Jeremiah 52:34

And [for] his diet, there was a continual diet given him of the king of Babylon, every day a portion until the day of his death, all the days of his life.

And for his diet {H737}, there was a continual {H8548} diet {H737} given {H5414} him of the king {H4428} of Babylon {H894}, every {H3117} day {H3117} a portion {H1697} until the day {H3117} of his death {H4194}, all the days {H3117} of his life {H2416}.

and he was granted a daily allowance by the king of Bavel to spend on his other needs for as long as he lived, until the day of his death.

And the king of Babylon provided Jehoiachin a daily portion for the rest of his life, until the day of his death.

and for his allowance, there was a continual allowance given him by the king of Babylon, every day a portion until the day of his death, all the days of his life.

Commentary

Context

Jeremiah 52:34 is the final verse of the book of Jeremiah, serving as a concluding historical note that mirrors 2 Kings 25:27-30. It describes the improved circumstances of King Jehoiachin of Judah, who had been in Babylonian captivity for 37 years. After enduring a long imprisonment, he was released by Evil-merodach, the new king of Babylon, and given a privileged status. This verse highlights the consistent provision given to Jehoiachin "until the day of his death," marking a small, yet significant, act of grace at the close of a book largely focused on God's judgment against Judah and Jerusalem. It offers a final glimpse into the fate of Judah's last king in the context of the Babylonian exile.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Sustenance: Even in exile and under foreign rule, God's hand is evident in providing for Jehoiachin. The phrase "continual diet given him... every day a portion" emphasizes God's consistent care, even for those who have faced judgment. This echoes the broader biblical theme of God's faithful provision for His people.
  • Mercy Amidst Judgment: While the book of Jeremiah largely details the severe consequences of Judah's disobedience, this final scene offers a glimmer of hope and mercy. The elevation of Jehoiachin, a descendant of David, suggests that God had not entirely abandoned His covenant people or the Davidic line, hinting at future restoration and the fulfillment of promises (see Jeremiah 29:10).
  • The End of an Era: This verse effectively closes the narrative of the Davidic monarchy's direct rule in Judah, transitioning to the period of exile. Yet, the continued sustenance of Jehoiachin serves as a symbolic bridge, preserving the royal line for future generations and the eventual return to Jerusalem.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "his diet" and "continual diet" simply refers to his allowance or provision of food and necessities. It signifies a regular, ongoing supply. There isn't a complex Hebrew word here that requires deep linguistic analysis beyond understanding that Jehoiachin was given a consistent, daily allowance from the king's table, signifying his elevated status compared to his former imprisonment.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 52:34 provides a powerful reminder that even in the darkest and most challenging circumstances, God's providence and mercy can be at work. It teaches us:

  • Hope in Adversity: No matter how long or severe our trials, there is always room for God's grace to intervene and bring about a change in circumstances. The story of King Jehoiachin's release from prison after decades of captivity offers a testament to enduring hope.
  • God's Faithfulness: Just as Jehoiachin received daily provision, we can trust in God's faithfulness to meet our needs, even when human resources seem to fail. This speaks to the encouragement of asking for our daily bread and trusting God for it.
  • A Glimmer of Grace: Sometimes, God's grace appears in unexpected ways, even from unlikely sources (like a pagan king). This verse encourages us to look for and appreciate the small acts of kindness and provision in our lives, recognizing them as expressions of God's overarching care.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 9:10 (5 votes)

    Thou therefore, and thy sons, and thy servants, shall till the land for him, and thou shalt bring in [the fruits], that thy master's son may have food to eat: but Mephibosheth thy master's son shall eat bread alway at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.

  • Matthew 6:11 (4 votes)

    Give us this day our daily bread.

  • Luke 11:3 (4 votes)

    Give us day by day our daily bread.