Jeremiah 21:8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

To these individuals, you should communicate this: Joachim submitted himself to the king of Babylon, entering into a state of servitude and swearing allegiance to him. However, Zedekiah violated his vow and abandoned the agreement. The king of Babylon had a rightful reason to disregard the oath, yet even in this betrayal, God did not forsake them. He offers a chance for escape, asserting that deliverance awaits should they choose to emerge from this situation. What should be their next step? They decided to participate in the violation of the oath. However, it was unwise for them to inquire of the prophet concerning the consequences of the oath when the sacred bonds and covenants had already been compromised.

You shall communicate to this people, ‘This is what the Lord says: Look, I present to you the paths of life and death. Whoever remains in this city will perish by sword, famine, and plague. However, anyone who departs and seeks refuge with the Chaldeans who are besieging you will survive, and his life shall be spared. For I have directed my attention toward this city for its destruction, not its salvation, says the Lord. It will be handed over to the king of Babylon, who will set it ablaze.’ In response to the royal messengers who sought the prophet's counsel about their fate, he provided the aforementioned message for them to relay to King Zedekiah.

He then clarifies that those who stay in the city and resist the foes will face death, while those who choose to join the enemy will find life, for a decree has been made that the city will be handed over to the flames of the adversary. Following these stern warnings, he counsels the king and rulers to uphold the truth, to render just judgment, to protect the aggrieved, and in doing so, avert the impending punishment.

There are two paths: one leads to life and the other to death, with a significant distinction between them. The path of life is characterized by the command to love God, your Creator, and to love your neighbor as yourself. Furthermore, one must not do unto others what they would not wish to be done unto them. Conversely, the path of death is marked by evil and filled with curses. It encompasses acts such as murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, idolatry, sorcery, poisoning, predation, false witness, deceit, hypocrisy, malice, pride, avarice, and blasphemy. Those who walk this path are persecutors of the righteous, enemies of truth, and supporters of falsehood. They are oblivious to the rewards of righteousness, detached from goodness and just judgment, and focused on evil.