Jeremiah 21:1
This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, when King Zedekiah sent to him Pashhur the son of Malchiah and Zephaniah the priest, the son of Maaseiah, saying,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Even though King Zedekiah is facing an invasion, he sends priests to Jeremiah, indicating a flicker of respect for God's prophet in a desperate hour. This isn't just any desperate plea; it's a reluctant acknowledgment of Jeremiah's divine connection, contrasting sharply with the king's own flawed reliance on military might and political alliances over true obedience.
Jerusalem is under siege by the Babylonians, and King Zedekiah, in a moment of desperation, sends two high-ranking officials to consult the prophet Jeremiah. They are seeking divine intervention to make the enemy withdraw, even though Zedekiah and his advisors are also part of a faction resisting Babylon. This message comes at a critical turning point, just as the city's defenses are about to be overwhelmed.
King Zedekiah, facing an overwhelming enemy, sends for Jeremiah. This isn't a casual chat; it's a desperate king acknowledging the prophet's divine authority in a time of crisis.
A Shift in Perception
Jeremiah's ministry wasn't always welcomed. In fact, he'd faced beatings and imprisonment (Jeremiah 20). But here, King Zedekiah, in a dire situation, sends high-ranking officials – Pashhur (son of Malchiah) and Zephaniah (the second priest) – to consult Jeremiah. This shows a significant shift:
Zedekiah's messengers came seeking a favorable word, a divine intervention to save them. But Jeremiah's message reveals a grim truth: the king's hope was misplaced, and God's judgment was inevitable.
A Fading Hope
The king and his officials harbored a fragile hope, clinging to past miracles and their identity as God's people. They asked Jeremiah to "inquire of the LORD for us." This wasn't a genuine desire for obedience, but a wish for divine favor on their terms.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The proper name of the covenant God of Israel, revealed to Moses, emphasizing His self-existence, eternity, and faithfulness to His covenant promises.
kohen · Hebrew Noun
A priest was a mediator appointed by God to represent the people before Him, performing sacrifices and administering the law; in the Old Testament, it refers specifically to the descendants of Aaron who served in the tabernacle or temple.
This message from Jeremiah is delivered at a desperate moment when Jerusalem is under siege, King Zedekiah has just rebelled, and all hope of military victory seems lost. The king, caught between his own political ambitions and a desperate need for divine intervention, sends high officials to inquire of Jeremiah, revealing a society clinging to hope in God's past miracles while ignoring His present commands.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, conquers Judah and carries off many of the nobility, including Daniel, to Babylon. This event signals the beginning of Babylonian dominance over the region.
597 BC
Second Babylonian Deportation
Following a revolt, Nebuchadnezzar deports more of Jerusalem's elite, including King Jehoiachin, and installs Zedekiah as a puppet ruler. This further weakens the kingdom.
c. 589 BC— this verse
Babylonian Siege of Jerusalem Begins
Nebuchadnezzar lays siege to Jerusalem. King Zedekiah, despite earlier warnings from Jeremiah, has rebelled against Babylonian rule, leading to this devastating military action.
c. 588 BC
Egyptian Army Approaches Jerusalem
An Egyptian army approaches, causing the Babylonians to temporarily lift the siege of Jerusalem. This offers a fleeting moment of hope for the besieged city.
Similar to how King Hezekiah sent messengers to Isaiah during a time of national crisis, King Zedekiah sends officials to Jeremiah when facing an invasion.
Jeremiah 38:1-6This passage shows the same officials, Pashur and Zephaniah, later acting against Jeremiah, revealing the political complexities and danger Jeremiah faced even from those seeking his counsel.
Ezekiel 14:1-11This passage describes elders coming to Ezekiel for a message from the Lord, mirroring how leaders in Jeremiah's time sought prophetic counsel, but with a strong emphasis on God’s judgment against idolatry.
Lamentations 1:1-5The desperate plea of Jerusalem and its leaders in Lamentations reflects the dire situation Zedekiah and his officials faced, highlighting the sorrow and consequences of the siege.
barnesJeremiah 21:1: "The word which came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, when king Zedekiah sent unto him Pashur the son of Melchiah, and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest, saying,"
By sending this embassy Zedekiah acknowledged that Jeremiah held the same position in the kingdom which Isaiah had held under Hezekiah 2 Kings 19:2 . Pashur and Zephaniah belonged to the party who were for resisting Nebuchadnezzar by force of arms.
clarkeJeremiah 21:1: "The word which came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, when king Zedekiah sent unto him Pashur the son of Melchiah, and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest, saying,"
The word which came unto Jeremiah - The chapters in the remaining parts of this prophecy seem strangely interchanged. This subject has been mentioned in the introduction, and some tables given; and to these the critical reader is requested to refer. The discourse here was delivered about the ninth year or the reign o…
Even though King Zedekiah is facing an invasion, he sends priests to Jeremiah, indicating a flicker of respect for God's prophet in a desperate hour. This isn't just any desperate plea; it's a reluctant acknowledgment of Jeremiah's divine connection, contrasting sharply with the king's own flawed reliance on military might and political alliances over true obedience.
Jerusalem is under siege by the Babylonians, and King Zedekiah, in a moment of desperation, sends two high-ranking officials to consult the prophet Jeremiah. They are seeking divine intervention to make the enemy withdraw, even though Zedekiah and his advisors are also part of a faction resisting Babylon. This message comes at a critical turning point, just as the city's defenses are about to be overwhelmed.
Jerusalem is under siege by the Babylonians, and King Zedekiah, in a moment of desperation, sends two high-ranking officials to consult the prophet Jeremiah. They are seeking divine intervention to make the enemy withdraw, even though Zedekiah and his advisors are also part of a faction resisting Babylon. This message comes at a critical turning point, just as the city's defenses are about to be overwhelmed.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Jeremiah 21:1 is available in the Sola app.
c. 587 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
The Babylonians defeat the Egyptian forces and return to complete their siege. They breach Jerusalem's walls, leading to its destruction, the death of many, and a final, massive deportation to Babylon.
"This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, when King Zedekiah sent to him Pashhur the son of Malchiah and Zephaniah the priest, the son of Maaseiah, saying," — Even though King Zedekiah is facing an invasion, he sends priests to Jeremiah, indicating a flicker of respect for God's prophet in a desperate hour. This isn't just any desperate plea; it's a reluct…
