Jeremiah 21:10

For I have set My face against this city to bring disaster and not good, declares the LORD. It will be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon, who will destroy it with fire.'

Study Bible

For I have set My face against this city
This phrase indicates a deliberate and determined decision by God to oppose Jerusalem. In biblical terms, when God "sets His face" against something, it signifies His active judgment and disfavor. This is a reversal of the blessing found in Numbers 6:24-26, where God’s face shining upon someone is a sign of favor. The context here is the impending Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, a consequence of the people's persistent idolatry and disobedience.

to bring disaster and not good
The disaster refers to the destruction and suffering that will come upon Jerusalem as a result of the Babylonian invasion. This is a fulfillment of the covenant curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28 for disobedience. The contrast between disaster and good highlights the severity of the judgment; God’s intention is not to bring peace or prosperity but rather calamity as a corrective measure.

declares the LORD
This phrase emphasizes the authority and certainty of the message. It is not Jeremiah’s own words but a divine pronouncement. The use of "declares the LORD" throughout prophetic literature underscores the seriousness and inevitability of the prophecy.

It will be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon
This statement identifies Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, as the instrument of God’s judgment. Historically, Babylon was the dominant power in the region during this period, and its military campaigns against Judah were well-documented. This aligns with the broader narrative of the Babylonian Exile, a pivotal event in Jewish history.

who will destroy it with fire
The destruction by fire signifies total devastation, a common fate for conquered cities in the ancient Near East. This prophecy was fulfilled in 586 BC when Jerusalem was burned and the temple destroyed, as recorded in 2 Kings 25:9. The imagery of fire also symbolizes purification and judgment, themes prevalent in prophetic literature.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet 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, during a time of great turmoil and impending judgment.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is both just and merciful. In this passage, He declares His intention to bring judgment upon Jerusalem due to the people's persistent disobedience.

3. The City (Jerusalem)
The capital of Judah, significant as the location of the Temple and the center of Jewish worship. Despite its religious significance, it faced destruction due to the people's unfaithfulness.

4. The King of Babylon (Nebuchadnezzar)
The ruler of the Babylonian Empire, used by God as an instrument of judgment against Judah. His conquest of Jerusalem fulfilled the prophetic warnings given by Jeremiah.

5. The Event of Destruction
The prophesied destruction of Jerusalem by fire, symbolizing the severe judgment due to the people's rebellion against God.

Teaching Points

God's Justice and Sovereignty
God is just and sovereign, and His judgments are righteous. He uses nations and leaders to accomplish His purposes, even when it involves judgment.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Persistent disobedience to God leads to severe consequences. The people of Jerusalem ignored repeated warnings, resulting in their downfall.

The Importance of Repentance
Repentance is crucial to avoid judgment. God desires His people to turn back to Him, and He provides opportunities for repentance before executing judgment.

Trust in God's Plan
Even in judgment, God has a plan for restoration. Believers can trust that God's ultimate purpose is for good, even when facing difficult circumstances.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets like Jeremiah play a vital role in communicating God's messages. Their warnings should be heeded as they speak truth from God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding God's justice and sovereignty in Jeremiah 21:10 affect your view of current world events?

2. Reflect on a time when you faced consequences for disobedience. How did that experience shape your relationship with God?

3. In what ways can you practice repentance in your daily life to align more closely with God's will?

4. How can the account of Jerusalem's destruction encourage you to trust in God's plan, even when facing personal challenges?

5. What role do you think modern-day "prophets" or spiritual leaders play in guiding believers today, and how can you discern their messages?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 28
This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, providing a backdrop for understanding the consequences faced by Jerusalem.

2 Kings 25
Describes the historical fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy, detailing the siege and destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon.

Ezekiel 21
Another prophetic book that speaks of God's judgment against Jerusalem, reinforcing the message of impending disaster due to sin.

Lamentations 1
Offers a poetic reflection on the aftermath of Jerusalem's destruction, emphasizing the sorrow and desolation experienced by the people.