Jeremiah 38:21
But if thou refuse to go forth, this is the word that the LORD hath shewed me:
Original Language Analysis
וְאִם
H518
וְאִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 9
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לָצֵ֑את
to go forth
H3318
לָצֵ֑את
to go forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
4 of 9
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
הַדָּבָ֔ר
this is the word
H1697
הַדָּבָ֔ר
this is the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
6 of 9
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 9
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
Prophetic visions often included specific, verifiable details that would authenticate the prophet when fulfilled. The reference to palace women being taken to Babylonian princes (v. 22) anticipates the harem's capture, a standard feature of ancient Near Eastern conquest that symbolized the king's total humiliation.
Questions for Reflection
- What does God's detailed preview of consequences reveal about His desire for Zedekiah to choose rightly?
- How does specific prophetic detail serve to authenticate God's word and remove excuses for disobedience?
- Why might even clear divine revelation fail to change a heart set on rebellion?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But if thou refuse to go forth—The Hebrew ma'en (מָאֵן, "to refuse") indicates willful rejection, not mere hesitation. God's ultimatum left no middle ground. Zedekiah's "refusal" would be active rebellion against divine command, not passive indecision.
This is the word that the LORD hath shewed me—The verb ra'ah (רָאָה, "to see/show") in the Hiphil stem indicates divine revelation. What follows (v. 22-23) is prophetic vision, not Jeremiah's speculation. God granted Jeremiah foresight into the specific humiliation awaiting Zedekiah: his own palace women would taunt him using a proverbial saying about feet stuck in mud. This divine preview gave Zedekiah one final chance to avoid the prophesied shame by surrendering.