Jeremiah 33:21

then My covenant may also be broken with David My servant and with My ministers the Levites who are priests, so that David will not have a son to reign on his throne.

Study Bible

then My covenant
The word "covenant" in Hebrew is "בְּרִית" (berit), which signifies a solemn agreement or promise. In the context of the Bible, covenants are divine commitments made by God to His people. This particular covenant refers to the Davidic Covenant, a promise that God made to David ensuring that his lineage would endure forever. This covenant is foundational to the messianic hope, as it points to the eternal reign of Jesus Christ, the Son of David. The unbreakable nature of God's covenant underscores His faithfulness and the certainty of His promises.

may also be broken
The phrase "may also be broken" suggests a hypothetical situation that emphasizes the impossibility of such an event. In the Hebrew context, the breaking of a covenant is a serious matter, often resulting in severe consequences. However, God's covenants, especially those made with David, are depicted as unbreakable due to His steadfast love and faithfulness. This highlights the assurance believers have in God's promises, as they are not subject to human failure or change.

with David My servant
David is referred to as "My servant," a title of honor and intimacy. In Hebrew, "servant" is "עֶבֶד" (eved), which denotes one who is devoted to the service of another. David, despite his flaws, is remembered for his heart after God and his role in establishing the kingdom of Israel. This title also foreshadows the ultimate Servant, Jesus Christ, who fulfills the Davidic Covenant through His eternal reign. The mention of David here reinforces the continuity of God's plan through history.

and with My ministers the Levites who are priests
The Levites, chosen by God to serve as priests, are integral to the worship and spiritual life of Israel. The Hebrew word for "ministers" is "שָׁרֵת" (sharet), meaning to serve or minister. The Levitical priesthood is a symbol of mediation between God and His people, pointing to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ. This phrase underscores the importance of worship and the priestly role in maintaining the covenant relationship with God.

so that David will not have a son to reign on his throne
The throne of David is a central theme in biblical prophecy, symbolizing the enduring kingdom established by God. The promise that David will always have a son to reign is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is both the Son of David and the eternal King. The Hebrew word for "throne" is "כִּסֵּא" (kisse), representing authority and kingship. This assurance of a perpetual dynasty through David's line is a testament to God's sovereign plan and the hope of a future kingdom where Christ reigns supreme.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his prophecies concerning the destruction and restoration of Jerusalem.

2. David
The second king of Israel, a man after God's own heart, and the recipient of God's covenant promising an everlasting dynasty.

3. Levites
A tribe in Israel set apart for religious duties, including the priesthood, serving in the temple, and teaching the law.

4. Covenant with David
God's promise to David that his descendants would rule Israel forever, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

5. Jerusalem
The central city of worship for the Israelites, often symbolic of God's presence and His covenant with His people.

Teaching Points

The Unbreakable Covenant
God's promises are steadfast and unbreakable. Just as He promised David an everlasting dynasty, we can trust in His promises to us.

Jesus as Fulfillment
Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant, reigning eternally as King and High Priest.

Faithfulness in Service
Like the Levites, we are called to serve faithfully in our roles, knowing that our service is part of God's eternal plan.

Hope in Restoration
Jeremiah's message, though delivered in a time of impending judgment, is ultimately one of hope and restoration through God's faithfulness.

Living in Covenant Relationship
As believers, we are invited into a covenant relationship with God, marked by faithfulness, obedience, and trust in His eternal promises.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the covenant with David in 2 Samuel 7 provide context for understanding Jeremiah 33:21?

2. In what ways does Jesus fulfill the roles of both King and Priest as mentioned in Jeremiah 33:21?

3. How can we apply the faithfulness of God's covenant with David to our personal lives today?

4. What role do the Levites play in the context of Jeremiah 33:21, and how does this relate to our service in the church?

5. How does the promise of restoration in Jeremiah 33 encourage us in times of personal or communal difficulty?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Samuel 7
This chapter details God's covenant with David, promising that his throne will be established forever, which is foundational to understanding Jeremiah 33:21.

Psalm 89
This psalm reaffirms God's covenant with David, emphasizing the eternal nature of his throne.

Hebrews 7
Discusses Jesus as the eternal high priest, connecting the priestly role of the Levites to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

Luke 1
The angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary about Jesus' birth highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to David.

Revelation 5
Depicts Jesus as the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, who reigns eternally.