Old Testament
Jeremiah 32:5
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He will take Zedekiah to Babylon, where he will remain until I deal with him, says the LORD. Even if you fight the Chaldeans, you will not win.'"
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And he shall lead Zedekiah to Babylon, and there shall he be until I visit him, saith the LORD: though ye fight with the Chaldeans, ye shall not prosper.
What Jeremiah 32:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is communicating through the prophet Jeremiah about the fate of King Zedekiah of Judah. God reveals that Zedekiah will be taken captive to Babylon, where he will remain until God decides to intervene in his situation. The message emphasizes that even if the people of Judah attempt to fight against the Chaldeans (Babylonians), they will not succeed. This reflects God's sovereignty over nations and His control over the events that unfold. The verse serves as a warning to the people of Judah about the futility of resisting God's will and the consequences of their actions. It highlights the importance of recognizing God's authority and the inevitability of His plans, regardless of human efforts to change them.
How to apply Jeremiah 32:5 to your life
This verse reminds us that resisting God's plans can lead to failure and hardship. Instead of fighting against what God has ordained, we should seek to understand His will and align our actions accordingly. Trusting in God's sovereignty can bring peace even in difficult circumstances.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jeremiah's story: Jeremiah Buys a Field (Jeremiah 32:1–15)
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Jeremiah

Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
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Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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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 32:5 mean?
Jeremiah 32:5 conveys God's message that King Zedekiah will be taken to Babylon and will remain there until God decides to intervene. It underscores the futility of resisting God's plans, as even attempts to fight against the Babylonians will not succeed.
What is the significance of Zedekiah in Jeremiah 32:5?
Zedekiah was the last king of Judah, and his fate symbolizes the consequences of disobedience to God. This verse highlights his captivity as a result of Judah's failure to heed God's warnings.
What does 'Chaldeans' refer to in Jeremiah 32:5?
In Jeremiah 32:5, 'Chaldeans' refers to the Babylonians, who were a powerful nation at the time. They were known for their military strength and played a crucial role in the conquest of Judah.
What does this verse teach about God's authority?
This verse illustrates God's ultimate authority over nations and events, showing that His plans will prevail regardless of human actions. It serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and submitting to God's will.
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