Jeremiah 21:8

Furthermore, you are to tell this people that this is what the LORD says: 'Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death.

Study Bible

Furthermore, you are to tell this people
This phrase indicates a direct command from God to the prophet Jeremiah. The Hebrew word for "tell" is "אָמַר" (amar), which means to speak or declare. This emphasizes the role of the prophet as a mouthpiece for God, tasked with delivering His message to the people. The phrase "this people" refers to the Israelites, specifically the inhabitants of Jerusalem, who were facing imminent judgment due to their persistent disobedience. This highlights the personal and communal nature of God's communication, as He addresses them directly through His prophet.

that this is what the LORD says
The phrase underscores the authority and divine origin of the message. "LORD" is translated from the Hebrew "יהוה" (YHWH), the sacred and covenantal name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. This assures the audience that the message is not Jeremiah's own, but a direct revelation from God Himself. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His right to judge and guide His people.

Behold
The Hebrew word "הִנֵּה" (hinneh) is used here, which can be translated as "look" or "see." It is an attention-grabbing word, meant to alert the listeners to the importance and urgency of the message. It calls the people to focus and consider carefully what is about to be presented to them, indicating that the following message is of critical importance.

I set before you
This phrase indicates a deliberate action by God, presenting a choice to the people. The Hebrew root "שׂוּם" (sum) means to place or set, suggesting that God is actively placing options before the Israelites. This reflects God's respect for human free will, allowing them to choose their path, while also holding them accountable for their decisions.

the way of life and the way of death
The "way" in Hebrew is "דֶּרֶךְ" (derekh), which means a path or road. This metaphorical language presents two distinct paths or lifestyles with corresponding outcomes. "Life" (חַיִּים, chayyim) and "death" (מָוֶת, mavet) are not just physical states but represent spiritual realities and consequences. Historically, this choice was literal, as the people faced destruction from the Babylonian siege. Scripturally, it echoes the choices presented in Deuteronomy 30:19, where God sets before the Israelites life and death, blessings and curses. This duality underscores the consistent biblical theme of covenantal faithfulness leading to life, while rebellion leads to death. It serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of choosing obedience to God, which leads to spiritual and often physical life, over the path of disobedience, which leads to spiritual and often physical death.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. His ministry spanned the reigns of several kings and was marked by themes of repentance and judgment.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who speaks through Jeremiah to communicate His will and the consequences of the people's choices.

3. The People of Judah
The audience of Jeremiah's message, who were facing the impending threat of Babylonian invasion due to their persistent disobedience and idolatry.

4. The Way of Life and the Way of Death
A metaphorical choice presented by God, symbolizing obedience and disobedience, respectively. This choice reflects the broader biblical theme of choosing between following God or turning away.

5. Babylonian Invasion
The historical context of this passage, where the Babylonian Empire was poised to conquer Jerusalem as a consequence of Judah's unfaithfulness.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Choice
God presents us with choices that have significant consequences. Our decisions reflect our faith and obedience to Him.

Obedience Leads to Life
Choosing the way of life involves aligning our actions with God's will, which leads to spiritual and often physical well-being.

Consequences of Disobedience
The way of death represents the natural outcome of turning away from God, leading to spiritual separation and often tangible suffering.

God's Sovereignty and Mercy
Even in judgment, God offers a choice, demonstrating His desire for repentance and restoration.

Personal Reflection and Repentance
This passage calls for introspection about our own choices and encourages us to turn back to God where we have strayed.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the choice between the way of life and the way of death in Jeremiah 21:8 reflect the choices we face in our daily lives?

2. In what ways can we discern the "way of life" in our current cultural context, and how can we ensure we are following it?

3. How do the themes of choice and consequence in Jeremiah 21:8 connect with Jesus' teachings in the New Testament?

4. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant choice. How did your faith influence your decision, and what was the outcome?

5. How can we encourage others in our community to choose the way of life, especially when they are facing difficult decisions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 30:19
This passage also presents a choice between life and death, blessing and curse, emphasizing the importance of choosing to follow God's commandments.

Proverbs 14:12
Highlights the deceptive nature of the way that seems right to a person but ultimately leads to death, underscoring the need for divine guidance.

Matthew 7:13-14
Jesus speaks of the narrow and wide gates, paralleling the choice between life and death, and the importance of choosing the path that leads to life.