Jeremiah 38:21

But if you refuse to surrender, this is the word that the LORD has shown me:

Study Bible

But if you refuse to surrender
This phrase is a direct warning to King Zedekiah of Judah. The historical context is the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, which took place around 586 BC. Jeremiah, the prophet, is urging Zedekiah to surrender to the Babylonians to save the city and his own life. The refusal to surrender would lead to dire consequences, as previously prophesied by Jeremiah. This reflects the broader biblical theme of obedience to God's will, as seen in Deuteronomy 28, where blessings and curses are outlined based on Israel's obedience or disobedience.

this is the word that the LORD has shown me:
Jeremiah emphasizes that his message is not of his own making but a revelation from God. This underscores the role of prophets as God's mouthpieces, delivering divine messages to His people. The phrase "the LORD has shown me" indicates a vision or direct communication from God, a common occurrence in the prophetic books. This aligns with Amos 3:7, which states that God reveals His plans to His prophets. The certainty of the prophecy is highlighted, emphasizing that ignoring it would lead to the fulfillment of God's judgment.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah, often facing persecution for his prophecies.

2. Zedekiah
The last king of Judah, who reigned during the time of Jerusalem's fall to Babylon. He struggled with fear and indecision.

3. Babylonian Siege
The event where Babylon laid siege to Jerusalem, leading to its eventual fall and the exile of its people.

4. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, central to Jewish worship and identity, facing destruction due to the people's disobedience.

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

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience
Jeremiah 38:21 highlights the critical nature of obeying God's instructions, even when they are difficult or counterintuitive.

Consequences of Disobedience
The refusal to surrender, as warned by Jeremiah, leads to dire consequences, reminding us of the importance of aligning with God's will.

Trusting God's Plan
Despite the fear and uncertainty, trusting in God's plan is essential, as His ways are higher than ours.

Courage in Faith
Like Jeremiah, we are called to stand firm in our faith and deliver God's truth, even in the face of opposition.

Surrender as Strength
True strength is found in surrendering to God, acknowledging that His wisdom surpasses our understanding.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jeremiah's role as a prophet challenge us to speak truth in our own lives, even when it is unpopular?

2. In what ways can we identify with Zedekiah's struggle between fear and faith, and how can we overcome similar challenges?

3. What are some modern-day situations where we might be called to "surrender" to God's will, and how can we discern His guidance?

4. How do the consequences faced by Jerusalem serve as a warning for us today regarding the importance of obedience to God?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to trust God's plan despite uncertainty. How did that experience strengthen your faith?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 21:8-10
This passage also discusses the choice between life and death, emphasizing the importance of surrendering to God's will.

2 Kings 25:1-7
Provides a historical account of the fall of Jerusalem and the consequences of Zedekiah's refusal to heed God's warning.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Encourages trust in the Lord and submission to His guidance, relevant to the theme of surrender in Jeremiah 38:21.

Romans 12:1-2
Discusses the concept of offering oneself as a living sacrifice, aligning with the idea of surrendering to God's plan.

Hebrews 3:7-8
Warns against hardening one's heart, similar to Zedekiah's resistance to God's message through Jeremiah.