Jeremiah 21:1-2
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Zedekiah’s sending two prominent officials to consult Jeremiah reveals a surprising flicker of hope in a desperate situation; they acknowledge Jeremiah’s divine authority, seeking God’s intervention even as they outwardly resist Babylon. This moment highlights how crisis can force even hardened hearts to acknowledge spiritual realities, though it doesn’t guarantee genuine repentance.
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, “Inquire of the LORD for us, for Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon is making war against us. Perhaps the LORD will deal with us according to all his wonderful deeds and will make him withdraw from us.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jerusalem is under siege by the Babylonians, and King Zedekiah, facing dire circumstances, sends messengers to Jeremiah. These envoys, Pashur and Zephaniah, seek divine counsel, implicitly acknowledging Jeremiah's prophetic authority in this desperate hour. Their mission reveals the king's hope for a miraculous intervention, despite the ongoing conflict and the dire situation unfolding.
Why would a king send for a prophet when facing an invading army? It speaks volumes about how God's voice was perceived, even by those in power.
When King Zedekiah sent Pashur and Zephaniah to Jeremiah, he was, in essence, acknowledging the prophet's unique connection to the LORD. This wasn't just any messenger; these were high-ranking officials, sent to inquire of God.
A King's Last Resort
This act reveals a desperate situation. The Babylonian army was at their gates, and earthly solutions were failing. Zedekiah, despite his own flaws and perhaps misguided political leanings, recognized that there was a higher authority.
A Glimmer of Hope
While Zedekiah's faith was ultimately weak, this moment shows he hadn't entirely abandoned God. He sought divine intervention, recalling God's past 'wondrous works' for Israel. It’s a testament to Jeremiah’s established authority that the king turned to him, even if it was out of fear rather than true devotion.
Jeremiah's prophecies weren't just pronouncements; they were deeply tied to the nation's actions and their covenant relationship with God. What did Zedekiah’s plea reveal about their choices?
Zedekiah's question, 'it may be that the LORD will deal with us according to all his wondrous works, that he may go up from us,' reveals a flawed understanding of God's covenant.
Covenant and Consequence
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Israel had a covenant with God, marked by His past 'wondrous works' of deliverance. However, this covenant was conditional. Their obedience was required for continued blessing. By rebelling against Babylon, Zedekiah and his people were breaking their commitment to God's established order, even if that order involved foreign powers.
Hypocrisy in Crisis
Commentators note that Zedekiah's appeal was tinged with hypocrisy. He wanted God's protection based on past faithfulness, but he himself was not acting faithfully. He was seeking God's help on his own terms, without a genuine desire for repentance or surrender. This is a common trap: wanting God's favor without aligning with His will.
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.
darash · Hebrew Verb
A formal request made to God through a prophet or priest to discern His will, guidance, or judgment regarding a specific situation.
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.
pala' · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the extraordinary acts of divine intervention, miracles, or saving works performed by God on behalf of His people, often in reference to the Exodus.
milchamah · Hebrew Noun
A state of military conflict; in a theological context, it often refers to the judgment of God or the striving between nations under His sovereign permission.
This message came at a critical juncture when Jerusalem was under siege, and Zedekiah, facing imminent destruction, desperately sought divine counsel, revealing a blend of political defiance and a flicker of religious concern.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, begins his campaigns against Judah, deports some of the royal family and nobility, including Daniel.
597 BC
Second Deportation and Fall of Jehoiachin
After a brief rebellion, King Jehoiachin and thousands of Judeans are exiled to Babylon. Zedekiah, Jehoiachin's uncle, is made king by Nebuchadnezzar.
c. 594 BC— this verse
Zedekiah's Revolt Begins
King Zedekiah, despite Jeremiah's warnings, revolts against Babylonian rule, likely encouraged by Egyptian promises of support. This marks the beginning of the final siege.
c. 588 BC
Siege of Jerusalem Begins
Nebuchadnezzar's armies lay siege to Jerusalem. This period of intense pressure and desperation directly prompts King Zedekiah's inquiry to Jeremiah.
587/586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
After a prolonged siege, Jerusalem falls to the Babylonians. The city is destroyed, the Temple is plundered and burned, and the remaining population is exiled.
This shows a similar instance where King Hezekiah sent messengers to Isaiah in a time of crisis, acknowledging the prophet's role as a divine intermediary for the nation.
Jeremiah 38:1This passage describes the same Pashur, now identified as the son of Malkijah, joining with others to accuse Jeremiah of treason, highlighting the political tension and danger the prophet faced.
Ezekiel 14:1This verse parallels Jeremiah's situation, with elders of Israel coming to inquire of Ezekiel, demonstrating a pattern of seeking God's word in dire times, though often with impure hearts.
Isaiah 30:1-2This passage critiques the very action Zedekiah is taking – seeking help from Egypt (implicitly) rather than trusting fully in the LORD, showing a similar flawed reliance on human alliances.
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…
Zedekiah’s sending two prominent officials to consult Jeremiah reveals a surprising flicker of hope in a desperate situation; they acknowledge Jeremiah’s divine authority, seeking God’s intervention even as they outwardly resist Babylon. This moment highlights how crisis can force even hardened hearts to acknowledge spiritual realities, though it doesn’t guarantee genuine repentance.
Jerusalem is under siege by the Babylonians, and King Zedekiah, facing dire circumstances, sends messengers to Jeremiah. These envoys, Pashur and Zephaniah, seek divine counsel, implicitly acknowledging Jeremiah's prophetic authority in this desperate hour. Their mission reveals the king's hope for a miraculous intervention, despite the ongoing conflict and the dire situation unfolding.
Jerusalem is under siege by the Babylonians, and King Zedekiah, facing dire circumstances, sends messengers to Jeremiah. These envoys, Pashur and Zephaniah, seek divine counsel, implicitly acknowledging Jeremiah's prophetic authority in this desperate hour. Their mission reveals the king's hope for a miraculous intervention, despite the ongoing conflict and the dire situation unfolding.
"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, “Inquire of the LORD for us, for Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon is maki…" — Zedekiah’s sending two prominent officials to consult Jeremiah reveals a surprising flicker of hope in a desperate situation; they acknowledge Jeremiah’s divine authority, seeking God’s intervention…
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Last reviewed October 2026
