Old Testament
Jeremiah 21:2
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, the people of Jerusalem are asking the prophet Jeremiah to pray to God for them.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Please ask the LORD on our behalf, for Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon is waging war against us. Perhaps the LORD will deal with us according to all his wondrous works, so that he may leave us.
Enquire, I pray thee, of the LORD for us; for Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon maketh war against us; if so be that the LORD will deal with us according to all his wondrous works, that he may go up from us.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the people of Jerusalem are asking the prophet Jeremiah to pray to God for them. They are in a desperate situation because King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon is attacking their city. They hope that by seeking God's help, He might show them mercy and perform miraculous acts to save them from destruction. The phrase 'wondrous works' refers to the powerful deeds God has done in the past, which gives them hope that He can intervene again. This plea reflects their recognition of their need for divine assistance in a time of crisis, showing both their fear and their faith in God's ability to help them. Explore related desperation.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 21:2 to your life
In times of trouble, we should seek God's guidance and support through prayer. Just as the people of Jerusalem turned to God in their crisis, we can also rely on Him for help and hope in our own difficult situations, trusting in His past faithfulness.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 21:2 mean for us today?
Jeremiah 21:2 highlights the importance of seeking God's help in times of crisis. Just as the people of Jerusalem turned to the prophet for prayer during their desperate situation, we too can approach God in our struggles. This verse encourages us to recognize our need for divine intervention and to trust in God's ability to perform miraculous works in our lives, reminding us that prayer is a powerful tool in seeking guidance and support.
Why did the people ask Jeremiah to pray for them?
The people of Jerusalem asked Jeremiah to pray for them because they were facing a dire threat from King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. They understood that their situation was beyond human control and believed that only God could intervene to save them. By asking Jeremiah, a prophet, to intercede on their behalf, they were acknowledging their need for divine assistance and expressing their hope that God would act in accordance with His past miraculous deeds.
What are 'wondrous works' mentioned in this verse?
The term 'wondrous works' in Jeremiah 21:2 refers to the miraculous acts and powerful deeds that God has performed throughout history. These include events like the parting of the Red Sea, the provision of manna in the wilderness, and other instances where God demonstrated His power and faithfulness to His people. The people of Jerusalem were invoking these past acts to inspire hope that God could similarly intervene in their current crisis.
How can we apply the message of Jeremiah 21:2 in our lives?
We can apply the message of Jeremiah 21:2 by turning to God in prayer during our own times of trouble. This verse serves as a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles and that seeking God's guidance can bring comfort and hope. By reflecting on God's past faithfulness, we can build our trust in His ability to help us in our present difficulties, encouraging us to maintain faith even when circumstances seem overwhelming.

The Book of Jeremiah
Jeremiah 1: The Call of Jeremiah
The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, a priest from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, are recorded. The word of the LORD comes to him in the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign over Judah. It continues to come to him through the reign of King Jehoiakim and until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, when Jerusalem is carried into captivity. The LORD states that before He formed Jeremiah in the womb, He knew him and ordained him as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah responds that he cannot speak because he is a child. The LORD commands him not to say he is a child, for he will go where the LORD sends him and speak what the LORD commands.
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