2 Chronicles 36:21
To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: for as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years.
2 Chronicles 36:21 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah speaks about the fulfillment of God's word regarding the land enjoying its sabbaths. According to the laws outlined in the book of Leviticus, the land of Israel was supposed to rest every seventh year, a practice known as the Sabbath year. However, the Israelites failed to observe this commandment, leading to the land lying desolate for an extended period. The verse mentions a period of seventy years, which is significant in biblical numerology and symbolizes completion and restoration. During this time of desolation, the land was essentially keeping its sabbath, as a form of divine justice for the years of neglect. This period of rest was necessary for the land to rejuvenate and renew itself, in accordance with God's plan for His creation. Jeremiah's words serve as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commandments and the consequences of neglecting His laws.
Theological Overview
Jeremiah 25:11 sheds light on the theological concept of sabbath rest as a means of fulfillment of God's word. In this verse, the land is said to have enjoyed her sabbaths during the time of desolation, in accordance with the prophecy given by Jeremiah. The term "sabbaths" here refers not only to the weekly Sabbath but also to the Sabbatical Year and the Year of Jubilee, as outlined in the Mosaic Law. The fulfillment of the seventy-year period indicates the completion of a significant cycle in God's redemptive plan for His people. This passage highlights the importance of rest, restoration, and obedience to God's laws. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of neglecting to observe the sabbath rest that God has ordained for His creation. Through Jeremiah's prophetic voice, God's faithfulness in bringing about His promises, even through times of desolation, is evident.
2 Chronicles 36:21 in other translations
American Standard Version
to fulfil the word of Jehovah by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed its sabbaths: [for] as long as it lay desolate it kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years.
World English Bible
to fulfill Yahweh’s word by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed its Sabbaths. As long as it lay desolate it kept Sabbath, to fulfill seventy years.
Douay-Rheims
That the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremias might be fulfilled, and the land might keep her sabbaths: for all the days of the desolation she kept a sabbath, till the seventy years were expired.
Geneva Bible (1599)
To fulfill the worde of the Lord by the mouth of Ieremiah, vntill the lande had her fill of her Sabbaths: for all the dayes that she lay desolate, she kept Sabbath, to fulfill seuentie yeeres.