Jeremiah 22:25
In fact, I will hand you over to those you dread, who want to take your life--to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and to the Chaldeans.
I will deliver you
This phrase signifies a divine action where God Himself is orchestrating the events. The Hebrew root word for "deliver" is "נָתַן" (natan), which means to give or to hand over. In the context of Jeremiah, this is a judicial handing over, indicating God's judgment upon the people. It reflects the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations and individuals, emphasizing that He is in control even when His people face dire consequences.

into the hands of those you dread
The "hands" symbolize power and control. The Hebrew word "יָד" (yad) is often used metaphorically to denote authority or possession. The phrase "those you dread" highlights the fear and anxiety that the people of Judah have towards their enemies. This dread is not just a natural fear but a result of their disobedience and the impending judgment that God has pronounced through His prophet.

who want to take your life
This phrase underscores the lethal intent of the enemies. The Hebrew word for "life" is "נֶפֶשׁ" (nephesh), which can also mean soul or person. It indicates the totality of one's being. The enemies are not just interested in conquest but in the complete destruction of the people. This reflects the severity of the judgment that comes as a consequence of persistent rebellion against God.

into the hands of those you fear
Repetition of the concept of "hands" and "fear" serves to emphasize the certainty and seriousness of the situation. The fear here is a result of the people's awareness of their vulnerability and the power of their adversaries. It is a fear that stems from a lack of trust in God and a realization of the consequences of their actions.

even into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar is a historical figure, the king of Babylon, known for his military conquests and the expansion of the Babylonian Empire. His mention here is significant as he represents the instrument of God's judgment. Archaeological findings and historical records corroborate his reign and the Babylonian captivity, providing a backdrop for understanding the historical context of Jeremiah's prophecy.

and of the Chaldeans
The Chaldeans were a people who lived in southern Babylonia and were known for their wisdom and astrology. In the context of Jeremiah, they are synonymous with the Babylonians. Their mention here reinforces the idea of a powerful and knowledgeable enemy, one that the people of Judah could not hope to withstand on their own. This serves as a reminder of the futility of relying on human strength and the necessity of turning to God for deliverance.

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, including Jehoiakim and Zedekiah.

2. Nebuchadnezzar
The king of Babylon, known for his conquests and the eventual destruction of Jerusalem. He is a central figure in the Babylonian exile of the Jewish people.

3. The Chaldeans
A Semitic-speaking people who became the ruling class in Babylon. They were known for their military prowess and played a significant role in the conquest of Judah.

4. Judah
The southern kingdom of the Israelites, which faced judgment and exile due to its persistent idolatry and disobedience to God.

5. The Babylonian Exile
A pivotal event in Jewish history where the people of Judah were taken captive to Babylon, marking a period of significant spiritual and cultural transformation.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Disobedience
The verse highlights the severe consequences of Judah's persistent disobedience and idolatry. It serves as a reminder that turning away from God's commands leads to judgment and loss.

The Sovereignty of God
Despite the dire circumstances, this passage underscores God's control over nations and events. He uses even foreign powers to accomplish His purposes, demonstrating His ultimate authority.

Fear and Trust
The mention of fear in this verse invites reflection on where we place our trust. Believers are encouraged to trust in God rather than fear human powers or circumstances.

Repentance and Hope
While the verse speaks of judgment, it also points to the need for repentance. God's discipline is meant to lead His people back to Him, offering hope for restoration.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the historical context of Jeremiah 22:25 help us understand the gravity of Judah's situation?

2. In what ways does the prophecy against Judah reflect the broader biblical theme of God's judgment and mercy?

3. How can we apply the lesson of fearing God rather than man in our daily lives, especially when facing difficult circumstances?

4. What parallels can we draw between the Babylonian exile and personal experiences of spiritual exile or distance from God?

5. How do other scriptures about the Babylonian exile enhance our understanding of God's redemptive plan for His people?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Kings 24-25
These chapters provide a historical account of the events leading to the Babylonian exile, including the siege of Jerusalem and the capture of King Jehoiachin.

Daniel 1
This chapter describes the beginning of the Babylonian captivity and the experiences of Daniel and his friends, who were taken to Babylon.

Isaiah 39:6-7
Isaiah prophesies the Babylonian captivity, foretelling that the treasures of the king's palace and the descendants of the king will be taken to Babylon.

Lamentations 1:1-3
This passage poetically laments the desolation of Jerusalem and the suffering of its people during the exile.
Punishment of the Impenitent Inevitable and JustifiableB. Payson, D. D.
People
Babylonians, Coniah, David, Jehoiachin, Jehoiakim, Jeremiah, Josiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar, Shallum
Places
Abarim, Babylon, Bashan, Gilead, Jerusalem, Lebanon
Topics
Afraid, Babylon, Babylonians, Chaldaeans, Chaldeans, Chalde'ans, Death, Desiring, Dread, Face, Fear, Fearest, Fearing, Hands, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar, Nebuchadrez'zar, Seek, Seeking, Yes
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 22:25

     7217   exile, in Babylon
     8754   fear

Jeremiah 22:24-25

     6232   rejection of God, results

Jeremiah 22:24-30

     5801   brokenness

Library
The Life of Mr. James Mitchel.
Mr. James Mitchel[152] was educated at the university of Edinburgh, and was, with some other of his fellow-students, made master of arts anno 1656. Mr. Robert Leighton (afterwards bishop Leighton), being then principal of that college, before the degree was conferred upon them, tendered to them the national and solemn league and covenant; which covenants, upon mature deliberation, he took, finding nothing in them but a short compend of the moral law, binding to our duty towards God and towards
John Howie—Biographia Scoticana (Scots Worthies)

Columban.
THE wild districts of Ireland were occupied with convents, after the example of Patrick, and cultivated by the hard labour of the monks. The Irish convents were distinguished by their strict Christian discipline, their diligence and their zeal in the study of the Scriptures, and of science in general, as far as they had the means of acquiring it. Irish monks brought learning from Britain and Gaul, they treasured up this learning and elaborated it in the solitude of the convent, and they are said
Augustus Neander—Light in the Dark Places

"Hear the Word of the Lord, Ye Rulers of Sodom, Give Ear unto the Law of Our God, Ye People of Gomorrah,"
Isaiah i. 10, 11, &c.--"Hear the word of the Lord, ye rulers of Sodom, give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah," &c. It is strange to think what mercy is mixed with the most wrath like strokes and threatenings. There is no prophet whose office and commission is only for judgment, nay, to speak the truth, it is mercy that premises threatenings. The entering of the law, both in the commands and curses, is to make sin abound, that grace may superabound, so that both rods and threatenings
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"If we Say that we have Fellowship with Him, and Walk in Darkness, we Lie,"
1 John i. 6.--"If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie," &c. That which is the sum of religion, sincerity, and a correspondency between profession and practice, is confirmed by reason, and much strengthened by nature itself, so that religion, reason, and nature, conspire in one, to hold out the beauty and comeliness of sincerity, and to put a note and character of infamy and deformity upon all hypocrisy and deceit, especially in the matters of religion. There is
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Joy
'The fruit of the Spirit is joy.' Gal 5:52. The third fruit of justification, adoption, and sanctification, is joy in the Holy Ghost. Joy is setting the soul upon the top of a pinnacle - it is the cream of the sincere milk of the word. Spiritual joy is a sweet and delightful passion, arising from the apprehension and feeling of some good, whereby the soul is supported under present troubles, and fenced against future fear. I. It is a delightful passion. It is contrary to sorrow, which is a perturbation
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Two Classes.
"Two men went up into the temple to pray."--Luke xvii. 10. I now want to speak of two classes: First, those who do not feel their need of a Saviour who have not been convinced of sin by the Spirit; and Second, those who are convinced of sin and cry, "What must I do to be saved?" All inquirers can be ranged under two heads: they have either the spirit of the Pharisee, or the spirit of the publican. If a man having the spirit of the Pharisee comes into an after-meeting, I know of no better portion
Dwight L. Moody—The Way to God and How to Find It

A Discourse of the House and Forest of Lebanon
OF THE HOUSE OF THE FOREST OF LEBANON. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. That part of Palestine in which the celebrated mountains of Lebanon are situated, is the border country adjoining Syria, having Sidon for its seaport, and Land, nearly adjoining the city of Damascus, on the north. This metropolitan city of Syria, and capital of the kingdom of Damascus, was strongly fortified; and during the border conflicts it served as a cover to the Assyrian army. Bunyan, with great reason, supposes that, to keep
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

"To what Purpose is the Multitude of Your Sacrifices unto Me? Saith the Lord,"
Isaiah i. 11.--"To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the Lord," &c. This is the word he calls them to hear and a strange word. Isaiah asks, What mean your sacrifices? God will not have them. I think the people would say in their own hearts, What means the prophet? What would the Lord be at? Do we anything but what he commanded us? Is he angry at us for obeying him? What means this word? Is he not repealing the statute and ordinance he had made in Israel? If he had reproved
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Jewish Homes
It may be safely asserted, that the grand distinction, which divided all mankind into Jews and Gentiles, was not only religious, but also social. However near the cities of the heathen to those of Israel, however frequent and close the intercourse between the two parties, no one could have entered a Jewish town or village without feeling, so to speak, in quite another world. The aspect of the streets, the building and arrangement of the houses, the municipal and religious rule, the manners and customs
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

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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