Jer 21:1-2 | MHM | STEP | Zedekiah's Message to Jeremiah This section shows what happened when King Zedekiah was in deep trouble. Before this, Zedekiah had not truly humbled himself before Jeremiah, who spoke the word of the Lord (2 Chronicles 36:12 ). Now, forced by danger, Zedekiah sends a message to Jeremiah. He wants help, but he does not want to fully listen to the prophet’s advice. This moment teaches us that people often ignore God’s warnings until they are desperate. It also shows that God sometimes allows even His faithful servants, like Jeremiah, to be honored after times of shame. Those who honor God will be honored by Him (Isaiah 60:14 ). v. 1 : King Zedekiah was in distress because Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, was making war against him. The Babylonian army had invaded the land and surrounded Jerusalem. People who ignore warnings and delay facing problems are often most afraid when trouble finally comes.

‏ Jeremiah 21:1-2

Zedekiah's Message to Jeremiah

This section shows what happened when King Zedekiah was in deep trouble. Before this, Zedekiah had not truly humbled himself before Jeremiah, who spoke the word of the Lord (2 Chronicles 36:12 ^a). Now, forced by danger, Zedekiah sends a message to Jeremiah. He wants help, but he does not want to fully listen to the prophet’s advice. This moment teaches us that people often ignore God’s warnings until they are desperate. It also shows that God sometimes allows even His faithful servants, like Jeremiah, to be honored after times of shame. Those who honor God will be honored by Him (Isaiah 60:14 ^b).

v. 1: King Zedekiah was in distress because Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, was making war against him. The Babylonian army had invaded the land and surrounded Jerusalem. People who ignore warnings and delay facing problems are often most afraid when trouble finally comes.

v. 2: Zedekiah sent two messengers, Pashur and Zephaniah, both priests from important families (1 Chronicles 24:9, 18 ^c), to Jeremiah. It showed some respect for the prophet, but it would have been better if Zedekiah had come himself. Sometimes, those who are despised later become respected. Jeremiah, who once cried, My days are consumed with shame (Jeremiah 20:18 ^d), is now honored by the king.

The message from Zedekiah was, Enquire, I pray thee, of the Lord for us . Now that the danger is real, the king finally admits Jeremiah is a true prophet. The king asks Jeremiah to pray and find out what God wants them to do. He also hopes Jeremiah will ask God to help them. But their main concern is to make the enemy leave, not to make peace with God. They remember how God saved Jerusalem in the past, such as when Sennacherib attacked and God rescued the city at Isaiah’s prayer (2 Chronicles 32:20–21 ^e). But they do not realize their own hearts are not like Hezekiah’s. It is foolish to expect God’s help while still holding on to sin.