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Verse Takeaways
1
The Self-Cursing Oath
Commentators explain that 'cutting the calf in twain' refers to a solemn ancient ritual. When making a covenant, parties would cut an animal in half and walk between the pieces. This act symbolized a self-curse, essentially saying, 'May I be cut apart like this animal if I break this promise.' This vivid ceremony was meant to impress the seriousness of the oath upon all involved.
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Book Overview
Jeremiah
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Commentaries
5
Albert Barnes
On Jeremiah 34:8–22
18th Century
Theologian
Commentators usually say that the laws dealing with the emancipation of the Hebrew slaves, as well as the law of the land resting during the sabbat…
Charles Ellicott
On Jeremiah 34:18
19th Century
Bishop
When they cut the calf in twain ... —The passage is interesting, as showing the survival of one of the oldest rites of Patriarchal…
John Calvin
On Jeremiah 34:18–19
16th Century
Theologian
He pursues the same subject: that perjury would not go unpunished. But here the manner of making an oath is described: they cut a calf into two…
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John Gill
On Jeremiah 34:18
17th Century
Pastor
And I will give the men that have transgressed my covenant , &c.] The covenant the king, princes, and all the people made…
Matthew Henry
On Jeremiah 34:8–22
17th Century
Minister
A Jew should not be held in servitude for more than seven years. This law they and their fathers had broken. And when there was some hope that the …