Jeremiah 34:17. Behold, I proclaim a liberty— "I will now make public proclamation, that I give free commission and liberty for the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, to destroy you utterly." The reader will observe a turn upon the words in this denunciation, which is not uncommon in the sacred writers. read more
Jeremiah 34:18. When they cut the calf in twain, &c.— That is, "When they made a solemn covenant and alliance with me, wherein it was usual to pass between the parts of the sacrifice; as Abraham is described to have done." Genesis 15:9; Genesis 15:21. read more
Jeremiah 34:19. The eunuchs— Who made part of the court-officers. See 2 Kings 25:19. REFLECTIONS.—1st, This prophesy in its date precedes the former, being, it seems, the cause of Jeremiah's commitment to the court of the prison, chap. Jeremiah 32:2-5. It was directed particularly to Zedekiah, and, though a king, the prophet faithfully delivered it; for they who will be true to their trust must neither flatter nor fear the greatest. Matters were now brought to a very desperate point: but two... read more
13. The last year of Zedekiah was the sabbatical year. How just the retribution, that they who, against God's law and their own covenant, enslaved their brethren, should be doomed to bondage themselves: and that the bond-servants should enjoy the sabbatical freedom at the hands of the foe ( :-) which their own countrymen denied them! read more
14. At the end of seven years—that is, not on the eighth year, but within the limit of the seventh year, not later than the end of the seventh year (Exodus 21:2; Exodus 23:10; Deuteronomy 15:12). So "at the end of three years" (Deuteronomy 14:28; 2 Kings 18:10), and "after three days, I will rise again" (2 Kings 18:10- :), that is, on the third day (compare 2 Kings 18:10- :). read more
15. in the house . . . called by my name—the usual place of making such covenants ( :-; compare 1 Kings 8:31; Nehemiah 10:29). read more
16. polluted my name—by violating your oath (Exodus 20:7). read more
17. not . . . proclaiming liberty—Though the Jews had ostensibly emancipated their bond-servants, they virtually did not do so by revoking the liberty which they had granted. God looks not to outward appearances, but to the sincere intention. I proclaim a liberty—retribution answering to the offense (Matthew 7:2; Matthew 18:32; Matthew 18:33; Galatians 6:7; James 2:13). The Jews who would not give liberty to their brethren shall themselves receive "a liberty" calamitous to them. God will... read more
18. passed between the parts thereof—The contracting parties in the "covenant" (not here the law in general, but their covenant made before God in His house to emancipate their slaves, Jeremiah 34:8; Jeremiah 34:9) passed through the parts of the animal cut in two, implying that they prayed so to be cut in sunder (Matthew 24:51; Greek, "cut in two") if they should break the covenant (Genesis 15:10; Genesis 15:17). read more
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Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Jeremiah 34:15
Jeremiah 34:15. And ye were now turned— The covenant was properly such a one as that which Josiah and all the people formerly made in the house of the Lord, whereby they obliged themselves to worship him, to observe his laws in general, and this, of giving freedom to their servants, in particular. read more