Jer 29:17-18 | KingComments | STEP | Also in Babylon are lying prophets of whom the people say that the LORD has raised them up ( ). But surely it is clear that the word of Jeremiah has come true, establishing the falsity of their prophecies, isn’t it? Despite this, they still refuse to bow under God’s judgment. Now they are told by the LORD what will happen to those who remained in Jerusalem, who did not leave with them into exile ( ). Zedekiah is not mentioned by name, but he is spoken of as “the king who sits on the throne of David”, which emphasizes his great responsibility. Those left behind in Jerusalem should not think that they can escape God’s judgment. The LORD will send the sword, famine and pestilence among them ( ). As a result, they will become like split-open figs that are so bad that they cannot be eaten (cf. ). The LORD will know how to find them when He will go after them with the sword, famine and pestilence ( ). Besides being miserable themselves, they will be made a terror to all the kingdoms by the LORD. No one will have regard for them. They will be a mockery and reproach among all the nations to which they will be driven by the LORD. The reason is that they have not listened to His words ( ). This is the cause of all the misery in the world, for God’s people and every person, believer or unbeliever.

‏ Jeremiah 29:17-18

Those Who Remained in Jerusalem

Also in Babylon are lying prophets of whom the people say that the LORD has raised them up (Jer 29:15). But surely it is clear that the word of Jeremiah has come true, establishing the falsity of their prophecies, isn’t it? Despite this, they still refuse to bow under God’s judgment. Now they are told by the LORD what will happen to those who remained in Jerusalem, who did not leave with them into exile (Jer 29:16). Zedekiah is not mentioned by name, but he is spoken of as “the king who sits on the throne of David”, which emphasizes his great responsibility.

Those left behind in Jerusalem should not think that they can escape God’s judgment. The LORD will send the sword, famine and pestilence among them (Jer 29:17). As a result, they will become like split-open figs that are so bad that they cannot be eaten (cf. Jer 24:2-3).

The LORD will know how to find them when He will go after them with the sword, famine and pestilence (Jer 29:18). Besides being miserable themselves, they will be made a terror to all the kingdoms by the LORD. No one will have regard for them. They will be a mockery and reproach among all the nations to which they will be driven by the LORD. The reason is that they have not listened to His words (Jer 29:19). This is the cause of all the misery in the world, for God’s people and every person, believer or unbeliever.