"The Book of Consolation has ended, and 34:1 confronts its readers with the full force of the invading imperial army. The destruction of Jerusalem and the remainder of Judah seems inevitable (v 3) because the LORD has made Nebuchadrezzar ruler over all the nations and because burning with fire is a fitting consequence for their deeds. . . .
"This unit serves to direct the readers' attention to the issue of obedience to the LORD's word as it is explored in 34:8-22 and chaps. 35-36."446
34:1 The following message came to Jeremiah when Nebuchadnezzar and his large army were besieging Jerusalem (cf. 21:1-10). Zedekiah's rebellion against Babylon in 589 B.C. had instigated the siege (2 Kings 24:18-20-25:1; Ezek. 17:11-21).447The vassal nations under Nebuchadnezzar's suzerainty were bound to supply troops to assist him in his wars against his enemies, which they had done (cf. 2 Kings 24:2).448
"This verse underscores that the Nebuchadrezzar who now invades Judah is the same Nebuchadrezzar to whom the LORD, the creator, had granted authority over all nations,' and even the wild animals, for a time (27:6-7)."449
34:2 The prophet was to go to King Zedekiah and tell him that Israel's God was going to deliver Jerusalem to Nebuchadnezzar who would burn it (cf. 21:4-7; 2 Kings 25:6-7). His rebellion against Babylon's authority would not succeed.
34:3 Zedekiah would not escape but would be captured and would stand before Nebuchadnezzar face to face (cf. 39:5-7). He would also go to Babylon as a prisoner of war. All this came to pass (cf. 39:4-7; 52:7-11).
34:4-5 Zedekiah would not die by the sword, however, but in peace.450The people of Judah would lament Zedekiah's death by burning spices, a traditional way of expressing grief (cf. 22:18; 2 Chron. 16:14; 21:19). Yahweh promised this to the king. The Babylonians evidently permitted the Judeans in exile to mourn the death of their king in this way.
34:6-7 Jeremiah delivered this message to Zedekiah when Nebuchadnezzar was besieging the last two remaining fortified cities of Judah (beside Jerusalem), namely, Lachish and Azekah, both important Judean towns in the Shephelah.451Lachish stood about 25 miles southwest of Jerusalem and Azekah about 11 miles north of Lachish and about 18 miles west southwest of Jerusalem.452Lachish was larger than Jerusalem.453It fell to the Babylonians in 587 B.C.
