Jeremiah 34:10

Now when all the princes, and all the people, which had entered into the covenant, heard that every one should let his manservant, and every one his maidservant, go free, that none should serve themselves of them any more, then they obeyed, and let [them] go.

Now when all the princes {H8269}, and all the people {H5971}, which had entered {H935} into the covenant {H1285}, heard {H8085} that every one {H376} should let his manservant {H5650}, and every one {H376} his maidservant {H8198}, go {H7971} free {H2670}, that none should serve {H5647} themselves of them any more, then they obeyed {H8085}, and let them go {H7971}.

All the leaders and all the people listened who had entered into the covenant, wherein everyone was to free his male and female slaves and not keep them in bondage any longer. They listened, and they let them go.

So all the officials and all the people who entered into this covenant agreed that they would free their menservants and maidservants and no longer hold them in bondage. They obeyed and released them,

And all the princes and all the people obeyed, that had entered into the covenant, that every one should let his man-servant, and every one his maid-servant, go free, that none should make bondmen of them any more; they obeyed, and let them go:

Commentary

Jeremiah 34:10 describes a pivotal moment during the final days of the Kingdom of Judah, specifically during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. The verse highlights an initial, albeit temporary, act of obedience by the leadership and people of Judah to a solemn covenant they had just made.

Context

This verse is set against the backdrop of an impending national catastrophe. King Zedekiah, sensing the dire threat from Babylon and perhaps seeking divine favor, entered into a covenant with the people of Jerusalem. This covenant, detailed in Jeremiah 34:8-9, involved proclaiming liberty to their Hebrew servants (both manservants and maidservants). This act was a belated attempt to comply with the Mosaic Law, which mandated the release of Hebrew servants after six years of service or during the year of Jubilee (see Exodus 21:2 and Deuteronomy 15:12). The people and princes had been neglecting this law for a long time, and their sudden compliance was likely driven by the pressure of the siege and the hope of averting God's judgment.

Key Themes

  • Covenant and Obedience: The verse explicitly states that the princes and people "obeyed" the terms of the covenant they had just made. This shows an initial willingness to comply with God's law, even if under duress. It underscores the importance of covenant-making and the expectation of adherence to one's sworn word before God.
  • Liberty and Justice: At its core, the covenant was about upholding justice and providing liberty to those who, by God's law, were meant to be free from perpetual servitude. The act of "letting them go free" was a recognition of their rights as fellow Israelites.
  • Temporary Compliance: While this verse records obedience, it is crucial to understand that this obedience was short-lived. The very next verse, Jeremiah 34:11, reveals their swift reversal of this decision, demonstrating their profound hypocrisy and lack of genuine repentance.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "let his manservant, and every one his maidservant, go free" uses the Hebrew root dror (ื“ึฐึผืจื•ึนืจ), which signifies freedom, liberty, or release. It is often associated with the proclamation of liberty in the Jubilee year (Leviticus 25:10). The phrase "none should serve themselves of them any more" emphasizes the cessation of forced labor, meaning they were no longer to be exploited or held in bondage.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 34:10 serves as a powerful reminder of the nature of true repentance and obedience. While the people's initial act of freeing their servants was commendable, its fleeting nature reveals a deeper issue: a lack of genuine commitment to God's commands and a desire for outward appearances rather than inward transformation. For believers today, this verse challenges us to:

  • Examine Our Motives: Are our acts of obedience driven by genuine faith and love for God, or by a desire to escape consequences or gain favor?
  • Uphold Justice: We are called to advocate for the oppressed and ensure justice, reflecting God's heart for liberty and fairness in all our dealings.
  • Maintain Integrity: Our commitments, especially those made before God, should be upheld with integrity and consistency, not abandoned when circumstances change or convenience dictates. As the New Testament teaches, our "yes" should mean yes (James 5:12).
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Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 26:16 (3 votes)

    ยถ Then said the princes and all the people unto the priests and to the prophets; This man [is] not worthy to die: for he hath spoken to us in the name of the LORD our God.

  • Jeremiah 26:10 (3 votes)

    When the princes of Judah heard these things, then they came up from the king's house unto the house of the LORD, and sat down in the entry of the new gate of the LORD'S [house].

  • Jeremiah 3:10 (2 votes)

    And yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah hath not turned unto me with her whole heart, but feignedly, saith the LORD.

  • Jeremiah 3:11 (2 votes)

    And the LORD said unto me, The backsliding Israel hath justified herself more than treacherous Judah.

  • Jeremiah 36:24 (2 votes)

    Yet they were not afraid, nor rent their garments, [neither] the king, nor any of his servants that heard all these words.

  • Jeremiah 36:25 (2 votes)

    Nevertheless Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah had made intercession to the king that he would not burn the roll: but he would not hear them.

  • Mark 6:20 (2 votes)

    For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.