Jeremiah 34:4-5

Listen to Jeremiah 34:4-5
4 Yet hear the word of the Lord, O Zedekiah king of Judah! 1Thus says the Lord concerning you: 2‘You shall not die by the sword.
5 You shall die in peace. 3And as spices were burned for your fathers, the former kings who were before you, so people shall 4burn spices for you 5and lament for you, saying, “Alas, lord! ”’ For I have spoken the word, declares the Lord. ”

Jeremiah 34:4-5 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JEREMIAH 34

In this chapter is a prophecy of the taking and burning of Jerusalem; of the captivity of Zedekiah king of Judah; and of the destruction of the whole land, because of their breach of covenant to let servants go free. The time of this prophecy is observed, Jer 34:1,6,7; the taking and burning of the city, Jer 34:2; the carrying captive the king, who yet should not die a violent death, but in peace, and should have an honourable funeral, Jer 34:3-5; the covenant the king, princes, and people entered into, to let their servants go free, according to the law of God, which was at first observed, and afterwards retracted, Jer 34:8-11; which conduct is taken notice of and resented, Jer 34:13-16; and they are threatened with the sore judgments of God, sword, famine, pestilence, and captivity, the king, princes, priests, and people; and with the destruction, not on of Jerusalem, but of the rest of the cities of Judah, Jer 34:17-22.

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Cross References 5

  • 1. 34:4 [ch. 38:17, 20; 39:4, 7]
  • 2. 34:4 [ch. 38:17, 20; 39:4, 7]
  • 3. 34:5 1 Sam. 31:12; 2 Chr. 21:19
  • 4. 34:5 2 Chr. 16:14
  • 5. 34:5 [ch. 22:18]
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2025