Jeremiah 21 - Zedekiah

The events in this section probably happened at some time later than those in the immediately preceding part.

Jeremiah had been warning of the coming attack for a significant amount of time, to much ridicule and persecution. Now the attack is beginning. So Zedekiah calls on Jeremiah to pray for the city, hoping that the Lord would rescue Judah as He had on many occasions in the past. This is typical of human thinking. We ignore and actively reject God for many years, then when trouble arises we turn to Him, thinking that He will answer us.

The Lord tells Jeremiah to give Zedekiah a reply in no uncertain terms. The attack would happen and there would be much destruction. Indeed it would be the Lord Himself fighting against Jerusalem.  

Yet even now there is the chance of salvation. The people are offered a choice, life or death. They are commanded to abandon the city. This would be the only way to escape. It was because he offered this advice that Jeremiah was considered a traitor.

In verse 11 onwards they offered one last chance. They must administer justice an help the oppressor. Yet, this is offered in a way that God sees judgement as inevitable.

All these events happened. People foolishly talk about the "problem" of hell and a God of love. The cross clearly demonstrates the reality and depth of God's love. Historical events like this demonstrate that God can and will execute judgement. It comes only after holding out the offer of repentance for many, many years, but it will come.