Bible Commentaries
Jeremiah 21

Verses 1-10

Jeremiah 21:1-10 . The Outcome of the Siege (588 B.C.).— Zedekiah, apparently at an early stage of the siege of Jerusalem (whilst Jeremiah 37:3-10 refers to a similar, but later, incident) sends envoys, Pashhur (not the same as in Jeremiah 20:1) and Zephaniah ( Jeremiah 29:25, Jeremiah 37:3, Jeremiah 52:24), to ask the prophet if Yahweh will cause the besiegers to withdraw (“ go up” , Jeremiah 34:21). Jeremiah replies that Yahweh is against Jerusalem, and will deliver king and people to the enemy. Those who choose (with Jeremiah 21:8 cf Deuteronomy 11:26; Deuteronomy 30:15) to surrender to the enemy will escape with bare life (“ for a prey” , Jeremiah 38:2, Jeremiah 39:18). There follow two fragments, Jeremiah 21:11 f. being a warning to the royal house (based on Jeremiah 22:3 and Jeremiah 4:4), and Jeremiah 21:13 f., in the present context, a warning to Jerusalem. But the topographical description is not suitable, and the original reference was perhaps to some other city.

Jeremiah 21:4 . Omit “ I will gather them” , with LXX; the Jewish defenders will be driven in.

Jeremiah 21:7 . with the edge of the sword: means “ without quarter” .

Jeremiah 21:13 . habitations: “ dens” , Nahum 2:12, Psalms 104:22.

Jeremiah 21:14 . forest: used here figuratively.