Jeremiah 34:15

And ye were now turned, and had done right in my sight, in proclaiming liberty every man to his neighbour; and ye had made a covenant before me in the house which is called by my name:

Jeremiah 34:15 (KJV)

Context

Jeremiah 34:15 is part of a passage in which God, through the prophet Jeremiah, confronts the people of Judah during the reign of King Zedekiah, while Jerusalem is under siege by the Babylonians. The people had initially released their Hebrew slaves according to the Mosaic Law, but they later took them back, breaking their covenant with God.

Meaning

The verse acknowledges that the people had recently turned from their evil ways and done what was right in God’s sight by proclaiming liberty to their neighbors, specifically freeing their Hebrew slaves, and by making a covenant before God in the temple, which is called by His name. This act was in accordance with the Mosaic Law, which required Hebrew slaves to be released after six years of service (Exodus 21:2; Deuteronomy 15:12-18). However, the context reveals that this obedience was short-lived; in the very next verse (Jeremiah 34:16), the people broke their covenant by taking back the slaves they had freed, thereby profaning God’s name.

Biblical connections

The phrase “the house which is called by my name” refers to the temple in Jerusalem, emphasizing that the covenant was made in God’s presence, adding to its solemnity. This passage serves as a warning against hypocrisy and the danger of reneging on commitments made to God and to others. It underscores that true repentance is not merely a momentary change but must be sustained and consistent with God’s commands.

Application

The verse reminds us of the importance of honoring the promises we make, both to one another and to God. When we make a commitment, especially in God’s presence, we are accountable to keep it. The temporary act of freeing the Hebrew slaves demonstrated justice and compassion, reflecting God’s heart for His people. We are called to practice righteousness, care for others, and treat them with fairness and kindness. The people’s failure to maintain their commitment and return their slaves revealed their lack of faithfulness to God. It serves as a warning to us that we should not be complacent in our obedience but rather remain faithful and consistent in our relationship with God.

Reflection

God notices and commends genuine repentance and righteous actions, even when they are later undone. This should encourage us to seek sustained obedience, knowing that our faithfulness is observed by God and that our commitments are serious in His sight.