Topical Encyclopedia The concept of covenant in the biblical narrative is a profound and recurring theme, representing a solemn agreement between God and His people, or between individuals and groups. In the context of King Zedekiah and his subjects, the covenant takes on a significant role during a tumultuous period in Judah's history.Historical Context King Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, reigned from approximately 597 to 586 BC. He was appointed by Nebuchadnezzar II, king of Babylon, after the deportation of King Jehoiachin. Zedekiah's reign was marked by political instability, rebellion, and ultimately, the fall of Jerusalem. The biblical account of Zedekiah's covenant with his subjects is primarily found in the book of Jeremiah. The Covenant with the People In Jeremiah 34, we find a specific instance of covenant-making under King Zedekiah. Facing the threat of Babylonian siege, Zedekiah and the people of Jerusalem made a covenant to release their Hebrew slaves, in accordance with the Mosaic Law, which required the release of Hebrew slaves in the seventh year (Exodus 21:2; Deuteronomy 15:12). This act was intended to invoke God's favor and deliverance from their enemies. Jeremiah 34:8-10 states: "After King Zedekiah had made a covenant with all the people in Jerusalem to proclaim liberty, everyone was to free his Hebrew slaves, both male and female, so that no one should hold his fellow Jew in bondage. So all the officials and people who entered into this covenant agreed to free their male and female slaves and no longer hold them in bondage. They obeyed and released them." Violation of the Covenant Despite the initial compliance, the people of Judah soon reneged on their promise. They re-enslaved those they had set free, breaking the covenant they had made before God. This breach of faith had severe consequences, as it demonstrated a disregard for God's commandments and a lack of integrity in their dealings with one another. Jeremiah 34:11 records this transgression: "But later they changed their minds and took back the male and female slaves they had freed, and forced them to become slaves again." Divine Judgment The violation of the covenant led to a pronouncement of judgment from God through the prophet Jeremiah. The Lord declared that because they had not upheld their covenant, He would bring the Babylonian army against Jerusalem, resulting in destruction and exile. Jeremiah 34:17 conveys God's response: "Therefore this is what the LORD says: You have not obeyed Me by proclaiming freedom, each one to his brother and to his neighbor. So now I proclaim 'freedom' for you, declares the LORD—'freedom' to fall by the sword, by plague, and by famine! I will make you a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth." Theological Implications The episode of King Zedekiah and his subjects underscores the seriousness with which God views covenants. It highlights the expectation of faithfulness and obedience to His commands. The failure to honor the covenant with their fellow Hebrews not only brought about social injustice but also divine retribution. This narrative serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of integrity and the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. In the broader biblical context, this account foreshadows the ultimate covenant fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies faithfulness and offers redemption to all who believe. The account of Zedekiah and his subjects thus becomes a part of the larger tapestry of God's redemptive plan, illustrating the need for a Savior who can restore the broken covenants of humanity. Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 34:8This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, after that the king Zedekiah had made a covenant with all the people which were at Jerusalem, to proclaim liberty to them; Nave's Topical Index Library Covenanting Confers Obligation. Nature of Covenanting. And ii. Jesus Angry with Hard Hearts The Apocalypse of Baruch. The Sixth vision "On Earth" The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Appendices Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources What is Covenant Theology? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is new covenant theology? | GotQuestions.org What was the Old Covenant? | GotQuestions.org Covenant: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Covenant of God With Men: Binding Covenant of God With Men: Broken by the Jews Covenant of God With Men: Confirmed With an Oath Covenant of God With Men: Everlasting Covenant of God With Men: God Faithful To Covenant of God With Men: Punishments for Breaking of Covenant of God With Men: Repudiated by God on Account of Jews' Idolatry Covenant of Man With God: Absalom Covenant of Man With God: Israelites Covenant of Man With God: Jacob Covenant of Man With God: Jehoiada and Joash Covenant of Man With God: Joshua Covenant of Man With God: Josiah Covenant of Man With God: Nehemiah Covenant of Men With Men by a Monument Covenant of Men With Men by Giving Presents Covenant of Men With Men by Giving the Hand Covenant of Men With Men by Making a Feast Covenant of Men With Men by offering a Sacrifice Covenant of Men With Men by Salting Covenant of Men With Men: Breach of, Punished Covenant of Men With Men: Loosing the Shoe Covenant of Men With Men: Written and Sealed Covenant of the Ten Commandments Covenant with David and his House Covenant with Israel, at Horeb Covenant with the Israelites to Deliver Them from Egypt Covenant: Abraham and Abimelech Covenant: Binding, not Only on Those Who Make Them, But on Those Who are Represented Covenant: Jews With Each Other, to Serve God Covenant: King Zedekiah and his Subjects Covenant: Subjects With Sovereign Covenant: The Mosaic Law Called a Covenant The Covenant is a Covenant of Peace The Covenant: All Saints Interested In The Covenant: Blessings Connected With The Covenant: Caution Against Forgetting The Covenant: Christ, the Mediator of The Covenant: Christ, the Messenger of The Covenant: Christ, the Substance of The Covenant: Confirmed in Christ The Covenant: Fulfilled in Christ The Covenant: God is Ever Mindful of The Covenant: God is Faithful To The Covenant: Made With: Abraham The Covenant: Made With: David The Covenant: Made With: Isaac The Covenant: Made With: Israel The Covenant: Made With: Jacob The Covenant: Plead, in Prayer The Covenant: Punishment for Despising The Covenant: Ratified by the Blood of Christ The Covenant: Renewed Under the Gospel The Covenant: The Wicked Have No Interest In Related Terms Covenant-victim (2 Occurrences) |
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