Bible Commentaries
Jeremiah 34

Introduction

The ordinary view of this prophecy Jeremiah 34:0, that it is a more full account of the narrative given in Jeremiah 32:3-5, is not so probable as that which takes it in connection with Jeremiah 21:1-14. Jeremiah had then informed Zedekiah by his messengers that Jerusalem would certainly be captured: but he was still in a condition to obtain good terms, and the prophet goes to him and lays before him the alternative. Zedekiah with all the obstinacy of a weak man chose to continue the war, and lost kingdom, eyesight, and liberty.

Verse 1

People - Peoples, i. e., tribes, races, under the rule of one man.

Verse 5

In peace - See Jeremiah 12:12 note.

Burn odors - “Make a burning.” The burning was probably that of piles of wood, and spices were added only as an special honor. It was not a Jewish custom to burn the dead. As these burnings depended upon the estimation in which the dead king was held, the verse implies a prosperous reign, such as Zedekiah might have had as an obedient vassal to BabyIon.

I have pronounced the word - I have spoken the word.

Verse 7

This marks the exact time, that it was early in the campaign, while the outlying fortresses still occupied the attention of Nebuchadnezzars army. Lachish and Azekah were strong cities in the plain toward Egypt and must be taken before the Chaldseans could march upon Jerusalem: otherwise the Egyptians might collect there and fall upon them.

Verses 8-22

Which are gone up from you - i. e., which have departed for the present, and have raised the siege.