Jeremiah 34:20

I will deliver into the hands of their enemies who seek their lives. Their corpses will become food for the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth.

Study Bible

I will deliver into the hands of their enemies who seek their lives.
This phrase reflects God's judgment upon those who have broken His covenant. In the context of Jeremiah 34, King Zedekiah and the people of Judah had made a covenant to release their Hebrew slaves, but they reneged on this promise. The phrase "deliver into the hands of their enemies" is a common biblical expression indicating divine judgment and abandonment to the consequences of one's actions. Historically, this refers to the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem, where the Babylonians, led by King Nebuchadnezzar, were the enemies seeking the lives of the Judeans. This judgment is consistent with the covenant curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28, where disobedience leads to being handed over to enemies. Theologically, it underscores the seriousness of covenant faithfulness and the consequences of breaking it.

Their corpses will become food for the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth.
This imagery is a vivid depiction of disgrace and dishonor in ancient Near Eastern culture. Proper burial was important in Israelite society, and the lack of it was seen as a curse and a sign of divine disfavor. The phrase echoes the covenant curses found in Deuteronomy 28:26, where disobedience results in bodies being left unburied, a fate considered shameful and humiliating. This also connects to the prophetic warnings given by Jeremiah earlier in his ministry (Jeremiah 7:33, 16:4), emphasizing the certainty and severity of God's judgment. Theologically, it serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God. In a broader biblical context, it foreshadows the ultimate judgment and separation from God for those who reject His covenant, contrasting with the hope of resurrection and eternal life for the faithful.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the people of Judah. He is known for his perseverance in the face of opposition.

2. Zedekiah
The last king of Judah, who reigned during the time of Jeremiah. His reign was marked by disobedience to God and eventual downfall.

3. Babylonians (Chaldeans)
The empire that besieged Jerusalem and eventually led to the destruction of the city and the temple, fulfilling God's judgment.

4. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which was under threat due to its disobedience and idolatry.

5. Covenant Breakers
The people of Judah who broke their covenant with God, leading to the severe consequences described in this passage.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Disobedience
God's warnings through His prophets are serious and should not be taken lightly. Disobedience leads to severe consequences, as seen in the fate of Judah.

The Sovereignty of God
God is in control of nations and their destinies. His judgments are just and serve His greater purpose of righteousness.

The Importance of Keeping Covenants
Breaking covenants with God leads to spiritual and physical ruin. We are called to be faithful to our commitments to God and others.

The Reality of Divine Judgment
The imagery of bodies being left for scavengers is a stark reminder of the reality of God's judgment. It calls us to live in a way that honors God and avoids such outcomes.

Hope in Repentance
While this passage focuses on judgment, the broader context of Jeremiah includes calls to repentance and the promise of restoration for those who turn back to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the fate of the covenant breakers in Jeremiah 34:20 serve as a warning for us today in our personal walk with God?

2. In what ways can we see the sovereignty of God at work in the events described in Jeremiah 34:20, and how does this encourage us in our current circumstances?

3. How does the imagery of divine judgment in Jeremiah 34:20 compare to other biblical passages, and what can we learn from these comparisons?

4. What are some modern-day examples of covenant-breaking, and how can we strive to be faithful in our commitments to God and others?

5. How can the themes of judgment and repentance in Jeremiah 34:20 inspire us to share the message of hope and redemption with those around us?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 28
This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, which are echoed in the judgment pronounced in Jeremiah 34:20.

1 Samuel 17
The imagery of bodies becoming food for birds and beasts is reminiscent of David's words to Goliath, highlighting the theme of divine judgment.

Revelation 19
The imagery of birds feasting on the flesh of the defeated enemies of God is paralleled in the apocalyptic vision of the final judgment.