key verse: 18
SINCE YOU HAVE GONE BACK
Jeremiah prophesizes the fate of king Zedekiah. Then, he gives one of the reasons God has decided on sending the people into captivity.
1. You will die in peace (1-7)
God tells Jeremiah to go to Zedekiah to announce his fate. The hand of the king of Babylon will seize him and take him away as captive. He will not be beheaded, but will die in peace. There will be a funeral with incense burned. Zedekiah was a king who relied on Egypt, though it brought him no aid. He will still be taken away by the king of Babylon. The reason for this liberation is marked in the next episode.
2. Since you have gone back (8-22)
As a last will and testament, Zedekiah performs a good deed. He publishes the liberation of Jewish slaves. Jeremiah reminds him that the same order was given by God when he brought his people out of Egypt. At the end of six years, Israel must free all slaves. However, their fathers didn't listen. It may not seem important, but in fact, they are breaking a covenant with God. The Jewish masters went back on their decisions in order to put their former slaves back to work. It's for economic reasons, certainly, but it's also a sign of the people's deliberate revolt. God becomes angry, breaks the covenant with his people and sends them to Babylon. It is important to maintain the covenant with God no matter what. We must never go back on our vows due to a situation.
Prayer: Lord, help me to maintain my decision whatever it costs, to not go back on it or become a man or woman of circumstance.
Bottom line: do not be a man of circumstance, and keep your promise whatever the cost
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