Old Testament
Jeremiah 34:14
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"Every 7 years, each of you must free any fellow Hebrew who has been sold to you. After they have served you for 6 years, you must let them go free." But your ancestors refused to listen to me or pay any attention.
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At the end of seven years let ye go every man his brother an Hebrew, which hath been sold unto thee; and when he hath served thee six years, thou shalt let him go free from thee: but your fathers hearkened not unto me, neither inclined their ear.
What Jeremiah 34:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God commands the Israelites to release their fellow Hebrew slaves after six years of service. This practice was part of the covenant law intended to promote justice and mercy within the community. The seventh year was a time of freedom, emphasizing the importance of treating others with dignity and respect. However, God laments that their ancestors did not obey this command, showing a pattern of disobedience and disregard for His instructions. This reflects a broader theme in the book of Jeremiah, where the people often ignored God's guidance, leading to dire consequences. The call to release slaves was not just about physical freedom but also about restoring relationships and community integrity. It highlights God's desire for His people to live in harmony and uphold justice, reminding them of their own history of liberation from slavery in Egypt.
How to apply Jeremiah 34:14 to your life
We can apply this principle of releasing others from burdens by practicing forgiveness and letting go of grudges. Just as the Israelites were called to free their fellow Hebrews, we should seek to restore relationships and promote healing in our communities, reflecting God's love and mercy.
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 34:14 mean?
Jeremiah 34:14 means that God instructed the Israelites to release their Hebrew slaves after six years of service, emphasizing justice and mercy within their community. This command reflects God's desire for dignity and respect among His people.
What is the significance of the seventh year in Jeremiah 34:14?
The seventh year in Jeremiah 34:14 is significant because it represents a time of freedom for Hebrew slaves, highlighting the importance of liberation and restoring relationships within the community.
Why did the ancestors not obey Jeremiah 34:14?
The ancestors did not obey Jeremiah 34:14 because they ignored God's commands and chose not to listen to His instructions, which is a recurring theme in the book of Jeremiah.
How does Jeremiah 34:14 relate to forgiveness?
Jeremiah 34:14 relates to forgiveness by illustrating the principle of releasing others from burdens, encouraging us to let go of grudges and restore relationships, similar to how the Israelites were called to free their fellow Hebrews.
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