Jeremiah 21:1-14
Q.1. When and why did King Zedekiah send messengers to Jeremiah? How did God respond? What would Nebuchadnezzar do? – (Jer.21:1-7)
It can seem confusing to read that Pashhur was one of the messengers sent by King Zedekiah to Jeremiah. However, the Pashhur in the previous chapter was ‘the son of Immer’ whereas this Pashhur was the son of Malchijah (Jer.20:1 c.f. Jer.21:1). The king sent Pashhur and Zephaniah, the priest while Zedekiah was waging war outside the walls of Jerusalem (Jer.21:4). After the death of the godly King Josiah, Judah had a succession of wicked kings including Zedekiah who paid no attention to Jeremiah until it was too late (c.f. 2 Chron.36:11-14). At the last moment Zedekiah sent his representatives to Jeremiah with the request – Please inquire of the Lord on our behalf, for Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon is warring against us; perhaps the Lord will deal with us according to all His wonderful acts, so that the enemy will withdraw from us (Jer.21:2). Zedekiah was told that not just the Babylonians, but – I Myself will war against you with an outstretched hand and a mighty arm, even in anger and wrath and great indignation (Jer.21:5). He warned that Zedekiah would come in for horrible treatment from Nebuchadnezzar – He will not spare them nor have pity nor compassion (Jer.21:7). His sons were executed in his sight and then his eyes gouged out. He was then taken in bronze chains to Babylon (c.f. 2 Kgs.25:5-7).
Q.2. Was there a way of escape from death? What advice did God give the leaders? Why would the house of David be destroyed? – (Jer.21:8-14)
God had consistently told the people to accept their punishment (c.f. Jer.29:1-9). Through Jeremiah, He presented an escape from death – 8 … Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death. 9 He who dwells in this city will die by the sword and by famine and by pestilence; but he who goes out and falls away to the Chaldeans who are besieging you will live, and he will have his own life as booty. 10 For I have set My face against this city for harm and not for good … (Jer.21:8-10). He warned the leaders that they would still be held accountable for the way that they treated others – Administer justice every morning; and deliver the person who has been robbed from the power of his oppressor (Jer.21:12). He added – But I will punish you according to the results of your deeds,” declares the Lord (Jer.21:14).