Jeremiah 21:9
Whoever stays in this city will die by sword and famine and plague, but whoever goes out and surrenders to the Chaldeans who besiege you will live; he will retain his life like a spoil of war.
Whoever stays in this city
This phrase refers to the inhabitants of Jerusalem during the time of the Babylonian siege. The Hebrew word for "stays" (יָשַׁב, yashab) implies dwelling or remaining. Historically, Jerusalem was under threat due to its disobedience to God, and the call to leave signifies a divine warning. The city, once a symbol of God's presence, had become a place of impending judgment due to the people's unfaithfulness.

will die by the sword, famine, and plague
These three calamities—sword, famine, and plague—are often mentioned together in the Old Testament as instruments of divine judgment (e.g., Ezekiel 5:12). The "sword" represents warfare and violence, "famine" indicates a severe lack of food, and "plague" suggests disease. Each of these is a consequence of the people's rebellion against God, highlighting the severity of their situation and the certainty of judgment for those who remain in defiance.

but whoever goes out and surrenders
The act of "going out" and "surrendering" (יָצָא, yatsa and נָפַל, naphal) is a call to humility and obedience. In the historical context, surrendering to the Chaldeans (Babylonians) was counterintuitive, as it meant submitting to a foreign power. However, this was God's directive through Jeremiah, symbolizing a path to life through submission to His will, even when it seems contrary to human wisdom.

to the Chaldeans who besiege you
The "Chaldeans" were the Babylonians, a dominant empire used by God as an instrument of judgment against Judah. The siege was a physical manifestation of God's discipline. Understanding the Chaldeans' role in biblical history is crucial, as they were not just political adversaries but also part of God's sovereign plan to bring His people back to repentance.

will live and retain his life like a spoil of war
The promise of life "like a spoil of war" (שָׁלָל, shalal) is a powerful metaphor. In ancient times, spoils of war were the rewards taken by victors. Here, life itself is depicted as a prize, emphasizing the grace and mercy available to those who heed God's warning. This phrase underscores the theme of redemption and the possibility of restoration even amidst judgment, pointing to God's ultimate desire for His people's repentance and survival.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. He is known for his perseverance in the face of opposition.

2. Zedekiah
The last king of Judah, who reigned during the time of the Babylonian siege. He sought Jeremiah's counsel but often ignored his prophetic warnings.

3. Chaldeans (Babylonians)
The empire led by King Nebuchadnezzar, who besieged Jerusalem as part of God's judgment against Judah for their disobedience.

4. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, which was under siege by the Babylonians. It was a focal point of God's judgment due to the people's persistent idolatry and rebellion.

5. Siege of Jerusalem
A significant event where the Babylonians surrounded Jerusalem, leading to severe famine, destruction, and eventual exile of the people.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Word
The importance of heeding God's warnings through His prophets. Disobedience leads to dire consequences, while obedience, even when difficult, brings life.

Trust in God's Plan
Trusting God's plan, even when it involves surrender or hardship, can lead to preservation and blessing. God's ways are higher than our ways.

Repentance and Surrender
True repentance may require surrendering our own plans and desires to align with God's will, as seen in the call to surrender to the Babylonians.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
Recognizing God's sovereignty in using nations and events to fulfill His purposes. His judgments are just and serve as a call to return to Him.

Hope in the Midst of Judgment
Even in judgment, God provides a way of escape and hope for those who trust and obey Him.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jeremiah 21:9 challenge our understanding of obedience and surrender in difficult circumstances?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty and justice in the events surrounding the siege of Jerusalem?

3. How can the call to surrender in Jeremiah 21:9 be applied to our personal lives when facing trials or decisions?

4. What parallels can we draw between the warnings given to Judah and the warnings God gives us today through His Word?

5. How does the theme of hope amidst judgment in Jeremiah 21:9 encourage us in our walk with God, especially during challenging times?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Kings 25
This chapter provides a historical account of the fall of Jerusalem, aligning with Jeremiah's prophecies about the consequences of disobedience.

Jeremiah 38
Further elaborates on the theme of surrender, where Jeremiah advises King Zedekiah to surrender to the Babylonians to save the city and his life.

Deuteronomy 28
Discusses the blessings and curses associated with obedience and disobedience to God's commandments, providing a backdrop for understanding the consequences faced by Judah.

Ezekiel 33
Echoes the theme of warning and repentance, where God calls for the wicked to turn from their ways to avoid destruction.
Saved So as by FireS. Conway Jeremiah 21:1-14
Escape for the Individual Among the Calamities of the NationD. Young Jeremiah 21:8-10
People
Babylonians, David, Jeremiah, Maaseiah, Malchiah, Malchijah, Melchiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar, Pashur, Zedekiah, Zephaniah
Places
Babylon
Topics
Abideth, Abiding, Babylonians, Besiege, Besieging, Booty, Chaldaeans, Chaldeans, Chalde'ans, Death, Deserteth, Die, Dieth, Disease, Dwells, Escape, Fallen, Falleth, Falls, Famine, Forth, Gives, Goes, Keeps, Laying, Passes, Passeth, Pestilence, Plague, Prey, Prize, Remains, Safe, Shutting, Siege, Spoil, Stays, Surrenders, Sword, Town, War
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 21:5-10

     4843   plague

Library
Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and Ungodly Men.
Scriptures Showing The Sin And Danger Of Joining With Wicked And Ungodly Men. When the Lord is punishing such a people against whom he hath a controversy, and a notable controversy, every one that is found shall be thrust through: and every one joined with them shall fall, Isa. xiii. 15. They partake in their judgment, not only because in a common calamity all shares, (as in Ezek. xxi. 3.) but chiefly because joined with and partakers with these whom God is pursuing; even as the strangers that join
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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