Zedekiah’s Broken Covenant: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Jeremiah 34

Executive Summary ✨

Jeremiah 34 presents a stark warning against covenant-breaking, focusing on King Zedekiah of Judah and his people’s failure to uphold their promise to free Hebrew slaves. This chapter, deeply relevant for understanding the consequences of disobedience and the importance of honoring commitments, unveils a tragic narrative of societal decay and impending judgment. The focus key phrase, Zedekiah’s Broken Covenant, underscores the central theme of betrayal and its devastating ramifications. We will explore how Zedekiah’s actions, driven by fear and expediency, directly contradicted God’s law and foreshadowed the destruction of Jerusalem. Through the lens of Coptic Orthodox theology, we’ll examine the chapter’s historical context, spiritual significance, and practical applications for modern believers, emphasizing repentance, integrity, and the enduring power of God’s promises.

Jeremiah chapter 34 speaks to the heart of integrity and the dire consequences of breaking covenants. This prophetic message, delivered during a siege of Jerusalem, exposes Zedekiah’s hypocrisy and foreshadows the impending doom of Judah. Let us delve into this profound chapter, uncovering its spiritual treasures and applying its lessons to our own lives.

Commentary Sections 📖

Jeremiah 34:1-5: The Siege Foretold and Zedekiah’s Fate

Jeremiah 34:1-5 (KJV): The word which came unto Jeremiah from the Lord, when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and all his army, and all the kingdoms of the earth of his dominion, and all the people, fought against Jerusalem, and against all the cities thereof, saying, Thus saith the Lord, the God of Israel; Go and speak to Zedekiah king of Judah, and tell him, Thus saith the Lord; Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire: And thou shalt not escape out of his hand, but shalt surely be taken, and delivered into his hand; and thine eyes shall behold the eyes of the king of Babylon, and he shall speak with thee mouth to mouth, and thou shalt go to Babylon. Yet hear the word of the Lord, O Zedekiah king of Judah; Thus saith the Lord of thee, Thou shalt not die by the sword: But thou shalt die in peace: and with the burnings of thy fathers, the former kings which were before thee, so shall they burn odours for thee; and they will lament thee, saying, Ah lord! for I have pronounced the word, saith the Lord.

Jeremiah 34:1-5 (NKJV): The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord, when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and all his army, with all the kingdoms of the earth under his dominion and all the people, fought against Jerusalem and all its cities, saying, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: ‘Go and speak to Zedekiah king of Judah and tell him, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire; and you shall not escape from his hand, but shall surely be taken and delivered into his hand; your eyes shall see the eyes of the king of Babylon, he shall speak with you face to face, and you shall go to Babylon.’ Yet hear the word of the Lord, O Zedekiah king of Judah. Thus says the Lord concerning you: ‘You shall not die by the sword. You shall die in peace; they shall burn incense for you as they burned incense for your fathers, the former kings who were before you. And they will lament for you, saying, “Alas, lord!”’ For I have pronounced the word,” says the Lord.”

This passage establishes the historical context: Jerusalem under siege by Nebuchadnezzar. God reveals to Jeremiah the imminent fall of the city and Zedekiah’s capture. However, a sliver of mercy is extended: Zedekiah will not die by the sword but in peace, and will receive a royal burial. This prophecy underscores God’s sovereignty even in judgment, demonstrating that He orchestrates events according to His divine plan. The environmental and urban context is crucial. Jerusalem, once a thriving city, is now facing destruction. This illustrates the consequences of spiritual decline on the physical realm.

Spiritual Application: Even in the face of judgment, God offers glimpses of grace. We should seek His mercy and strive to live righteously, recognizing His sovereignty over all events. We can look at this as a warning, and a moment of repentance, much like St. Mary of Egypt, who transformed from a life of sin to one of profound repentance and holiness.

Jeremiah 34:6-7: Jeremiah Delivers the Message

Jeremiah 34:6-7 (KJV): Then Jeremiah the prophet spake all these words unto Zedekiah king of Judah in Jerusalem, When the king of Babylon’s army fought against Jerusalem, and against all the cities of Judah that were left, against Lachish, and against Azekah: for these defenced cities remained of the cities of Judah.

Jeremiah 34:6-7 (NKJV): Then Jeremiah the prophet spoke all these words to Zedekiah king of Judah in Jerusalem, when the king of Babylon’s army fought against Jerusalem and all the cities of Judah that were left, against Lachish and Azekah; for only these fortified cities remained of the cities of Judah.

Jeremiah faithfully delivers God’s message to Zedekiah. The mention of Lachish and Azekah highlights the dwindling defenses of Judah. These cities, key strongholds, represented the last vestiges of resistance. The geographical detail underscores the severity of the situation.

Spiritual Application: Like Jeremiah, we are called to be faithful messengers of God’s word, even when it is difficult or unpopular. St. Athanasius, facing exile and persecution, remained steadfast in proclaiming the truth of Christ’s divinity, embodying courage and unwavering commitment.

Jeremiah 34:8-11: The Covenant to Free Slaves

Jeremiah 34:8-11 (KJV): This is the word that came unto Jeremiah from the Lord, after that the king Zedekiah had made a covenant with all the people which were at Jerusalem, to proclaim liberty unto them; That every man should let his manservant, and every man his maidservant, being an Hebrew or an Hebrewess, go free; that none should serve himself of them, to wit, of a Jew his brother. Then all the princes, and all the people, obeyed, that had entered into the covenant, that every one should let his manservant, and every one his maidservant, go free, that none should serve themselves of them any more, they obeyed therefore, and let them go. But afterward they turned, and caused the servants and the handmaids, whom they had let go free, to return, and brought them into subjection for servants and for handmaids.

Jeremiah 34:8-11 (NKJV): This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord, after King Zedekiah had made a covenant with all the people who were at Jerusalem to proclaim liberty to them: that every man should set free his male and female servant—a Hebrew man or woman—that no one should keep a Jewish brother in bondage. And all the princes and all the people obeyed, who had entered into the covenant, that everyone should set free his male and female servants, that no one should keep them in bondage anymore; they obeyed and let them go. But afterward they changed their minds and made the male and female servants return, whom they had let go free, and brought them into subjection as male and female servants.

This section reveals Zedekiah’s covenant with the people to free Hebrew slaves, aligning with God’s law (Deuteronomy 15:12-18). Initially, they obeyed, demonstrating a moment of repentance. However, this obedience was short-lived. They retracted their promise and re-enslaved those they had freed. This act of covenant-breaking highlights their hypocrisy and lack of genuine repentance. This failure to uphold the covenant directly violates God’s commandments and reveals a profound lack of justice and compassion within the society.

Spiritual Application: This passage emphasizes the importance of honoring our commitments and the grave consequences of hypocrisy. True repentance involves sustained change, not fleeting displays of obedience. We are called to live with integrity, ensuring our actions align with our words. “Τὴν γλῶσσαν σου φύλαξον ἀπὸ κακοῦ, καὶ τὰ χείλη σου τοῦ μὴ λαλῆσαι δόλον· ἔκκλινον ἀπὸ κακοῦ καὶ ποίησον ἀγαθόν· ζήτησον εἰρήνην καὶ δίωξον αὐτήν” (Psalm 33:14-15 LXX) – “Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it” (Psalm 34:13-14 NKJV). This echoes the need for consistent righteousness.

Jeremiah 34:12-16: God’s Rebuke for Covenant-Breaking

Jeremiah 34:12-16 (KJV): Therefore the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying, Thus saith the Lord, the God of Israel; I made a covenant with your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondmen, saying, At the end of seven years let ye go every man his brother an Hebrew, which hath been sold unto thee; and when he hath served thee six years, thou shalt let him go free from thee: but your fathers hearkened not unto me, neither inclined their ear. And ye were now turned, and had done right in my sight, in proclaiming liberty every man to his neighbour; and ye had made a covenant before me in the house which is called by my name: But ye turned and polluted my name, and caused every man his servant, and every man his handmaid, whom ye had set at liberty, at their pleasure, to return, and brought them into subjection, to be unto you for servants and for handmaids.

Jeremiah 34:12-16 (NKJV): Therefore the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: ‘I made a covenant with your fathers in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage, saying, “At the end of seven years let every man set free his Hebrew brother, who has been sold to him; and when he has served you six years, you shall let him go free from you.” But your fathers did not obey Me nor incline their ear. Recently you turned and did what was right in My sight, proclaiming liberty to each one his neighbor; and you made a covenant before Me in the house which is called by My name. Then you turned around and profaned My name, and every one of you brought back his male and female servants, whom you had set at liberty, at their pleasure, and brought them back into subjection, to be your male and female servants.’

God reminds them of the covenant He made with their ancestors after delivering them from slavery in Egypt. He highlights their forefathers’ disobedience and contrasts it with their initial compliance, followed by their deplorable reversal. God accuses them of polluting His name by breaking their covenant made in His house. This passage underscores the seriousness of breaking a covenant made before God. The historical context of the Exodus is vital here; God liberated them from slavery, yet they perpetuate the same injustice.

Spiritual Application: We must be mindful of the covenants we make with God and others. Breaking a promise is not just a social faux pas; it is a spiritual offense that profanes God’s name. Repentance requires not just admitting wrongdoing but also making restitution and living in accordance with God’s will. Remembering the words of Abba Dorotheos: “Οὐκ ἔστιν ἀρετὴ ἀνευ ἀληθείας” – “There is no virtue without truth” (Abba Dorotheos, Discourses, Discourse 3). This reinforces the importance of truthfulness and integrity in all our dealings.

Jeremiah 34:17-22: The Consequences of Disobedience

Jeremiah 34:17-22 (KJV): Therefore thus saith the Lord; Ye have not hearkened unto me, in proclaiming liberty, every one to his brother, and every man to his neighbour: behold, I proclaim a liberty for you, saith the Lord, to the sword, to the pestilence, and to the famine; and I will make you to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth. And I will give the men that have transgressed my covenant, which have not performed the words of the covenant which they had made before me, when they cut the calf in twain, and passed between the parts thereof, I will even give them into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of them that seek their life: and their dead bodies shall be meat unto the fowls of the heaven, and to the beasts of the earth. And Zedekiah king of Judah and his princes will I give into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of them that seek their life, and into the hand of the king of Babylon’s army, which are gone up from you. Behold, I will command, saith the Lord, and cause them to return unto this city; and they shall fight against it, and take it, and burn it with fire: and I will make the cities of Judah a desolation without an inhabitant.

Jeremiah 34:17-22 (NKJV): Therefore thus says the Lord: ‘You have not obeyed Me in proclaiming liberty, every one to his brother and every one to his neighbor. Behold, I proclaim liberty to you,’ says the Lord, ‘to the sword, to pestilence, and to famine! And I will deliver you to trouble among all the kingdoms of the earth. And I will give the men who have transgressed My covenant, who have not performed the words of the covenant which they made before Me, when they cut the calf in two and passed between the parts of it— I will give them into the hand of their enemies and into the hand of those who seek their life. Their dead bodies shall be food for the birds of the heavens and the beasts of the earth. And I will give Zedekiah king of Judah and his princes into the hand of their enemies, into the hand of those who seek their life, and into the hand of the king of Babylon’s army which has gone away from you. Behold,’ says the Lord, ‘I will command them and cause them to return to this city. They will fight against it and take it, and burn it with fire; and I will make the cities of Judah a desolation without inhabitants.’

God declares the consequences of their disobedience: He will proclaim “liberty” to the sword, pestilence, and famine. He will deliver them to trouble among all the kingdoms of the earth. The imagery of cutting the calf in two and passing between the parts thereof reflects an ancient covenant ritual (Genesis 15:9-21), emphasizing the solemnity of their broken promise. God will hand them over to their enemies, and their corpses will become food for scavengers. Zedekiah and his princes will also be delivered into the hands of their enemies. God will bring the Babylonian army back to destroy Jerusalem, leaving the cities of Judah desolate. This serves as a stark warning about the irreversible consequences of rejecting God’s commands.

Spiritual Application: Disobedience carries severe consequences. God’s judgment is just and inevitable. We must heed His warnings and strive to live in obedience to His commandments, understanding that true freedom comes from submission to His will. As St. Antony the Great teaches, “Ἀεὶ προσδόκαζε πειρασμόν μέχρι της τελευταίας σου αναπνοής” – “Always expect temptation until your last breath” (Sayings of the Desert Fathers). This constant vigilance reminds us to remain steadfast in our faith and obedience.

Subtopic Sections 💡

Key Reflections on Zedekiah’s Broken Covenant:

• Integrity in Promises: We must honor our commitments, both to God and to others. Our word should be our bond.
• True Repentance: Genuine repentance involves sustained change, not fleeting acts of obedience.
• Justice and Compassion: We are called to treat others with justice and compassion, especially the vulnerable.
• Consequences of Disobedience: Disobeying God carries severe consequences, both individually and corporately.
• Sovereignty of God: God is sovereign over all events, even in judgment. He orchestrates history according to His divine plan.
• Warning to Leaders: Leaders bear a special responsibility to uphold justice and righteousness, lest they lead their people astray.

FAQ ❓

Q: Why was breaking the covenant to free slaves such a serious offense?

A: Because it violated God’s law concerning the treatment of Hebrew slaves (Deuteronomy 15:12-18) and demonstrated a lack of justice and compassion. It was also a breach of trust, breaking a promise made before God, and thus profaning His name.

Q: What does the prophecy about Zedekiah’s death teach us about God’s mercy?

A: While Zedekiah faced judgment for his disobedience, the promise of dying in peace and receiving a royal burial shows that God still extended mercy, even in the midst of judgment. This illustrates God’s willingness to temper justice with compassion.

Q: How can we apply the lessons of Jeremiah 34 to our modern lives?

A: We can apply these lessons by honoring our commitments, living with integrity, treating others with justice and compassion, and striving to obey God’s commandments. We must also be mindful of the consequences of our actions and seek to live righteously in all areas of our lives. Use web hosting to help grow your online presence and spread these teachings to others.

Conclusion ✨

Jeremiah 34 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of covenant faithfulness and the dire consequences of breaking promises. Zedekiah’s Broken Covenant, driven by expediency and fear, led to the judgment of Jerusalem and the captivity of its people. The lessons of this chapter are timeless: we must honor our commitments, practice genuine repentance, and live with integrity. By upholding justice and compassion and seeking to obey God’s will, we can avoid the tragic fate of Zedekiah and Judah. May we learn from their mistakes and strive to live lives pleasing to God, rooted in truth and unwavering faithfulness.

Tags

Jeremiah, Zedekiah, Covenant, Covenant Breaking, Slavery, Repentance, Judgment, Prophecy, Old Testament, Coptic Orthodox

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Explore Jeremiah 34: A Coptic Orthodox commentary on Zedekiah’s Broken Covenant, revealing the consequences of disobedience and the importance of integrity. Learn how to apply these lessons to modern life.