Old Testament
Jeremiah 21:1
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This is the message that came to Jeremiah from the LORD when King Zedekiah sent Pashur son of Melchiah and the priest Zephaniah son of Maaseiah to him with this request:
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The word which came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, when king Zedekiah sent unto him Pashur the son of Melchiah, and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest, saying,
What Jeremiah 21:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a significant moment in the life of the prophet Jeremiah. King Zedekiah, who ruled over Judah during a time of great turmoil, sends two men—Pashur, the son of Melchiah, and Zephaniah, the son of Maaseiah, who is also a priest—to seek guidance from Jeremiah. This indicates that the king is looking for divine insight or direction amidst the impending crisis facing Jerusalem. The message from the LORD that Jeremiah receives is crucial, as it will provide clarity and hope in a time of uncertainty. This interaction highlights the role of prophets in communicating God’s will to leaders and the people, emphasizing the importance of seeking divine counsel in difficult times. It also sets the stage for the messages of warning and hope that Jeremiah will deliver in the following verses, reflecting the ongoing struggle between faithfulness to God and the challenges of leadership in a time of crisis.
How to apply Jeremiah 21:1 to your life
In times of uncertainty, it is essential to seek guidance from God through prayer and scripture. Just as King Zedekiah sought Jeremiah's counsel, we should look for wisdom from spiritual leaders and the Word of God to navigate our challenges. Trusting in divine direction can provide clarity and peace.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 21:1 mean?
Jeremiah 21:1 describes a moment when King Zedekiah of Judah sends two men to the prophet Jeremiah to seek guidance from the LORD. This indicates the king's need for divine insight during a time of crisis in Jerusalem.
Who are Pashur and Zephaniah in Jeremiah 21:1?
Pashur is identified as the son of Melchiah, and Zephaniah is the son of Maaseiah, a priest. They are sent by King Zedekiah to consult Jeremiah, indicating their roles in seeking divine insight for the nation.
What can we learn from Jeremiah 21:1 about seeking guidance?
Jeremiah 21:1 teaches the importance of seeking guidance from God, especially in difficult times. Just as King Zedekiah sought counsel from Jeremiah, we should also look for wisdom from spiritual leaders and scripture.
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