Jeremiah 34:14

At the end of seven years let ye go every man his brother an Hebrew, which hath been sold unto thee; and when he hath served thee six years, thou shalt let him go free from thee: but your fathers hearkened not unto me, neither inclined their ear.

At the end {H7093} of seven {H7651} years {H8141} let ye go {H7971} every man {H376} his brother {H251} an Hebrew {H5680}, which hath been sold {H4376} unto thee; and when he hath served {H5647} thee six {H8337} years {H8141}, thou shalt let him go {H7971} free {H2670} from thee: but your fathers {H1} hearkened {H8085} not unto me, neither inclined {H5186} their ear {H241}.

"At the end of seven years every one of you is to set free his brother Hebrew who has been sold to you and has served you six years. You are to let him go free from you." But your ancestors did not listen to me or pay any attention.

Every seventh year, each of you must free his Hebrew brother who has sold himself to you. He may serve you six years, but then you must let him go free. But your fathers did not listen or incline their ear.

At the end of seven years ye shall let go every man his brother that is a Hebrew, that hath been sold unto thee, and hath served thee six years, thou shalt let him go free from thee: but your fathers hearkened not unto me, neither inclined their ear.

Commentary

Commentary on Jeremiah 34:14 (KJV)

Jeremiah 34:14 is a poignant reminder of God's ancient laws and Israel's consistent failure to uphold them, specifically regarding the treatment of Hebrew servants. This verse highlights a core principle of justice and compassion embedded in the Mosaic Law, which the people of Judah had repeatedly violated.

Context

This verse comes during the final siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonian army under King Nebuchadnezzar, in the days of King Zedekiah. The prophet Jeremiah delivers God's message to Zedekiah and the people, condemning their hypocrisy. Earlier in this chapter, under the immediate threat of Babylonian invasion, King Zedekiah and the people had made a covenant to release all Hebrew slaves, fulfilling an ancient law. However, once the Babylonians temporarily lifted the siege, the people shamelessly re-enslaved those they had just freed (Jeremiah 34:8-11). God's message through Jeremiah here recalls the original divine command that they had always failed to obey, underscoring their chronic unfaithfulness.

The law referenced is found in the Pentateuch, specifically requiring that a Hebrew servant who had been sold (often due to debt) must be set free after six years of service, or during the seventh year, the year of release. This principle is clearly laid out in Deuteronomy 15:12-18 and Exodus 21:2. The phrase "your fathers hearkened not unto me, neither inclined their ear" emphasizes a long history of disobedience, not just a recent lapse.

Key Themes

  • Divine Law and Covenant Obligation: The verse directly quotes a fundamental aspect of God's covenant with Israel โ€“ the humane treatment and timely release of fellow Israelites who entered servitude. This law was a cornerstone of their identity as a people set apart by God.
  • Disobedience and Historical Failure: The stark declaration "your fathers hearkened not unto me" reveals a generational pattern of rebellion against God's commands. This persistent disobedience was a primary cause of God's judgment upon Judah, leading to the Babylonian exile.
  • Justice and Compassion: The law itself reflects God's character, emphasizing justice and compassion for the vulnerable within society. It prevented perpetual servitude among Israelites and ensured a periodic reset for those in economic distress.
  • Hypocrisy and Broken Promises: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader context of Jeremiah 34 shows the people's hypocrisy: they made a covenant to release slaves when under duress but broke it once the immediate threat subsided. This highlights the superficiality of their repentance and obedience.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Hebrew" (ืขึดื‘ึฐืจึดื™ - 'ivri) here specifically refers to a fellow Israelite, distinguishing them from foreign slaves who might be held perpetually. The command to "let ye go free" (ื—ึธืคึฐืฉืึดื™ - chofshi, meaning 'free' or 'at liberty') underscores the divine intent for freedom and the restoration of dignity among the covenant people. The repeated phrase "hearkened not unto me, neither inclined their ear" is a common biblical idiom for stubborn refusal to obey God's voice and instruction.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 34:14 serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of genuine obedience to God's commands, especially concerning justice and compassion towards others. It teaches us several vital lessons:

  • Integrity in Promises: Our commitments, especially those made before God, must be upheld, not broken when circumstances change.
  • Justice for the Vulnerable: God cares deeply about how we treat those who are economically or socially disadvantaged. Neglecting the needs and rights of others is a serious offense against God.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: Persistent disobedience, whether individual or corporate, ultimately leads to divine judgment. God remembers the actions of past generations and holds people accountable for their continued unfaithfulness.
  • Reflection on Systems: The verse encourages us to examine our own societal structures and personal practices to ensure they align with principles of fairness, equity, and compassion, rather than exploitation or oppression.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 15:12 (6 votes)

    ยถ [And] if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; then in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee.

  • 1 Samuel 8:7 (3 votes)

    And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.

  • 1 Samuel 8:8 (3 votes)

    According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee.

  • 1 Kings 9:22 (3 votes)

    But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no bondmen: but they [were] men of war, and his servants, and his princes, and his captains, and rulers of his chariots, and his horsemen.

  • 2 Kings 17:13 (3 votes)

    Yet the LORD testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the prophets, [and by] all the seers, saying, Turn ye from your evil ways, and keep my commandments [and] my statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by my servants the prophets.

  • 2 Kings 17:14 (3 votes)

    Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God.

  • Jeremiah 34:8 (2 votes)

    ยถ [This is] the word that came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, after that the king Zedekiah had made a covenant with all the people which [were] at Jerusalem, to proclaim liberty unto them;