, and the mention of only Lachish and Azekah alongside Jerusalem emphasizes the near-total conquest. Archaeological evidence, such as the Lachish Letters (ancient ostraca discovered at the site), provides extra-biblical confirmation of the final days of these fortresses, with one letter explicitly mentioning the fall of Azekah.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Imminent Judgment: The verse powerfully illustrates the inevitable and severe judgment awaiting Judah. The dwindling number of remaining cities signals that the final blow is at hand, a direct consequence of their persistent rebellion against God.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jeremiah's prophecies, often dismissed or ridiculed, were literally coming to pass. The siege and subsequent fall of these cities validated his warnings about divine retribution and the end of Judah's sovereignty.
  • God's Sovereignty: Despite the overwhelming military might of Babylon, the narrative implicitly asserts God's ultimate control. He allowed these events to unfold as part of His righteous plan, demonstrating that no human resistance could thwart His will.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "defenced cities" translates from the Hebrew word mivtzarim (מִבְצָרִים), meaning "fortresses" or "strongholds." This term highlights that Lachish and Azekah were not merely towns but strategically important, heavily fortified locations designed to withstand attack. Their fall, or imminent fall, underscored the overwhelming power of the Babylonian army and the futility of Judah's resistance without divine favor.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 34:7 serves as a sober reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the certainty of God's word. Just as Judah faced the fulfillment of prophetic warnings, so too does God's word remain true for all generations. It calls believers to:

  • Take God's Warnings Seriously: Recognize that God's pronouncements, whether of blessing or judgment, are sure to come to pass.
  • Embrace Repentance: The dire situation of Judah serves as a call to humility and genuine repentance when confronted with sin and divine displeasure.
  • Trust in God's Sovereignty: Even in times of judgment and distress, God remains in control, working out His purposes. This offers a paradoxical comfort, knowing that His plans, though sometimes painful, are ultimately just and purposeful, leading to future restoration for those who turn to Him (Jeremiah 29:11 speaks of God's plans for hope and a future).
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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