Jeremiah 34

2. Behold, I will give this city, etc. See notes on 2 Kings xxv. 6, 7.

5 thou shalt die in peace. i.e., by a natural death. Josephus says that Nebuchadrezzar honoured his remains with a magnificent funeral (Antiq. x. 8, § 7).

8 to proclaim liberty unto them. By the law (Exod. xxi. 2; Deut. xv. 12), the Israelites were required to let their Hebrew bondsmen go free after having served six years; but this law had fallen into disuse. To revive it now was a measure of policy, as the emancipated people would have the greater interest in defending their country.

9 should serve himself of them. Should employ them for forced labour.

11 turned, and caused to return. i.e., into slavery.

17 a liberty for you, etc. By these words the people were taught to connect the subsequent horrors of the siege and sacking of Jerusalem with their disobedience to God’s law regarding the poor.

18 when they cut the calf, etc. A mode of confirming a covenant (see Gen. xv. 10). The ceremony implied the consent of the parties covenanting, if they broke their engagement, to be themselves thus cut asunder, and made a sacrifice to Divine justice.

21 which are gone up from you. The Chaldean army had raised the siege of Jerusalem for a time, owing to the appearance of a force from Egypt.