Chapter 21: The Choice Between Life and Death
(14 Pesukim)
Overview
Chapter 21 records a desperate appeal from King Tzidkiyahu (Zedekiah) during Babylon’s siege. Hoping for a miraculous deliverance, he sends messengers to Yermiyahu. Instead of reassurance, Hashem delivers a stark message: surrender or perish. The chapter emphasizes divine judgment, personal responsibility, and the urgent call for justice.
- The King’s Tzidkiyahu’s Request of Yirmiyahu (21:1-2)
Tzidkiyahu sends Pashhur and Zephaniah to Yermiyahu, asking him to pray for Judah. They hope Hashem will perform wonders as in the past and drive away Nebuchadrezzar, king of Babylon.
- Hashem’s Response to the King: No Miracle—Only Judgment (21:3-7)
- Yermiyahu replies with Hashem’s words: The weapons Judah uses against Babylon will be turned back into the city.
- Hashem Himself will fight against Jerusalem with anger and fury.
- Plague: Plague will strike people and animals; many will die.
- Aftermath of Tzidkiyahu: Survivors—including the king—will fall into Babylon’s hands.
- Nebuchadrezzar will kill them without mercy or compassion.
- Hashem’s Response to the People: The Stark Choice (21:8-10)
- Hashem sets two paths before the people:
- Stay in the city: Die by sword, famine, or disease.
- Surrender to the Chaldeans: Live, escaping with their life as spoils.
- Hashem declares: “My face is against this city for harm, not good. It will be handed to Babylon and burned.”
- A Call to Justice for the Royal House (21:11-12)
To the house of David, Hashem commands: “Administer justice each morning. Rescue the oppressed from the hand of the robber.” Failure to act will unleash Hashem’s wrath like an unquenchable fire.
- Warning to the Complacent (21:13-14)
Hashem rebukes those who boast, “Who can attack us?”
He will punish according to their deeds. A consuming fire will devour their strongholds and surroundings.
