Jeremiah 37:21 - Then Zedekiah the king commanded, and they committed Jeremiah into the court of the guard. They gave him daily a loaf of bread out of the bakers’ street, until all the bread in the city was gone. Thus Jeremiah remained in the court of the guard.
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What does "Jeremiah 37:21" mean?
This verse, Jeremiah 37:21, describes a specific moment in the prophet Jeremiah's imprisonment and provides insight into the political and social climate of Jerusalem during its siege by the Babylonians. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Then Zedekiah the king commanded, and they committed Jeremiah into the court of the guard.": King Zedekiah, despite often consulting Jeremiah for guidance (though usually reluctantly), orders that Jeremiah be placed in the "court of the guard." This was a designated area within the royal palace complex, often used as a place of confinement for those considered political prisoners or threats to the ruling regime. While this was still imprisonment, it was likely a less harsh form than being thrown into a dungeon or pit.
"They gave him daily a loaf of bread out of the bakers’ street, until all the bread in the city was gone.": This is a crucial detail. Zedekiah, likely influenced by advisors who opposed Jeremiah's prophecies of Jerusalem's downfall and surrender to Babylon, is keeping Jeremiah alive (at least minimally). However, the provision of bread only continues "until all the bread in the city was gone." This foreshadows the severe famine that was gripping Jerusalem during the prolonged Babylonian siege. It highlights the desperate situation of the city, where food was becoming scarce and ultimately would run out. Supplying bread from the bakers' street implies a structured system of distribution, even as resources dwindled.
"Thus Jeremiah remained in the court of the guard.": This concludes the verse by stating that Jeremiah's imprisonment in the court of the guard continued. He was confined, but at least initially, he was being provided with a basic level of sustenance. However, the implication is that his situation would worsen as the famine worsened.
Overall Meaning and Significance:
Zedekiah's Ambivalence: Zedekiah's actions reveal his conflicted state. He seems to acknowledge Jeremiah's prophetic authority to some degree (by consulting him), yet he lacks the courage or strength to fully heed Jeremiah's warnings or to protect him from those who seek to silence him.
Famine and Siege: The verse vividly illustrates the dire circumstances of Jerusalem under siege. The diminishing bread supply foreshadows the famine that would devastate the city and contribute to its eventual fall.
Jeremiah's Suffering: This verse highlights the personal hardship and persecution Jeremiah endured because of his unwavering commitment to delivering God's message, even when it was unpopular and unwelcome.
Divine Judgment: The verse subtly reinforces the theme of divine judgment on Jerusalem. The famine is presented as a consequence of the people's disobedience and rejection of God's word, delivered through Jeremiah.
Survival: By providing Jeremiah with some bread, it hints at a divine protection. Jeremiah still needs to live to fulfil his purpose, despite being imprisoned.
In essence, Jeremiah 37:21 paints a bleak picture of Jerusalem's final days, highlighting the internal political struggles, the impending famine, and the prophet Jeremiah's continued suffering amidst the chaos. It underscores the severity of the situation and sets the stage for the dramatic events that would lead to the city's destruction.
Jeremiah 37:21 - Then Zedekiah the king commanded, and they committed Jeremiah into the court of the guard. They gave him daily a loaf of bread out of the bakers’ street, until all the bread in the city was gone. Thus Jeremiah remained in the court of the guard.
What does "Jeremiah 37:21" mean?
This verse, Jeremiah 37:21, describes a specific moment in the prophet Jeremiah's imprisonment and provides insight into the political and social climate of Jerusalem during its siege by the Babylonians. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Then Zedekiah the king commanded, and they committed Jeremiah into the court of the guard.": King Zedekiah, despite often consulting Jeremiah for guidance (though usually reluctantly), orders that Jeremiah be placed in the "court of the guard." This was a designated area within the royal palace complex, often used as a place of confinement for those considered political prisoners or threats to the ruling regime. While this was still imprisonment, it was likely a less harsh form than being thrown into a dungeon or pit.
"They gave him daily a loaf of bread out of the bakers’ street, until all the bread in the city was gone.": This is a crucial detail. Zedekiah, likely influenced by advisors who opposed Jeremiah's prophecies of Jerusalem's downfall and surrender to Babylon, is keeping Jeremiah alive (at least minimally). However, the provision of bread only continues "until all the bread in the city was gone." This foreshadows the severe famine that was gripping Jerusalem during the prolonged Babylonian siege. It highlights the desperate situation of the city, where food was becoming scarce and ultimately would run out. Supplying bread from the bakers' street implies a structured system of distribution, even as resources dwindled.
"Thus Jeremiah remained in the court of the guard.": This concludes the verse by stating that Jeremiah's imprisonment in the court of the guard continued. He was confined, but at least initially, he was being provided with a basic level of sustenance. However, the implication is that his situation would worsen as the famine worsened.
Overall Meaning and Significance:
Zedekiah's Ambivalence: Zedekiah's actions reveal his conflicted state. He seems to acknowledge Jeremiah's prophetic authority to some degree (by consulting him), yet he lacks the courage or strength to fully heed Jeremiah's warnings or to protect him from those who seek to silence him.
Famine and Siege: The verse vividly illustrates the dire circumstances of Jerusalem under siege. The diminishing bread supply foreshadows the famine that would devastate the city and contribute to its eventual fall.
Jeremiah's Suffering: This verse highlights the personal hardship and persecution Jeremiah endured because of his unwavering commitment to delivering God's message, even when it was unpopular and unwelcome.
Divine Judgment: The verse subtly reinforces the theme of divine judgment on Jerusalem. The famine is presented as a consequence of the people's disobedience and rejection of God's word, delivered through Jeremiah.
Survival: By providing Jeremiah with some bread, it hints at a divine protection. Jeremiah still needs to live to fulfil his purpose, despite being imprisoned.
In essence, Jeremiah 37:21 paints a bleak picture of Jerusalem's final days, highlighting the internal political struggles, the impending famine, and the prophet Jeremiah's continued suffering amidst the chaos. It underscores the severity of the situation and sets the stage for the dramatic events that would lead to the city's destruction.