Jeremiah 21:1

This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD when King Zedekiah sent to him Pashhur son of Malchijah and the priest Zephaniah son of Maaseiah. They said,

Study Bible

This is the word
The phrase "This is the word" signifies a divine message or revelation. In Hebrew, "word" is "dabar," which often implies not just a spoken word but an active, dynamic communication from God. This underscores the authority and power of the message that follows, as it is not merely human opinion but a directive from the Almighty.

that came to Jeremiah
The phrase "that came to Jeremiah" indicates the prophetic nature of the message. Jeremiah, whose name means "Yahweh exalts," was chosen by God as a prophet to deliver His messages to the people of Judah. This highlights the role of prophets as intermediaries between God and His people, tasked with conveying divine will and guidance.

from the LORD
"From the LORD" emphasizes the source of the message. The term "LORD" in Hebrew is "YHWH," the sacred and personal name of God, often rendered as Yahweh. This denotes the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, reminding the audience of God's sovereignty and faithfulness despite their unfaithfulness.

when King Zedekiah sent to him
"King Zedekiah" was the last king of Judah before the Babylonian exile. His reign was marked by political instability and spiritual decline. The act of sending messengers to Jeremiah suggests a recognition of Jeremiah's prophetic authority, even if reluctantly, and indicates a moment of crisis where divine guidance was sought.

Pashhur son of Malchijah
"Pashhur son of Malchijah" was a notable figure, possibly a high-ranking official or priest. The mention of his lineage, "son of Malchijah," provides historical context and authenticity to the narrative, grounding it in real historical figures and events.

and the priest Zephaniah son of Maaseiah
"Zephaniah son of Maaseiah" was a priest, indicating the involvement of religious leaders in seeking Jeremiah's counsel. The inclusion of both a priest and a royal official in this delegation underscores the gravity of the situation and the widespread acknowledgment of Jeremiah's role as a prophet.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. His ministry spanned the reigns of several kings, including Zedekiah.

2. King Zedekiah
The last king of Judah before the Babylonian conquest. He was placed on the throne by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon and often sought counsel from Jeremiah, albeit with mixed motives.

3. Pashhur son of Malchiah
A messenger sent by King Zedekiah to Jeremiah. Not to be confused with another Pashhur, a priest who opposed Jeremiah earlier.

4. Zephaniah son of Maaseiah
A priest sent alongside Pashhur to inquire of Jeremiah. He played a role in the religious leadership of Judah during a tumultuous time.

5. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, who communicates His will and guidance through His prophets, including Jeremiah.

Teaching Points

Seeking God in Crisis
Zedekiah's inquiry through Jeremiah shows a tendency to seek God when in trouble. Believers should cultivate a consistent relationship with God, not just in times of crisis.

The Role of Prophets
Jeremiah's role as a prophet underscores the importance of listening to God's messengers. Today, believers should be attentive to God's Word and those who faithfully teach it.

True Repentance
Zedekiah's actions often lacked genuine repentance. True repentance involves a change of heart and actions, aligning with God's will.

God's Sovereignty
Despite the political turmoil, God remains sovereign. Believers can trust in God's ultimate control over world events and personal circumstances.

The Importance of Obedience
The account highlights the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. Obedience is crucial for experiencing God's blessings and avoiding His judgment.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the context of Jeremiah 21:1 help us understand the political and spiritual state of Judah during Zedekiah's reign?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our relationship with God is consistent and not just crisis-driven, as seen in Zedekiah's approach?

3. How can we discern and respond to modern-day "prophets" or spiritual leaders who claim to speak on behalf of God?

4. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult situation. How did your response align with the principles of seeking God and obedience found in Jeremiah's interactions with Zedekiah?

5. Considering the broader account of Jeremiah and the fall of Jerusalem, how can we apply the lessons of God's sovereignty and judgment to our understanding of current world events?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 24-25
These chapters provide historical context for the reign of Zedekiah and the eventual fall of Jerusalem, highlighting the political and spiritual climate of the time.

Jeremiah 37-38
These chapters further explore the interactions between Jeremiah and King Zedekiah, illustrating the king's struggle between fear of Babylon and the desire for divine intervention.

Ezekiel 21
This chapter parallels the themes of judgment and the sword of the LORD against Jerusalem, reinforcing the message of impending judgment due to disobedience.