Jeremiah·Chapter 34

How to Apply

To live out the message of this verse, start by taking a moment to evaluate your commitments. Are there promises you’ve made that you need to honor? Perhaps it’s something small—like helping a friend or being on time to an appointment. This week, focus on keeping your word, even in the little things. When you commit to something, follow through. It’s about building trust and showing respect for yourself and others. Each time you do, you reinforce the importance of integrity in your life.

Chapter Context

This verse appears in a chapter where the stakes are high. The people are struggling with their promises, and there's a growing tension between what they say and what they actually do. Earlier in the chapter, the people had made a promise to free their slaves, a big deal at the time, but they quickly backtracked. That moment of betrayal sets the stage for this verse, as the author emphasizes the serious consequences of breaking such commitments. It’s like a plot twist in a story where the characters face the music for their choices, pushing the narrative toward a powerful lesson about trust and accountability.

Key Biblical Words (Word Study)

• and - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• men - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• who - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• transgressed - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• covenant - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• not - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• keep - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• terms - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• covenant - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• that - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".

Reflection Question

What does keeping your word mean to you, and how can you ensure that you follow through on your commitments moving forward?

Related Verses

• Ezekiel 17:18 - This verse warns about breaking promises and the consequences that follow, echoing the same theme of accountability.
• Proverbs 25:14 - This verse highlights the value of being dependable and how empty promises are disappointing, connecting directly to the idea of integrity.
• Matthew 5:37 - In this teaching, the importance of honesty in your words is emphasized, reinforcing the message that your commitments should be taken seriously.

Personal Prayer

Lord, thank You for the truth found in Jeremiah 34:18. Help me to take the insights from this scripture and apply them to my heart today.Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Main Themes

Judgment and mercy, Covenant fidelity, Liberty and slavery, Divine sovereignty, Repentance and disobedience, Consequences of sin, Prophetic warning

Key Verses

Jeremiah 34:2, Jeremiah 34:10, Jeremiah 34:16, Jeremiah 34:17, Jeremiah 34:20

Historical Context

Jeremiah 34 is set during the final days of Jerusalem before the Babylonian exile, a time when the political and spiritual landscape of Judah was in turmoil. The chapter captures a moment of attempted reform by King Zedekiah as he makes a covenant to free Hebrew slaves, reflecting a desire to align with the covenantal laws given by God. However, this reform is short-lived, highlighting the pervasive disobedience among the people of Judah. The historical context is crucial, as the Babylonian siege signifies the culmination of prophetic warnings regarding the consequences of national sin and rebellion against God. The chapter serves as both a historical account and a theological commentary on the nature of God's justice and mercy amidst impending doom.