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 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.