Jeremiah 34:17

Therefore this is what the LORD says: You have not obeyed Me; you have not proclaimed freedom, each man for his brother and for his neighbor. So now I proclaim freedom for you, declares the LORD--freedom to fall by sword, by plague, and by famine! I will make you a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth.

Study Bible

Therefore this is what the LORD says:
This phrase introduces a divine pronouncement, emphasizing the authority and sovereignty of God. In the context of Jeremiah, God often speaks through the prophet to deliver messages of judgment or hope. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) underscores the covenant relationship between God and Israel, reminding the audience of His faithfulness and their obligations.

You have not obeyed Me;
This highlights the disobedience of the people of Judah. Historically, this refers to their failure to follow God's commands, particularly regarding the release of Hebrew slaves as stipulated in the Law of Moses (Exodus 21:2-6; Deuteronomy 15:12-18). Their disobedience is a recurring theme in Jeremiah, reflecting a broader pattern of covenant unfaithfulness.

you have not proclaimed freedom, each man for his brother and for his neighbor.
This phrase refers to the specific command to release Hebrew slaves during the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:10). The failure to proclaim freedom symbolizes a deeper social injustice and neglect of God's law. It also reflects a lack of compassion and community responsibility, which were central to the covenantal life of Israel.

So now I proclaim freedom for you, declares the LORD—
Here, God turns the tables, using irony to declare a "freedom" that is actually a judgment. This freedom is not liberation but a release into the consequences of their actions. It underscores the principle of divine justice, where God allows people to experience the results of their choices.

freedom to fall by sword, by plague, and by famine!
These three forms of judgment—sword, plague, and famine—are common in prophetic literature (e.g., Ezekiel 14:21) and represent comprehensive devastation. They are often seen as instruments of divine wrath, used to bring about repentance or to execute judgment. This triad of calamities reflects the severity of the consequences for breaking the covenant.

I will make you a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth.
This phrase indicates the extent of Judah's impending judgment, serving as a warning to other nations. The term "horror" suggests a spectacle of devastation that would cause fear and astonishment among other peoples. It also fulfills the prophetic warnings given earlier in Jeremiah (Jeremiah 25:9-11), where the consequences of disobedience would serve as a lesson to the nations.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who speaks through the prophet Jeremiah, expressing His judgment on the people for their disobedience.

2. Jeremiah
The prophet who delivers God's message to the people of Judah, warning them of the consequences of their actions.

3. The People of Judah
The recipients of God's message through Jeremiah, who failed to obey God's command to proclaim freedom to their fellow Israelites.

4. Babylonian Exile
The impending event that serves as the backdrop for this prophecy, where Judah would face conquest and exile due to their disobedience.

5. Sword, Plague, and Famine
The forms of judgment that God declares as a consequence of Judah's failure to obey His command.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
God's commands are not optional; they are integral to living a life that honors Him. The people of Judah faced severe consequences for their disobedience, reminding us of the importance of adhering to God's Word.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Disobedience to God leads to judgment and hardship. The "freedom" proclaimed by God in this verse is a freedom to face the consequences of their actions, serving as a warning to us today.

The Importance of Justice and Mercy
God's command to proclaim freedom was rooted in justice and mercy. As believers, we are called to reflect God's character by advocating for justice and showing mercy to others.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets like Jeremiah were tasked with delivering difficult messages. We, too, may be called to speak truth in challenging situations, relying on God's strength and guidance.

Spiritual Freedom in Christ
While the people of Judah failed to proclaim physical freedom, we are reminded of the spiritual freedom we have in Christ, which calls us to live in a way that honors Him and serves others.

Bible Study Questions

1. What specific command did the people of Judah fail to obey, and how does this reflect on their relationship with God?

2. How does the concept of "freedom" in Jeremiah 34:17 differ from the freedom we have in Christ as described in the New Testament?

3. In what ways can we ensure that we are proclaiming freedom and justice in our own communities today?

4. How does the judgment pronounced in Jeremiah 34:17 serve as a warning for us in our personal walk with God?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to deliver a difficult message or stand up for truth. How can Jeremiah's example encourage you in similar situations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 25
This chapter outlines the Year of Jubilee, a time when liberty was to be proclaimed throughout the land. The failure to observe this command is part of the context for God's judgment in Jeremiah 34:17.

Isaiah 61
This passage speaks of the proclamation of liberty to captives, which is a theme echoed in Jeremiah 34:17, highlighting the importance of freedom and justice in God's eyes.

Galatians 5
Paul speaks of the freedom we have in Christ, contrasting the spiritual freedom believers are called to with the physical and social freedom neglected by Judah.