King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 34:7 Mean?

Jeremiah 34:7 in the King James Version says “When the king of Babylon's army fought against Jerusalem, and against all the cities of Judah that were left, against La...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“When the king of Babylon's army fought against Jerusalem, and against all the cities of Judah that were left, against Lachish, and against Azekah: for these defenced cities remained of the cities of Judah.”

Jeremiah 34:7 · KJV

Context

5

But thou shalt die in peace: and with the burnings of thy fathers, the former kings which were before thee, so shall they burn odours for thee; and they will lament thee, saying, Ah lord! for I have pronounced the word, saith the LORD.

6

Then Jeremiah the prophet spake all these words unto Zedekiah king of Judah in Jerusalem,

7

When the king of Babylon's army fought against Jerusalem, and against all the cities of Judah that were left, against Lachish, and against Azekah: for these defenced cities remained of the cities of Judah.

8

This is the word that came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, after that the king Zedekiah had made a covenant with all the people which were at Jerusalem, to proclaim liberty unto them;

9

That every man should let his manservant, and every man his maidservant, being an Hebrew or an Hebrewess, go free; that none should serve himself of them, to wit, of a Jew his brother.

Read Jeremiah 34 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When the king of Babylon's army fought against Jerusalem, and against all the cities of Judah that were left, against Lachish, and against Azekah: for these defenced cities remained of the cities of Judah. This verse provides the critical historical context: Jeremiah's prophecy came during active siege warfare when hope seemed plausible. The phrase "all the cities of Judah that were left" (kol-'arei Yehudah hanish'arot) indicates most of Judah had already fallen—only the strongest fortifications remained. The specific mention of Lachish and Azekah as the last "defenced cities" ('arei mivtzar—fortified cities) has extraordinary archaeological confirmation.

The Lachish Letters, discovered in 1930s excavations, include one stating: "We are watching for the signals of Lachish... for we cannot see Azekah." This poignant message likely indicates Azekah had just fallen, exactly matching Jeremiah's description that these two fortresses were the last before Jerusalem itself. The systematic reduction of outlying defenses before assaulting the capital was standard Babylonian siege strategy, demonstrating Nebuchadnezzar's methodical military competence.

Theologically, the verse teaches: (1) God's word addresses real historical crises, not abstract spiritual truths disconnected from circumstances; (2) prophecy comes precisely when human hope remains, testing whether hearers will trust God's word or visible circumstances; (3) military strength and fortifications provide no security when God decrees judgment; (4) archaeological evidence confirms Scripture's historical reliability, strengthening confidence in its spiritual authority.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Lachish and Azekah were Judah's two strongest fortresses after Jerusalem. Lachish, southwest of Jerusalem, guarded the approaches from Philistia and Egypt. Azekah, in the Shephelah, controlled the valley routes. Both cities had massive walls and strategic importance. Archaeological excavations at Lachish reveal dramatic destruction layers from 586 BCE, including arrowheads, evidence of fire, and mass burial sites from the siege. The Lachish Letters—ostraca (inscribed pottery shards) containing military correspondence—provide rare firsthand documentation confirming biblical narrative details. This historical specificity demonstrates Scripture's accuracy and roots biblical theology in real events, validating the doctrine of God's active involvement in history.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does archaeological confirmation of biblical details strengthen confidence in Scripture's spiritual teachings?
  2. What does the systematic fall of fortified cities teach about the futility of trusting human strength rather than God?
  3. How should believers respond when God's word contradicts apparently favorable circumstances or human calculations of probability?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וְחֵ֣יל1 of 22

“army”

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

מֶֽלֶךְ2 of 22

“When the king”

H4428

a king

בָּבֶ֗ל3 of 22

“of Babylon's”

H894

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

נִלְחָמִים֙4 of 22

“fought”

H3898

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

עַל5 of 22
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם6 of 22

“against Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וְעַ֛ל7 of 22
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּל8 of 22
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עָרֵ֥י9 of 22

“and against all the cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

יְהוּדָ֖ה10 of 22

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

הַנּֽוֹתָר֑וֹת11 of 22

“that were left”

H3498

to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve

אֶל12 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לָכִישׁ֙13 of 22

“against Lachish”

H3923

lakish, a place in palestine

וְאֶל14 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עֲזֵקָ֔ה15 of 22

“and against Azekah”

H5825

azekah, a place in palestine

כִּ֣י16 of 22
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הֵ֗נָּה17 of 22
H2007

themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)

נִשְׁאֲר֛וּ18 of 22

“remained”

H7604

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

עָרֵ֥י19 of 22

“and against all the cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

יְהוּדָ֖ה20 of 22

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

עָרֵ֥י21 of 22

“and against all the cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

מִבְצָֽר׃22 of 22

“for these defenced”

H4013

a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 34:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 34:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 10:3Joshua 15:352 Kings 18:13-142 Chronicles 11:5-10Jeremiah 4:5Micah 1:13

Places in This Verse

AzekahSettlement · Modern: Tel Azekah · 31.70°N, 34.94°E7 verses across 5 books
Babylon 1Settlement · Modern: Babylon · 32.54°N, 44.42°E296 verses across 15 books
JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
LachishSettlement · Modern: Tell ed Duweir · 31.57°N, 34.85°E22 verses across 7 books
View all places in Jeremiah 34 →

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