Jeremiah 21:10 meaning

The passage reflects a dire warning delivered by the prophet Jeremiah to the inhabitants of Jerusalem during a time of crisis, specifically amid the Babylonian siege. King Zedekiah seeks divine intervention, hoping for deliverance similar to past occurrences of God's miraculous rescue. However, Jeremiah's response is starkly different; he reveals that their previous hopes are futile as God's judgment has been pronounced against the city. The message warns that Jerusalem is destined for destruction, as the Lord has set His face against it for evil, not for good.

In this context, the inevitable judgment reflects the consequences of persistent disobedience and idolatry among the people, leading to despair. The choice before them is clear: surrender to the Babylonians for a chance at survival, which contrasts with their tendency to deny the severity of their situation. Thus, Jeremiah emphasizes the serious implications of their actions, revealing a God who is unyielding in His justice. Ultimately, he illustrates a pivotal moment where earthly security crumbles against divine wrath, highlighting the broader theme of accountability to God’s covenant and the grim realities of judgment for unrepentant sin as conveyed in Jeremiah 21:10.