What does Jeremiah 21:10 reveal about God's judgment on Jerusalem? Verse in Focus “For I have set My face against this city for disaster and not for good,” declares the LORD. “It will be given into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he will burn it with fire.” (Jeremiah 21:10) Context Snapshot • Jeremiah speaks to King Zedekiah’s envoys as Babylon’s armies encircle Jerusalem (Jeremiah 21:1–2). • The king hopes for a last-minute “wonder” from God, but the prophet delivers an unyielding message of judgment (vv. 3–7). • Verse 10 is the Lord’s decisive verdict: surrender or suffer total destruction. Key Truths Uncovered • God’s face “set … against” the city shows fixed resolve—His judgment is deliberate, not impulsive. • “For disaster and not for good” signals a complete reversal of the blessing in Jeremiah 29:11 promised to the obedient remnant; for the unrepentant city, only calamity remains. • “Given into the hand of the king of Babylon” underscores God’s sovereignty—Nebuchadnezzar is merely the human instrument (cf. Daniel 2:37). • “He will burn it with fire” foretells literal, physical destruction fulfilled in 586 BC (2 Kings 25:8-10). Implications for God’s People • Persistent rebellion eventually brings an irreversible point of judgment (Leviticus 26:23-25). • National identity or past covenant privileges cannot shield a community that rejects God’s commands (Jeremiah 7:4-15). • Divine mercy is never at odds with divine justice; when mercy is spurned, justice proceeds (Romans 2:4-5). Connecting Scriptures • 2 Chronicles 36:15-19—historical record of the burning Jeremiah foretold. • Ezekiel 15:6-8—the vine (Jerusalem) destined for the fire. • Lamentations 2:1-3—Jeremiah’s later lament confirms the prophecy’s fulfillment. • Jeremiah 27:5-7—God repeats that He hands nations to Babylon by His own authority. Takeaway Lessons • God’s warned judgment is certain when repentance is refused; His word never fails. • Sin invites real-world consequences; spiritual infidelity can culminate in tangible loss. • Believers today are called to heed God’s voice promptly, knowing His patience, though vast, has a righteous limit. |
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