when the army of the king of Babylon was fighting against Jerusalem and against all the cities of Judah that were left, Lachish and Azekah, for these were the only fortified cities of Judah that remained.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse names Lachish and Azekah not just as cities, but as the last remaining fortified strongholds of Judah. This detail underscores the desperate, dwindling nature of the kingdom's defenses and highlights the immense pressure on Jerusalem itself, as these were the only cities left standing against the Babylonian onslaught.
when the army of the king of Babylon was fighting against Jerusalem and against all the cities of Judah that were left, Lachish and Azekah, for these were the only fortified cities of Judah that remained.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Babylonian army is actively besieging Jerusalem and its last remaining strongholds, Lachish and Azekah, which are now the only fortified cities left in Judah. This intense military pressure sets the stage for the prophet Jeremiah to deliver a challenging message from God to King Zedekiah and the people, right in the midst of this desperate situation.
As the Babylonian army advances, two cities stand as Judah's final, desperate line of defense. What does their strategic importance reveal about the kingdom's fate?
Jeremiah 34:7 paints a stark picture of a kingdom on the brink. The Babylonian forces are not just fighting Jerusalem; they are systematically dismantling Judah's defenses.
Strategic Pillars
Lachish and Azekah are specifically named because they were fortified cities. These weren't just towns; they were strongholds, strategically positioned (likely in the Shephelah, the lowlands) to guard against invasion and protect the heartland. Rehoboam had even reinforced them centuries earlier for defense.
A Kingdom's Final Defense
When these cities are under siege, it signifies that the outer defenses have fallen. Their resistance means the main Babylonian army is engaged, unable to fully concentrate on Jerusalem yet. However, their fall is inevitable, leaving Jerusalem isolated and vulnerable. The fact that only a few fortified cities remained highlights the devastating sweep of the Babylonian conquest already experienced by Judah.
Jeremiah stands before King Zedekiah, delivering a message that seals the fate of these very cities. What does this reveal about the prophet's courage and God's persistent word?
This verse doesn't just describe a military situation; it's set within the context of God's message delivered by Jeremiah to King Zedekiah. While the armies clash outside, the spiritual battle rages within the palace.
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Delivering the Inevitable
Jeremiah's role was to speak God's truth, even when it was devastating and unwelcome. He names these specific cities under siege not just as a historical marker, but to emphasize the reality of the judgment unfolding. The prophet bravely declared what was happening and what was to come, even at personal risk.
A King's Defiance
Despite the undeniable evidence of the siege – the crumbling defenses, the loss of cities like Lachish and Azekah – King Zedekiah remained resistant. The scholars note his 'high spirits' and 'ferocity of mind,' suggesting a stubborn refusal to accept the severity of their situation or heed God's warnings. Jeremiah's message was a direct confrontation with this defiance, highlighting that outward fortifications are useless without inner repentance.
This verse captures a critical moment during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, when the kingdom's defenses were collapsing. The mention of Lachish and Azekah emphasizes that these once strong, strategically vital cities had fallen, leaving Jerusalem as the last major stronghold and highlighting the dire straits Judah was in.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
Sennacherib's Assyrian army invades Judah, besieges Jerusalem, and captures many fortified cities, including Lachish. This event highlights the strategic importance and previous fortifications of cities like Lachish.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar, after defeating the Egyptians at Carchemish, begins his campaign against Judah. The first wave of exiles, including members of the royal family and skilled workers, are taken to Babylon.
c. 597 BC
Second Babylonian Deportation
Following a brief revolt, Nebuchadnezzar besieges and captures Jerusalem. King Jehoiachin and another large group of Judeans, including the prophet Ezekiel, are exiled to Babylon.
c. 589-588 BC— this verse
Babylonian Siege of Jerusalem Begins
Nebuchadnezzar's army returns and lays siege to Jerusalem. The surrounding fortified cities of Judah, such as Lachish and Azekah, are systematically conquered before the main assault on the capital.
c. 588 BC
Fall of Lachish and Azekah
The crucial fortified cities of Lachish and Azekah fall to the Babylonian army. Their conquest marks a significant step in Nebuchadnezzar's campaign, isolating Jerusalem.
c. 587/586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Third Deportation
After a prolonged siege, Jerusalem is breached and destroyed. Zedekiah's eyes are put out, and the remaining population is exiled to Babylon, marking the end of the Kingdom of Judah.
This passage highlights Rehoboam fortifying cities like Lachish and Azekah, directly connecting to Jeremiah 34:7 which names these as remaining fortified cities.
2 Kings 18:13-17This account shows how Assyria, under Sennacherib, attacked and took cities like Lachish, demonstrating its strategic importance and vulnerability, mirroring the threat of Babylon's army.
Joshua 10:31This earlier conquest of Lachish by Joshua shows its historical significance as a strong city in the region, providing context for its continued importance and fortification in Jeremiah's time.
Jeremiah 32:3This verse, mentioned in commentaries, directly precedes Jeremiah 34 and describes Jeremiah's imprisonment by Zedekiah, showing the king's resistance to God's message even as these strongholds were under siege.
Ezekiel 4:7Ezekiel, prophesying simultaneously, portrays the siege of Jerusalem with specific details, reinforcing the dire reality of the military situation described in Jeremiah 34:7.
barnesJeremiah 34:7: "When the king of Babylon's army fought against Jerusalem, and against all the cities of Judah that were left, against Lachish, and against Azekah: for these defenced cities remained of the cities of Judah."
This marks the exact time, that it was early in the campaign, while the outlying fortresses still occupied the attention of Nebuchadnezzars army. Lachish and Azekah were strong cities in the plain toward Egypt and must be taken before the Chaldseans could march upon Jerusalem…
calvinJeremiah 34:6-7: "Then Jeremiah the prophet spake all these words unto Zedekiah king of Judah in Jerusalem,"
When the king of Babylon's army fought against Jerusalem, and against all the cities of Judah that were left, against Lachish, and against Azekah: for these defenced cities remained of the cities of Judah.
Et exercitus regis Babylonii pugnabant (hoc est, oppugnabant) Jerusalem et onmes urbes Jehudah quae residuae erant, nempe Lachis et Azekah, quoniam ipsae restabant in urbibus Je…
The verse names Lachish and Azekah not just as cities, but as the last remaining fortified strongholds of Judah. This detail underscores the desperate, dwindling nature of the kingdom's defenses and highlights the immense pressure on Jerusalem itself, as these were the only cities left standing against the Babylonian onslaught.
The Babylonian army is actively besieging Jerusalem and its last remaining strongholds, Lachish and Azekah, which are now the only fortified cities left in Judah. This intense military pressure sets the stage for the prophet Jeremiah to deliver a challenging message from God to King Zedekiah and the people, right in the midst of this desperate situation.
The Babylonian army is actively besieging Jerusalem and its last remaining strongholds, Lachish and Azekah, which are now the only fortified cities left in Judah. This intense military pressure sets the stage for the prophet Jeremiah to deliver a challenging message from God to King Zedekiah and the people, right in the midst of this desperate situation.
"when the army of the king of Babylon was fighting against Jerusalem and against all the cities of Judah that were left, Lachish and Azekah, for these were the only fortified cities of Judah that remained." — The verse names Lachish and Azekah not just as cities, but as the last remaining fortified strongholds of Judah. This detail underscores the desperate, dwindling nature of the kingdom's defenses an…
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Last reviewed October 2026