Jeremiah 21:1-2
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)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This isn't just a routine message; King Zedekiah, in a moment of desperation, acknowledges Jeremiah's unique connection to God by sending high-ranking officials to inquire. This act reveals a flicker of hope and perhaps a hidden respect for the prophet's divine access, even from those who ultimately wouldn't heed his warnings.
King Zedekiah, facing the looming threat of Nebuchadnezzar's army, sends two officials to consult Jeremiah. This embassy marks a shift in the prophet's ministry, moving from warnings under Jehoiakim to the desperate pleas of Zedekiah's reign. The king, despite his political leanings, seeks divine counsel from Jeremiah, hoping for God's intervention against the invaders.
When facing an overwhelming enemy, even a defiant king turns to God's prophet. What does this say about facing our own crises?
Jeremiah 21:1 introduces a critical moment in Judah's history. King Zedekiah, facing the might of Nebuchadnezzar's army, sends two high-ranking officials – Pashur and Zephaniah – to inquire of the LORD through Jeremiah.
The King's Shift
This isn't just any message; it's a sign of desperation. Previously, Zedekiah, like many in power, had likely ignored or even opposed Jeremiah. But now, with the enemy at the gates, he acknowledges the prophet's unique connection to God. This echoes how, in times of crisis, even those who usually sideline faith are forced to confront its relevance.
The Royal Messengers
Zephaniah, the priest, and Pashur, a prominent official (likely of a priestly family), were sent. Their mission wasn't to declare loyalty or surrender, but to seek divine intervention. They ask, 'will the LORD deal with us according to all his wondrous works, that he may go up from us?' (Jeremiah 21:2).
This shows a people who understood God’s past faithfulness but failed to grasp that their present disobedience had consequences.
The king's messengers were sent to a prophet whose words had previously brought him shame and rejection. How does Jeremiah handle this high-stakes encounter?
Jeremiah's ministry was marked by hardship. He had been beaten and imprisoned, and the very officials sent to him now likely knew of his struggles. Yet, in this moment, they, on behalf of the king, acknowledge his role as God's mouthpiece.
Acknowledging God's Voice
Sending these men shows a societal understanding, however fractured, that God speaks through prophets. It’s a recognition that earthly power has limits and that divine counsel is sought when human strategies fail.
Jeremiah's Courage
Despite the potential danger and the king's likely desire for a favorable outcome, Jeremiah doesn't waver. He delivers God's unvarnished message, even when he knows it will displease the king. This demonstrates the prophet's integrity and his commitment to God's truth over political expediency.
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.
This message lands in the desperate final years of Judah's existence, just as Nebuchadnezzar's armies are bearing down on Jerusalem. King Zedekiah, a man torn between political pragmatism and a lingering sense of religious duty, sends envoys to Jeremiah, seeking divine intervention.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon deports members of the Judean nobility and skilled workers to Babylon, including a young Daniel. This marks the beginning of Judah's vassalage to Babylon.
c. 597 BC
Second Deportation and Jehoiachin's Exile
After a brief revolt, King Jehoiachin and many more Judeans are exiled to Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar installs Zedekiah, Jehoiachin's uncle, as the new puppet king of Judah.
c. 589 BC
Siege of Jerusalem Begins
Nebuchadnezzar's armies lay siege to Jerusalem. This intense period of pressure and fear would last for over a year.
c. 588 BC— this verse
Zedekiah Consults Jeremiah
Facing the overwhelming might of the Babylonian army, King Zedekiah, desperate and fearful, sends royal officials to the prophet Jeremiah to inquire of the LORD for him. This marks a turning point where the king seeks divine counsel amid crisis.
This passage shows a similar situation where a king, in a time of crisis, seeks counsel from a prophet, highlighting the established role of prophets as divine advisors to the monarchy.
Jeremiah 38:1This verse introduces the same officials, Pashur and Zephaniah, who later become involved in persecuting Jeremiah, showing a progression in their relationship with the prophet from seeking counsel to actively opposing him.
Ezekiel 17:1-2This passage features Ezekiel receiving a similar message from God regarding the king of Judah and a 'great eagle,' addressing the same historical context of rebellion and impending judgment from Babylon.
Isaiah 30:1-5This passage illustrates God's displeasure with seeking alliances with foreign powers (like Egypt) rather than trusting in Him, a theme that underpins Zedekiah's desperate situation and Jeremiah's prophecy.
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…
This isn't just a routine message; King Zedekiah, in a moment of desperation, acknowledges Jeremiah's unique connection to God by sending high-ranking officials to inquire. This act reveals a flicker of hope and perhaps a hidden respect for the prophet's divine access, even from those who ultimately wouldn't heed his warnings.
King Zedekiah, facing the looming threat of Nebuchadnezzar's army, sends two officials to consult Jeremiah. This embassy marks a shift in the prophet's ministry, moving from warnings under Jehoiakim to the desperate pleas of Zedekiah's reign. The king, despite his political leanings, seeks divine counsel from Jeremiah, hoping for God's intervention against the invaders.
King Zedekiah, facing the looming threat of Nebuchadnezzar's army, sends two officials to consult Jeremiah. This embassy marks a shift in the prophet's ministry, moving from warnings under Jehoiakim to the desperate pleas of Zedekiah's reign. The king, despite his political leanings, seeks divine counsel from Jeremiah, hoping for God's intervention against the invaders.
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 21:1-2 is available in the Sola app.
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.
c. 587 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Third Deportation
After a prolonged siege and a breach in the city walls, Jerusalem falls to Nebuchadnezzar. The city is plundered and burned, the Temple is destroyed, and the remaining population is exiled 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, “Inquire of the LORD for us, for Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon is maki…" — This isn't just a routine message; King Zedekiah, in a moment of desperation, acknowledges Jeremiah's unique connection to God by sending high-ranking officials to inquire. This act reveals a flicker…
