Jeremiah 21:1

This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD when King Zedekiah sent to him Pashhur son of Malchijah and the priest Zephaniah son of Maaseiah. They said,

Study Bible

This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD
Jeremiah, a prophet called by God, often received direct revelations from the LORD. This phrase emphasizes the divine origin of the message, underscoring the authority and authenticity of Jeremiah's prophetic role. The phrase "word of the LORD" is a common biblical expression indicating a message from God, often carrying significant weight and urgency. It reflects the consistent biblical theme that God communicates His will and guidance through chosen prophets.

when King Zedekiah sent to him
King Zedekiah was the last king of Judah before the Babylonian conquest. His reign was marked by political instability and spiritual decline. Zedekiah's decision to send messengers to Jeremiah indicates a moment of desperation, as he sought divine insight during a time of crisis. Historically, Zedekiah was placed on the throne by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, and his reign was characterized by rebellion against Babylonian rule, leading to the eventual siege of Jerusalem.

Pashhur son of Malchijah
Pashhur, identified here as the son of Malchijah, is distinct from another Pashhur mentioned earlier in Jeremiah. This Pashhur was likely a high-ranking official or priest, given the context of his mission. His involvement in this delegation suggests the seriousness of the situation, as high-ranking officials were often sent to consult prophets during times of national distress.

and the priest Zephaniah son of Maaseiah
Zephaniah, a priest, was also part of the delegation sent by King Zedekiah. His inclusion highlights the religious dimension of the inquiry, as priests were responsible for spiritual leadership and guidance. Zephaniah's role in this context suggests an attempt to seek divine favor or intervention through religious channels. The presence of both a priest and a high-ranking official underscores the gravity of the situation facing Judah.

They said,
The phrase introduces the message or inquiry that the delegation is about to present to Jeremiah. It sets the stage for the subsequent dialogue and reveals the nature of the request made by King Zedekiah through his envoys. This approach of sending messengers to a prophet was a common practice in ancient Israel, reflecting the belief in the prophet's role as an intermediary between God and the people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. His ministry spanned the reigns of several kings, including Zedekiah.

2. King Zedekiah
The last king of Judah before the Babylonian conquest. He was placed on the throne by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon and often sought counsel from Jeremiah, albeit with mixed motives.

3. Pashhur son of Malchiah
A messenger sent by King Zedekiah to Jeremiah. Not to be confused with another Pashhur, a priest who opposed Jeremiah earlier.

4. Zephaniah son of Maaseiah
A priest sent alongside Pashhur to inquire of Jeremiah. He played a role in the religious leadership of Judah during a tumultuous time.

5. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, who communicates His will and guidance through His prophets, including Jeremiah.

Teaching Points

Seeking God in Crisis
Zedekiah's inquiry through Jeremiah shows a tendency to seek God when in trouble. Believers should cultivate a consistent relationship with God, not just in times of crisis.

The Role of Prophets
Jeremiah's role as a prophet underscores the importance of listening to God's messengers. Today, believers should be attentive to God's Word and those who faithfully teach it.

True Repentance
Zedekiah's actions often lacked genuine repentance. True repentance involves a change of heart and actions, aligning with God's will.

God's Sovereignty
Despite the political turmoil, God remains sovereign. Believers can trust in God's ultimate control over world events and personal circumstances.

The Importance of Obedience
The account highlights the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. Obedience is crucial for experiencing God's blessings and avoiding His judgment.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the context of Jeremiah 21:1 help us understand the political and spiritual state of Judah during Zedekiah's reign?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our relationship with God is consistent and not just crisis-driven, as seen in Zedekiah's approach?

3. How can we discern and respond to modern-day "prophets" or spiritual leaders who claim to speak on behalf of God?

4. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult situation. How did your response align with the principles of seeking God and obedience found in Jeremiah's interactions with Zedekiah?

5. Considering the broader account of Jeremiah and the fall of Jerusalem, how can we apply the lessons of God's sovereignty and judgment to our understanding of current world events?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 24-25
These chapters provide historical context for the reign of Zedekiah and the eventual fall of Jerusalem, highlighting the political and spiritual climate of the time.

Jeremiah 37-38
These chapters further explore the interactions between Jeremiah and King Zedekiah, illustrating the king's struggle between fear of Babylon and the desire for divine intervention.

Ezekiel 21
This chapter parallels the themes of judgment and the sword of the LORD against Jerusalem, reinforcing the message of impending judgment due to disobedience.