Jeremiah 34:18

And those who have transgressed My covenant and have not fulfilled the terms of the covenant they made before Me, I will treat like the calf they cut in two in order to pass between its pieces.

Study Bible

And those who have transgressed My covenant
This phrase refers to the people of Judah who have broken their covenant with God. In the biblical context, a covenant is a solemn agreement between God and His people, often involving promises and obligations. The covenant in question likely refers to the Mosaic Covenant, which included the Law given at Sinai. Transgression of this covenant implies a serious breach of faith and disobedience to God's commands, which is a recurring theme in the prophetic books. The prophets often called the people back to faithfulness, highlighting the consequences of their disobedience.

and have not fulfilled the terms of the covenant they made before Me,
The terms of the covenant were clear and involved obedience to God's laws and commands. The phrase "before Me" emphasizes the solemnity and divine witness of the covenant. In ancient Near Eastern culture, covenants were binding agreements often ratified in the presence of deities, making them sacred and inviolable. The failure to fulfill these terms indicates a deliberate choice to ignore the responsibilities and commitments made to God, which is seen as a direct affront to His authority and holiness.

I will treat like the calf they cut in two
This imagery refers to an ancient covenant-making ceremony where animals were cut in half, and the parties involved would walk between the pieces. This act symbolized the seriousness of the covenant, implying that breaking it would result in a fate similar to that of the slaughtered animal. This practice is seen in Genesis 15:9-10, 17, where God makes a covenant with Abram. The cutting of the calf signifies the gravity of the agreement and the severe consequences of breaking it.

in order to pass between its pieces.
Passing between the pieces of the calf was a symbolic act of commitment and accountability. It was a way of invoking a curse upon oneself should the covenant be broken. This practice underscores the seriousness with which God views covenant fidelity. The imagery here serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of unfaithfulness and the inevitable judgment that follows. It also foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of covenant promises through Jesus Christ, who, unlike the people of Judah, perfectly fulfilled the terms of God's covenant and bore the curse of the broken covenant on behalf of humanity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
The prophet who conveyed God's messages to the people of Judah, warning them of the consequences of their disobedience.

2. The Men of Judah
These are the individuals who transgressed God's covenant, specifically the leaders and people who failed to uphold their promises.

3. Covenant Ceremony
A solemn agreement made before God, symbolized by cutting a calf in two and passing between its pieces, signifying the seriousness of the commitment.

4. Babylonian Threat
The context of this passage is the impending Babylonian invasion, which serves as a backdrop for the urgency of the covenant renewal.

5. Zedekiah
The king of Judah at the time, who was involved in making and breaking the covenant with God.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Covenants
Covenants are solemn agreements that require faithfulness. Breaking them has serious consequences, as seen in the historical context of Judah.

Symbolism of the Ritual
The act of cutting a calf and passing between its pieces symbolizes the binding nature of the covenant and the severe consequences of breaking it.

God's Faithfulness vs. Human Unfaithfulness
While humans often fail to keep their promises, God remains faithful. This calls us to strive for faithfulness in our commitments.

Repentance and Renewal
Even when we fail, God offers opportunities for repentance and renewal. This passage calls us to examine our own faithfulness and seek God's forgiveness.

The New Covenant in Christ
The old covenant rituals point to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who offers a new and everlasting covenant through His sacrifice.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the covenant ceremony described in Jeremiah 34:18 teach us about the seriousness of our commitments to God and others?

2. How does the breaking of the covenant by the men of Judah reflect our own tendencies to fall short in our promises? What steps can we take to remain faithful?

3. In what ways does the covenant ceremony in Genesis 15 parallel the one in Jeremiah 34:18, and what does this tell us about God's consistency in His dealings with humanity?

4. How can understanding the old covenant rituals deepen our appreciation for the new covenant established through Jesus Christ?

5. Reflect on a time when you broke a promise or commitment. How did you seek reconciliation, and what role did repentance play in that process? How can this passage guide you in future situations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 15
The covenant ceremony with Abram, where God made a covenant with him using a similar ritual of cutting animals, highlighting the seriousness and binding nature of covenants.

Exodus 24
The covenant at Sinai, where the Israelites agreed to follow God's laws, showing the historical pattern of covenant-making and breaking.

Hebrews 9
Discusses the new covenant through Christ, contrasting the old covenant rituals with the new covenant's fulfillment in Jesus.