The Lord’s words in Jeremiah 34:21–22 connect the general words of judgment in Jeremiah 34:18–20 to specific historical events.1 These words give some insight into the sequence of events. It seems most likely that Zedekiah made the covenant while the siege was in place and the people broke the agreement when the Babylonians withdrew to deal with the approaching Egyptian army, but they soon returned to their siege of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 37:5–10). What is made clear here is that it is the Lord who is bringing Nebuchadnezzar back as the instrument of his judgment on Zedekiah and the people of Jerusalem for their covenant disobedience.
22 Behold, I will command, declares the LORD, and will bring them back to this city. And they will fight against it and take it and burn it with fire. I will make the cities of Judah a desolation without inhabitant.”