John Calvin Commentary Jeremiah 34:6-7

"Then Jeremiah the prophet spake all these words unto Zedekiah king of Judah in Jerusalem, when the king of Babylon`s army was fighting against Jerusalem, and against all the cities of Judah that were left, against Lachish and against Azekah; for these [alone] remained of the cities of Judah [as] fortified cities." — Jeremiah 34:6-7 (ASV)

Here Jeremiah only relates that he had delivered the message entrusted to him. Here the Prophet’s magnanimity is seen, for as was previously apparent, he was an unwelcome messenger. Although there was danger, Jeremiah still performed his duty, because he knew that God would not allow the king to do anything to him unless it was for some benefit. There is then no doubt that he placed his life in God’s hand and offered himself, as it were, a sacrifice, when he dared to openly threaten the king, which could not have been done without offending him; and

“the wrath of a king,” as Solomon says,
“is the messenger of death.” (Proverbs 16:14).

Here, then, the Prophet’s firmness is deserving of praise, for he dreaded no danger when he saw that a necessity was imposed on him by God.

He again repeats that Jerusalem was then surrounded by the army of the king of Babylon, as well as the other cities of Judah, which he names—namely, Lachish and Azekah. He seems, therefore, to indirectly rebuke Zedekiah’s arrogance, for he still retained his high spirits, even though he was reduced to such dire straits.

All the cities of Judah—how many were they? Two, says the Prophet. This, then, was no unsuitable way of indirectly exposing to ridicule the king’s vain confidence, as he still thought he could overcome the enemy, though he was master of only three cities: Jerusalem, Lachish, and Azekah.

But the Prophet gives a reason why these cities did not immediately fall into the hands of the king of Babylon: because they were fortified. It therefore follows that the other cities were taken without trouble or surrendered of their own accord.

King Zedekiah was then deprived of his power, yet he had not relinquished the ferocity of his mind, nor was he terrified by the Prophet’s threats. This was a proof of extreme madness.

For from this it appears that he was mentally estranged; because the dreadful hand of God was extended against him, and yet, like a wild beast devoid of reason, he rushed headlong to his own ruin. Let us proceed—