Jeremiah 29:3
By the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan, and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, (whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent unto Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon) saying,
Original Language Analysis
בְּיַד֙
By the hand
H3027
בְּיַד֙
By the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
1 of 18
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 18
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
שָׁפָ֔ן
of Shaphan
H8227
שָׁפָ֔ן
of Shaphan
Strong's:
H8227
Word #:
4 of 18
a species of rock-rabbit (from its hiding), i.e., probably the hyrax
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 18
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שָׁלַ֜ח
sent
H7971
שָׁלַ֜ח
sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
9 of 18
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
יְהוּדָ֗ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֗ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
12 of 18
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
נְבוּכַדְנֶאצַּ֛ר
to Nebuchadnezzar
H5019
נְבוּכַדְנֶאצַּ֛ר
to Nebuchadnezzar
Strong's:
H5019
Word #:
14 of 18
nebukadnetstsar (or nebukadretsts(-ar, or)), king of babylon
בָּבֶ֥לָה
of Babylon
H894
בָּבֶ֥לָה
of Babylon
Strong's:
H894
Word #:
16 of 18
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
Historical Context
Zedekiah (597-586 BC) was Nebuchadnezzar's puppet king, constantly pressured to rebel by pro-Egyptian factions and false prophets. These diplomatic missions attempted to maintain the fragile vassal relationship. Shaphan and Hilkiah's sons served in Zedekiah's administration despite its compromises, showing godly men can serve flawed systems.
Questions for Reflection
- How can believers faithfully serve in secular or compromised institutions without endorsing their errors?
- What does it mean that God's word travels through 'official channels' to subvert official lies?
- Why does God choose credible messengers? How does character validate message?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
By the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan, and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah—Jeremiah sent this explosive letter via diplomatic courier, not random messengers. Shaphan's family had protected Jeremiah (26:24) and championed Josiah's reforms; Hilkiah discovered the lost Torah scroll (2 Kings 22:8). These names signal credibility and covenant faithfulness.
Whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent unto Babylon—The irony is profound: Zedekiah's own ambassadors, sent to reassure Nebuchadnezzar of loyalty, unknowingly carry a letter telling exiles to settle permanently and pray for Babylon's welfare (vv. 5-7). The Hebrew שָׁלַח (shalach, sent) appears twice—Zedekiah sent envoys, but Jeremiah sent God's true word. One mission served political expediency; the other, divine purpose.