Jeremiah 34:9

That euery man should let his man seruant, and euery man his maide seruant, being an Hebrewe, or an Hebrewesse, goe free, that none should serue himselfe of them, to wit, of a Iew his brother. Jeremiah 34:9 (KJV)

Jeremiah 34:9 is spoken by the prophet Jeremiah during the reign of King Zedekiah, when the Babylonian army was besieging Jerusalem. In that desperate moment the people of Judah made a covenant before God to release their Hebrew slaves—both men and women—and to cease holding them in bondage, seeking God’s favor amid the looming threat.

The verse underscores the importance of justice and compassion toward one’s fellow Hebrews. Having been delivered from Egyptian slavery, Israel is reminded not to oppress its own brothers and sisters but to set them free. As another expression of the same principle declares, “And the man that is a servant of another man shall be set free; for the LORD hath made them free, and hath broken every man from his yoke in the day of his good pleasure.”

By freeing the slaves the people were fulfilling a divine obligation, aligning themselves with God’s commandments and demonstrating a commitment to righteousness and justice. The act of release was meant to be an outward sign of obedience and a tangible expression of God’s character.

However, the subsequent verses (Jeremiah 34:10‑22) reveal that the covenant was broken. The people took back the freed slaves and returned them to bondage, violating the oath they had made before God. As a result, God pronounced judgment upon them, warning of the sword, famine, and pestilence as consequences of their hypocrisy.

For contemporary believers, Jeremiah 34:9 serves as a clear reminder to treat others with justice, compassion, and integrity. It calls us to be mindful of our obligations toward fellow human beings, to act with fairness and kindness, and to avoid the severe repercussions that accompany broken commitments.

Overall, the passage teaches the significance of upholding justice, fulfilling our responsibilities, and reflecting God’s character in our relationships. It affirms that God desires His people to live in righteousness and fairness, embodying His love and mercy in every interaction.