Jeremiah 34:18

And those who have transgressed My covenant and have not fulfilled the terms of the covenant they made before Me, I will treat like the calf they cut in two in order to pass between its pieces.

Study Bible

And I will give the men
This phrase indicates a divine action where God is actively involved in delivering judgment. The Hebrew word for "give" here is "נָתַן" (natan), which often implies granting or delivering something, whether it be a blessing or a curse. In this context, it is a foreboding promise of judgment. The men referred to are those who have broken a solemn agreement with God, highlighting the seriousness of covenantal faithfulness in the biblical narrative.

who have transgressed My covenant
The word "transgressed" comes from the Hebrew "עָבַר" (avar), meaning to pass over or to violate. This indicates a deliberate act of disobedience against God's established covenant. The covenant, in biblical terms, is a sacred agreement between God and His people, often accompanied by specific stipulations and promises. The violation of such a covenant is seen as a grave sin, reflecting a breach of trust and relationship with God.

who have not fulfilled the terms of the covenant
This phrase underscores the failure to uphold the obligations of the covenant. The Hebrew word for "fulfilled" is "קָיָם" (qayam), which means to establish or maintain. The covenant terms were not just legalistic requirements but were meant to be a reflection of the people's commitment to God. The failure to fulfill these terms indicates a deeper spiritual failure and a lack of integrity in their relationship with God.

they made before Me
The phrase "before Me" emphasizes the presence and witness of God in the making of the covenant. It is a reminder that all covenants are made in the sight of God, who is the ultimate witness and judge. This adds a layer of accountability, as the covenant is not just a human agreement but a divine one, with God as an active participant.

when they cut the calf in two and passed between its pieces
This refers to an ancient Near Eastern ritual of covenant-making, where animals were cut in half, and the parties of the covenant would walk between the pieces. This act symbolized the seriousness of the covenant, implying that breaking it would result in a fate similar to that of the animals. The imagery is powerful, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. The ritual underscores the gravity and solemnity of entering into a covenant with God, who expects His people to honor their commitments fully.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
The prophet who conveyed God's messages to the people of Judah, warning them of the consequences of their disobedience.

2. The Men of Judah
These are the individuals who transgressed God's covenant, specifically the leaders and people who failed to uphold their promises.

3. Covenant Ceremony
A solemn agreement made before God, symbolized by cutting a calf in two and passing between its pieces, signifying the seriousness of the commitment.

4. Babylonian Threat
The context of this passage is the impending Babylonian invasion, which serves as a backdrop for the urgency of the covenant renewal.

5. Zedekiah
The king of Judah at the time, who was involved in making and breaking the covenant with God.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Covenants
Covenants are solemn agreements that require faithfulness. Breaking them has serious consequences, as seen in the historical context of Judah.

Symbolism of the Ritual
The act of cutting a calf and passing between its pieces symbolizes the binding nature of the covenant and the severe consequences of breaking it.

God's Faithfulness vs. Human Unfaithfulness
While humans often fail to keep their promises, God remains faithful. This calls us to strive for faithfulness in our commitments.

Repentance and Renewal
Even when we fail, God offers opportunities for repentance and renewal. This passage calls us to examine our own faithfulness and seek God's forgiveness.

The New Covenant in Christ
The old covenant rituals point to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who offers a new and everlasting covenant through His sacrifice.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the covenant ceremony described in Jeremiah 34:18 teach us about the seriousness of our commitments to God and others?

2. How does the breaking of the covenant by the men of Judah reflect our own tendencies to fall short in our promises? What steps can we take to remain faithful?

3. In what ways does the covenant ceremony in Genesis 15 parallel the one in Jeremiah 34:18, and what does this tell us about God's consistency in His dealings with humanity?

4. How can understanding the old covenant rituals deepen our appreciation for the new covenant established through Jesus Christ?

5. Reflect on a time when you broke a promise or commitment. How did you seek reconciliation, and what role did repentance play in that process? How can this passage guide you in future situations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 15
The covenant ceremony with Abram, where God made a covenant with him using a similar ritual of cutting animals, highlighting the seriousness and binding nature of covenants.

Exodus 24
The covenant at Sinai, where the Israelites agreed to follow God's laws, showing the historical pattern of covenant-making and breaking.

Hebrews 9
Discusses the new covenant through Christ, contrasting the old covenant rituals with the new covenant's fulfillment in Jesus.