Jeremiah 34:22
Behold, I will command, saith the LORD, and cause them to return to this city; and they shall fight against it, and take it, and burn it with fire: and I will make the cities of Judah a desolation without an inhabitant.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֗ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַהֲשִׁ֨בֹתִ֜ים
and cause them to return
H7725
וַהֲשִׁ֨בֹתִ֜ים
and cause them to return
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
5 of 20
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
עָרֵ֧י
the cities
H5892
עָרֵ֧י
the cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
7 of 20
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
וְנִלְחֲמ֣וּ
and they shall fight
H3898
וְנִלְחֲמ֣וּ
and they shall fight
Strong's:
H3898
Word #:
9 of 20
to feed on; figuratively, to consume
עָלֶ֔יהָ
H5921
עָלֶ֔יהָ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 20
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וּלְכָד֖וּהָ
against it and take
H3920
וּלְכָד֖וּהָ
against it and take
Strong's:
H3920
Word #:
11 of 20
to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עָרֵ֧י
the cities
H5892
עָרֵ֧י
the cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
15 of 20
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
יְהוּדָ֛ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֛ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
16 of 20
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
אֶתֵּ֥ן
and I will make
H5414
אֶתֵּ֥ן
and I will make
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
17 of 20
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
מֵאֵ֥ין
H369
Cross References
Jeremiah 9:11And I will make Jerusalem heaps, and a den of dragons; and I will make the cities of Judah desolate, without an inhabitant.Jeremiah 39:8And the Chaldeans burned the king's house, and the houses of the people, with fire, and brake down the walls of Jerusalem.Jeremiah 52:7Then the city was broken up, and all the men of war fled, and went forth out of the city by night by the way of the gate between the two walls, which was by the king's garden; (now the Chaldeans were by the city round about:) and they went by the way of the plain.Jeremiah 33:10Thus saith the LORD; Again there shall be heard in this place, which ye say shall be desolate without man and without beast, even in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, that are desolate, without man, and without inhabitant, and without beast,Jeremiah 44:22So that the LORD could no longer bear, because of the evil of your doings, and because of the abominations which ye have committed; therefore is your land a desolation, and an astonishment, and a curse, without an inhabitant, as at this day.Jeremiah 52:13And burned the house of the LORD, and the king's house; and all the houses of Jerusalem, and all the houses of the great men, burned he with fire:
Historical Context
The siege had temporarily lifted (37:5), giving false hope. This prophecy warned that respite was temporary - judgment would resume until complete.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's sovereignty over enemies both comfort and challenge you?
- What does it mean that God 'commands' circumstances to accomplish His will?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God will 'command' and bring Babylon back against Jerusalem. The passive resistance to siege had given false hope; God declares He controls even the enemy's movements. They will fight against it, take it, and burn it. The cities of Judah will be made desolate. God's sovereignty extends to military strategy - He orchestrates events to accomplish His purposes.