Jeremiah 21:8

8 "Tell the people, 'The LORD says, "I am offering you a choice. You can choose the way that leads to life. Or you can choose the way that leads to death.

Jeremiah 21:8 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 21:8

And unto the people thou shalt say, thus saith the Lord
These are the words, not of the prophet to the messengers of the king, ordering or advising them what they each of them should say to the people; for the message by them is finished; but they are the words of the Lord to the prophet, directing him what he should say to the people at this critical juncture: behold, I set before you the way of life, and the way of death;
the way how to preserve their lives; and which, if they did not choose to take, would be inevitable death. The allusion seems to be to a phrase used by Moses, when he gave the law; obedience to which would issue in life, and disobedience in death, ( Deuteronomy 30:15 Deuteronomy 30:19 ) .

Jeremiah 21:8 In-Context

6 I will strike down those who live in this city. I will kill people and animals alike. They will die of a terrible plague.

7 " ' "After that, I will hand you over to your enemies who want to kill you," announces the Lord. "I will hand over Zedekiah, the king of Judah. I will hand over his officials and the people in this city who live through the plague, war and hunger. All of them will be turned over to Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylonia. He will kill them with swords. He will not show them any kindness. He will not feel sorry for them. In fact, he will not have any concern for them at all." '

8 "Tell the people, 'The LORD says, "I am offering you a choice. You can choose the way that leads to life. Or you can choose the way that leads to death.

9 Those who stay in this city will die of war, hunger or plague. But those who go out and give themselves up to the Babylonians who are attacking you will live. They will escape with their lives.

10 " ' "I have decided to do this city harm and not good," announces the Lord. "It will be handed over to the king of Babylonia. And he will destroy it with fire." '