We turn our attention to today’s Daily Devotional: Jeremiah 34. Though brief, its twenty-two verses hold profound significance as they echo with the voice of the ancient prophet. Within these words lies a reminder—an invitation—to engage with the sacred text, recognizing it as the very Word of God. Do we grasp the privilege of reading His words? Let us not rush past this opportunity, but rather, let us pause and reflect on the weight of this divine communication. To learn how to act on your faith in God, read the Jeremiah 32 and 33 Daily Devotional.
As we reflect on personal encounters with this chapter, we uncover glimpses of past interactions with the Scriptures. From the recollections of 1991 to the reflections of 2016, the journey through Jeremiah’s prophecies unfolds. Through these memories, we discern the continuity of God’s message across time, resonating with relevance in our own spiritual journeys.
Amidst these reflections on this chapter, one truth remains steadfast: the enduring nature of God’s word. Through Jeremiah’s proclamation, we witness the unchanging faithfulness of God, whose decrees transcend time and circumstance. As we heed the warnings and instructions found within these verses, may our hearts be stirred to obedience and reverence, recognizing the authority of the divine voice that speaks through the ages.
Jeremiah 34 Commentary by Allen J. Huth
Today, we will cover just one chapter, Jeremiah 34, and it is only twenty-two verses. We are reminded the Word of the Lord came to Jeremiah. That is what he writes. We are reading God’s Word. Do you cherish the fact you can read words from the lips of God? Please read or listen to Jeremiah 34.
With only one chapter, we can get back to my journals. In 1991, I read Jeremiah 33-35 on the same day, three chapters, like we are doing on other days through the Book of Jeremiah. I wrote about chapters 33 and 35, but I did not write anything about chapter 34.
In 2004, I was reading the Bible chronologically. In the middle of Jeremiah, I read other passages out of Kings and Chronicles and sometimes other prophets. I looked around a few pages of my journal where I was reading Jeremiah but did not find any notes on chapter 34; but I encourage you to read the Bible chronologically someday. It is a very exciting and different way to read the scriptures. If you are interested in doing so, visit our website ezraproject.net and get yourself a Chronological Bible Reading Journal as it has the readings laid out chronologically.
On to 2016, where I read Jeremiah 34 on one day, and wrote, “‘The Word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord’ (v. 1). Over and over Jeremiah speaks what he hears from God.” Then I wrote, “Jerusalem is going to lose to Babylon.” I continued to write, “Another example of disobedience: not freeing Hebrew slaves after six years.”
I mentioned in my journal over and over and over we hear what Jeremiah hears from the Lord. 34:1 says, “The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord”. Verse 2 says, “Thus says the Lord”. Verse 8 says, “The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord”. Verse 12, “The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah from the Lord”. Verse 17, “Therefore, thus says the Lord”. I repeat that because it is important to realize the Bible comes from the Lord.
Jeremiah wrote down what he heard from the Lord. And he hears some pretty clear instructions from the Lord, “Thus says the Lord: Behold, I am giving this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire. You shall not escape from his hand but shall surely be captured and delivered into his hand” (vv. 2-3).
Through Jeremiah, God tells Jerusalem exactly what is going to happen, and it did. That is why Jeremiah is a prophet: because the things he said came true. We read about some false prophets earlier in Jeremiah. The things they said never came true. That is how you know the difference between a true prophet and a false prophet; things must come true.
I also mentioned in my journal, the Hebrews were violating the law by enslaving fellow Hebrews and not releasing them after six years of servitude. The only reason they did so here was to fight Babylon, then they re-enslave them, violating God’s law.
We need to go back to Exodus to see where God was giving the Hebrews the law and he says in Exodus 21:2, “When you buy a Hebrew slave, he shall serve six years, and in the seventh he shall go out free, for nothing.” That is the provision of the law they are violating here. One thing I get out of this is God is watching. He watches them release the slaves and then He watches them re-enslave them:
You recently repented and did what was right in my eyes by proclaiming liberty, each to his neighbor, and you made a covenant before me in the house that is called by my name, but then you turned around and profaned my name when each of you took back his male and female slaves, whom you had set free according to their desire, and you brought them into subjection to be your slaves (vv. 15-16).
Like He watched them, He watches us. He watches our activity. If you think you are going to get away with something, you are not. God is watching.
Digging Deeper
How do we apply what we read today to our lives? First, we realize, “Thus saith the Lord.” The words we are reading are God’s words. Next, we realize God knows the future. He knew the future of Jerusalem. He knows your future as well. Lastly, God is watching us. He watches us daily. Are you abiding by His Word? Avoid God’s judgment, avoid God’s punishment, by living according to the Word of God. Let’s pray.
Prayer
Father, we thank You that You spoke through the Prophet Jeremiah, not only to the Jews of that day, but to us today. May we hear the Word of the Lord. You did all You could to keep the people from falling. You warned them over and over. As we read Jeremiah, You warn us over and over. May Your words not go through one ear and out the other. May they land in our hearts. We ask it, in Jesus’ name, amen.
