Jeremiah 38:3

KJV

Thus saith the LORD, This city shall surely be given into the hand of the king of Babylon's army, which shall take it.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, This city {H5892} shall surely {H5414} be given {H5414} into the hand {H3027} of the king {H4428} of Babylon's {H894} army {H2428}, which shall take {H3920} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI says that this city will certainly be handed over to the army of the king of Bavel, and he will capture it."

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the LORD says: This city will surely be delivered into the hands of the army of the king of Babylon, and he will capture it.”

American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah, This city shall surely be given into the hand of the army of the king of Babylon, and he shall take it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 38:3 delivers a stark and unyielding divine decree from the LORD, prophesying the inevitable fall of Jerusalem. This pronouncement reveals that the city, despite its fortifications and the desperate hopes of its inhabitants, would assuredly be "given into the hand" of the Babylonian king's army, which would then capture it. The verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty over nations and His unwavering resolve to execute judgment through chosen instruments, even foreign empires, as a consequence of Judah's persistent rebellion and unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct word from the LORD, delivered by the prophet Jeremiah during the final, tumultuous years of the Kingdom of Judah under King Zedekiah. It is situated within a narrative where Jeremiah's prophetic message of surrender to Babylon, as God's instrument of judgment, was deeply unpopular and considered treasonous by the Judean princes and officials. Immediately preceding this verse, in [Jeremiah 38:1-2](/jeremiah/38-1 "Jeremiah 38:1-2 - Jeremiah's Imprisonment and Prophecy"), these officials accuse Jeremiah of undermining the morale of the soldiers and the people by speaking words of defeat. This particular prophecy in [Jeremiah 38:3](/jeremiah/38-3 "Jeremiah 38:3 - Prophecy of Jerusalem's Fall") serves as a direct, authoritative counter to the false hopes and defiant strategies of the Judean leadership, reiterating the absolute certainty of the impending judgment that they so desperately sought to avoid. It highlights the divine origin and unchangeable nature of the prophecy, despite Jeremiah's suffering and imprisonment for delivering it.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a period of intense geopolitical instability in the Ancient Near East. The once-dominant Assyrian Empire had collapsed, giving rise to the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which was rapidly asserting its dominance. Judah, a small kingdom, found itself precariously positioned between the rising power of Babylon to the north and the declining power of Egypt to the south. King Zedekiah, installed as a puppet king by Babylon after the first deportation of Judah's elite in 597 BCE (recorded in [2 Kings 24:10-17](/2_kings/24-10 "2 Kings 24:10-17 - Jehoiachin's Captivity and First Deportation")), was constantly pressured by his pro-Egyptian officials to rebel against Babylon. Culturally, Jerusalem held immense significance as the capital, the City of David, and the site of the Temple, believed by many to be inviolable due to God's presence. This belief fostered a false sense of security, leading many to reject Jeremiah's warnings, which contradicted their nationalistic and theological assumptions about divine protection. The prophecy in [Jeremiah 38:3](/jeremiah/38-3 "Jeremiah 38:3 - Prophecy of Jerusalem's Fall") directly confronts this cultural hubris, asserting that even the sacred city would not be spared from God's judgment.
* **Key Themes:** [Jeremiah 38:3](/jeremiah/38-3 "Jeremiah 38:3 - Prophecy of Jerusalem's Fall") powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah and prophetic literature. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment** is paramount; the phrase "Thus saith the LORD" establishes God's absolute control over nations and history, demonstrating His use of even pagan empires like Babylon as instruments of His divine purpose. This theme is echoed in passages like [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms") and [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria as God's Instrument"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Inevitable Consequences of Disobedience**. Jeremiah had consistently called Judah to repentance and covenant faithfulness, but their persistent idolatry, social injustice, and reliance on false prophets led to this severe, divinely orchestrated judgment. The "giving into the hand" signifies a deliberate divine act of handing over due to their unfaithfulness, not merely a military defeat. Lastly, **Prophetic Certainty** is emphasized; despite the intense opposition and personal suffering Jeremiah endured for delivering his unpopular messages, his prophecies were divinely inspired and therefore absolutely certain to come to pass, a truth powerfully demonstrated by the historical fulfillment recorded in [Jeremiah 39:1-2](/jeremiah/39-1 "Jeremiah 39:1-2 - Fall of Jerusalem") and [2 Kings 25:1-10](/2_kings/25-1 "2 Kings 25:1-10 - Siege and Destruction of Jerusalem").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saith (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** From H559, this primitive root means "to say" with great latitude, encompassing declaring, commanding, promising, and asserting. In the context of "Thus saith the LORD," it functions as a prophetic formula, signifying that the ensuing message is a direct, authoritative, and undeniable utterance from God Himself, not merely Jeremiah's opinion or political analysis. It imbues the prophecy with divine weight and certainty.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "the Lord." It refers to the self-existent, eternal God who is faithful to His covenant promises and purposes. Its use here emphasizes that the judgment is not arbitrary but proceeds from the righteous and sovereign God who governs all things and holds His people accountable to His covenant.
* **given (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** From H5414, this primitive root is highly versatile, meaning "to give" with a vast range of applications, including to put, make, bestow, deliver, or commit. In Jeremiah 38:3, the phrase "shall surely be given" (a Niphal passive construction, indicating divine agency) powerfully conveys that Jerusalem's fall is not merely a military outcome but a deliberate act of God. He is actively "handing over" or "delivering" the city to its conquerors, underscoring His direct involvement and orchestration of the judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD,"**: This is the authoritative prophetic formula, a direct declaration from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. It establishes the divine origin and absolute certainty of the message, leaving no room for doubt about its truth or ultimate fulfillment. It signifies that the following words are God's own, not Jeremiah's.
* **"This city shall surely be given"**: "This city" refers specifically to Jerusalem. The phrase "shall surely be given" uses a Hebrew construction (Niphal participle of _nâthan_ followed by an infinitive absolute) that emphasizes the absolute certainty and inevitability of the action. It highlights God's active role in delivering Jerusalem into the hands of its enemies, indicating a divine judgment rather than merely a human military defeat.
* **"into the hand of the king of Babylon's army,"**: "Into the hand" (Hebrew _b'yad_) signifies being under the power, control, or authority of another. This specifies the instrument of God's judgment: the formidable military force of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. It removes any ambiguity about who the conqueror will be and underscores that Babylon is merely God's chosen tool.
* **"which shall take it."**: This final clause reiterates the outcome with definitive clarity. The Babylonian army will not just besiege or threaten; they "shall take" (Hebrew _lâkad_) or capture the city. This confirms the complete and decisive nature of the impending fall, leaving no hope for escape or resistance.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 38:3 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is the **Prophetic Formula**, "Thus saith the LORD," which immediately establishes the divine authority and inerrancy of the pronouncement. This formula elevates the message beyond human opinion, presenting it as an immutable decree from the sovereign God. Another key device is **Divine Agency**, expressed through the phrase "shall surely be given into the hand." While grammatically passive in English, the Hebrew construction strongly implies God as the active agent behind the "giving over" of the city. This underscores that Jerusalem's fall is not a random historical event but a divinely orchestrated judgment. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as it explicitly predicts the future capture of Jerusalem, an event that will be historically fulfilled. The phrase "into the hand of the king of Babylon's army" also employs a form of **Metonymy**, where "hand" represents the power, control, and authority of the Babylonian king and his military force, emphasizing their complete dominance over the city once it is delivered to them.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 38:3 stands as a stark testament to God's unwavering justice and His absolute sovereignty over human history and the destinies of nations. It underscores the severe consequences of persistent covenant unfaithfulness and idolatry, demonstrating that God will indeed bring judgment upon His own people when they stray from His ways. This verse reveals a God who is not merely an observer but an active participant in human affairs, using even powerful pagan empires as instruments to accomplish His righteous purposes. The "giving over" of Jerusalem signifies a divine handing-off, a withdrawal of divine protection, and the execution of the covenant curses outlined in the Torah for disobedience. It reminds us that no city, nation, or institution is exempt from God's ultimate authority or His righteous judgment when it rebels against His revealed will.

* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")
* [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria as God's Rod")
* [Habakkuk 1:5-6](/habakkuk/1-5 "Habakkuk 1:5-6 - God Raises Up the Chaldeans")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 38:3 serves as a profound and enduring reminder that God's word, though often challenging and unpopular, always proves true. For us today, it highlights the critical importance of heeding divine warnings and aligning our lives with God's revealed will, even when it goes against prevailing cultural norms or personal desires. The certainty of Jerusalem's fall, despite its perceived invincibility, should humble us and cultivate a deep trust in God's ultimate control over all circumstances. It reminds us that persistent rebellion against God's commands will inevitably lead to consequences, often divinely ordained, that are designed to bring about repentance or reveal the just nature of God. In a world that often seeks security in earthly powers and human wisdom, this verse redirects our gaze to the sovereign Lord, who holds the destiny of all nations in His hand and whose purposes will always prevail. It calls us to examine our own lives and communities: are we listening to God's truth, even when it's uncomfortable, or are we clinging to false hopes and self-deceiving narratives?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment on Jerusalem challenge any false sense of security we might have in our own lives or institutions?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to ignore or dismiss uncomfortable truths from God's Word today, similar to how the people of Judah resisted Jeremiah's message?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over nations, even using pagan empires, shape our perspective on current global events and our trust in His ultimate plan?**

### FAQ

**Why did God allow Jerusalem, His chosen city, to fall to a pagan army?**

Answer: God allowed Jerusalem to fall not because He was powerless, but as a direct consequence of Judah's persistent and egregious unfaithfulness to His covenant. Despite repeated warnings through prophets like Jeremiah, the people and their leaders engaged in widespread idolatry, social injustice, and reliance on foreign alliances rather than on God. The fall was a divine judgment, a fulfillment of the covenant curses for disobedience (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:47-48](/deuteronomy/28-47 "Deuteronomy 28:47-48 - Consequences of Disobedience")). God used Babylon as His instrument to discipline His people, aiming to bring them to repentance and ultimately preserve a remnant for His redemptive purposes, as seen in the later return from exile ([Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree")).

**What does "given into the hand" signify in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "given into the hand" (Hebrew: _nittnah b'yad_) is a powerful expression emphasizing divine agency and control. It means that Jerusalem's capture was not merely a result of superior Babylonian military might, but a deliberate act of God. He actively "handed over" or "delivered" the city to its conquerors. This highlights God's sovereignty over all earthly powers and events, demonstrating that even the actions of seemingly independent nations are ultimately under His providential direction to accomplish His will, whether for judgment or for blessing. It underscores that the fall was a divinely ordained consequence, not an accidental tragedy.

**How does Jeremiah's message in this verse relate to the broader theme of false prophets in the book of Jeremiah?**

Answer: Jeremiah's message in [Jeremiah 38:3](/jeremiah/38-3 "Jeremiah 38:3 - Prophecy of Jerusalem's Fall") stands in stark contrast to the messages of the false prophets of his day. While Jeremiah consistently prophesied judgment, urging surrender to Babylon as God's will, false prophets like Hananiah (e.g., [Jeremiah 28:1-4](/jeremiah/28-1 "Jeremiah 28:1-4 - Hananiah's False Prophecy")) proclaimed messages of peace, prosperity, and imminent deliverance from Babylon. They promised that Jerusalem would not fall and that the exiles would soon return. Jeremiah's unwavering, unpopular, and ultimately vindicated prophecy in [Jeremiah 38:3](/jeremiah/38-3 "Jeremiah 38:3 - Prophecy of Jerusalem's Fall") serves as a crucial point of distinction, demonstrating the authenticity of his divine calling and the deceptive nature of those who spoke "peace, peace" when there was no peace ([Jeremiah 6:14](/jeremiah/6-14 "Jeremiah 6:14 - False Peace")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 38:3, with its stark prophecy of Jerusalem's fall due to divine judgment, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in a direct one-to-one prophecy, but in the overarching themes of divine sovereignty, the consequences of rejecting God's word, and the ultimate establishment of an unshakable kingdom. Just as ancient Jerusalem faced judgment for its unfaithfulness, Jesus Himself, the true Prophet, lamented over Jerusalem's continued rejection of God's saving grace, prophesying its future destruction (e.g., [Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41 "Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem")). The "hand of the king of Babylon's army" foreshadows the ultimate judgment on sin and rebellion, which Christ, the true King, would bear on the cross, becoming "given into the hands" of sinners to atone for humanity's unfaithfulness ([Matthew 26:45](/matthew/26-45 "Matthew 26:45 - Jesus Delivered Up")). His sacrifice absorbed the divine wrath that sin justly deserved, offering a path to salvation that the old covenant system could not fully provide. Furthermore, while earthly kingdoms rise and fall under God's sovereign hand, Christ establishes a spiritual kingdom that "cannot be shaken" ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken")), inviting all who believe to find refuge and true security not in a physical city, but in Him, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, the judgment on Jerusalem serves as a powerful type, pointing to the greater judgment against sin that Christ endured, and the eternal security offered in His redemptive work.

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 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;

Jeremiah 32:5

And he shall lead Zedekiah to Babylon, and there shall he be until I visit him, saith the LORD: though ye fight with the Chaldeans, ye shall not prosper.