Jeremiah 34:17

Therefore this is what the LORD says: You have not obeyed Me; you have not proclaimed freedom, each man for his brother and for his neighbor. So now I proclaim freedom for you, declares the LORD--freedom to fall by sword, by plague, and by famine! I will make you a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth.

Study Bible

Therefore this is what the LORD says
This phrase introduces a divine pronouncement, emphasizing the authority and sovereignty of God. In Hebrew, "LORD" is "YHWH," the covenant name of God, underscoring His unchanging nature and His relationship with Israel. This introduction sets the stage for a serious and consequential message from God, highlighting His role as the ultimate judge and lawgiver.

You have not obeyed Me
The Hebrew root for "obeyed" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), meaning to hear or listen with the intent to act. This phrase indicates a failure to heed God's commands, reflecting a deeper spiritual rebellion. Historically, Israel's disobedience often led to dire consequences, as their covenant with God required adherence to His laws.

by proclaiming freedom
The word "freedom" here is "דְּרוֹר" (deror) in Hebrew, which signifies release or liberty, often associated with the Jubilee year when slaves were to be freed. This was a command from God to ensure social justice and equality among His people. The failure to proclaim freedom was a direct violation of God's law, reflecting a societal breakdown in compassion and justice.

each one for his fellow Hebrew and for his neighbor
This phrase emphasizes the communal responsibility among the Israelites. The term "fellow Hebrew" highlights the shared identity and covenant relationship among the people of Israel. "Neighbor" extends this responsibility to all within their community, underscoring the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor as oneself, a command reiterated by Jesus in the New Testament.

So now I proclaim 'freedom' for you
Here, God uses irony to convey judgment. The "freedom" He proclaims is not liberation but rather a release to face the consequences of their actions. This reflects the biblical principle of reaping what one sows, as their failure to grant freedom results in their own loss of freedom.

declares the LORD—'freedom' to fall by the sword, by plague, and by famine!
The repetition of "freedom" underscores the severity of the judgment. The "sword," "plague," and "famine" are common instruments of divine judgment in the Old Testament, representing war, disease, and scarcity. These calamities are often seen as consequences of covenant unfaithfulness, serving as a call to repentance and return to God.

I will make you a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth
This phrase indicates the extent of the judgment, as Israel's downfall would serve as a warning to other nations. The word "horror" suggests something shocking and terrifying, reflecting the gravity of their disobedience. Historically, Israel's exile and suffering became a testament to the seriousness of breaking covenant with God, serving as a somber reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who speaks through the prophet Jeremiah, expressing His judgment on the people for their disobedience.

2. Jeremiah
The prophet who delivers God's message to the people of Judah, warning them of the consequences of their actions.

3. The People of Judah
The recipients of God's message through Jeremiah, who failed to obey God's command to proclaim freedom to their fellow Israelites.

4. Babylonian Exile
The impending event that serves as the backdrop for this prophecy, where Judah would face conquest and exile due to their disobedience.

5. Sword, Plague, and Famine
The forms of judgment that God declares as a consequence of Judah's failure to obey His command.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
God's commands are not optional; they are integral to living a life that honors Him. The people of Judah faced severe consequences for their disobedience, reminding us of the importance of adhering to God's Word.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Disobedience to God leads to judgment and hardship. The "freedom" proclaimed by God in this verse is a freedom to face the consequences of their actions, serving as a warning to us today.

The Importance of Justice and Mercy
God's command to proclaim freedom was rooted in justice and mercy. As believers, we are called to reflect God's character by advocating for justice and showing mercy to others.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets like Jeremiah were tasked with delivering difficult messages. We, too, may be called to speak truth in challenging situations, relying on God's strength and guidance.

Spiritual Freedom in Christ
While the people of Judah failed to proclaim physical freedom, we are reminded of the spiritual freedom we have in Christ, which calls us to live in a way that honors Him and serves others.

Bible Study Questions

1. What specific command did the people of Judah fail to obey, and how does this reflect on their relationship with God?

2. How does the concept of "freedom" in Jeremiah 34:17 differ from the freedom we have in Christ as described in the New Testament?

3. In what ways can we ensure that we are proclaiming freedom and justice in our own communities today?

4. How does the judgment pronounced in Jeremiah 34:17 serve as a warning for us in our personal walk with God?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to deliver a difficult message or stand up for truth. How can Jeremiah's example encourage you in similar situations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 25
This chapter outlines the Year of Jubilee, a time when liberty was to be proclaimed throughout the land. The failure to observe this command is part of the context for God's judgment in Jeremiah 34:17.

Isaiah 61
This passage speaks of the proclamation of liberty to captives, which is a theme echoed in Jeremiah 34:17, highlighting the importance of freedom and justice in God's eyes.

Galatians 5
Paul speaks of the freedom we have in Christ, contrasting the spiritual freedom believers are called to with the physical and social freedom neglected by Judah.