Jeremiah 34:3 meaning

Amidst a desperate political and military climate in Judah, King Zedekiah made grave miscalculations that led to decisive consequences. Faced with the siege of Nebuchadnezzar’s army, he not only rebelled against Babylonian authority but also reneged on a significant covenant he had made with his people, promising the liberation of Hebrew servants. This bond had its roots in the Law given through Moses, where such acts of liberation symbolized obedience to God’s commands. However, when the immediate threat of the Chaldeans appeared to recede, Zedekiah and his subjects returned to their oppressive ways, showing a blatant disregard for their earlier commitments.