8 "Furthermore, tell the people, 'This is what the Lord says: See, I am setting before you the way of life and the way of death.
8 And unto this people thou shalt say, Thus saith the Lord; Behold, I set before you the way of life, and the way of death.
8 "And to this people you shall say: 'Thus says the Lord: Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death.
8 "And then tell the people at large, 'God's Message to you is this: Listen carefully. I'm giving you a choice: life or death.
8 "Now you shall say to this people, 'Thus says the Lord: "Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death.
8 "Tell all the people, 'This is what the Lord says: Take your choice of life or death!
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Jeremiah 21:8
Commentary on Jeremiah 21:1-10
(Read Jeremiah 21:1-10)
When the siege had begun, Zedekiah sent to ask of Jeremiah respecting the event. In times of distress and danger, men often seek those to counsel and pray for them, whom, at other times, they despise and oppose; but they only seek deliverance from punishment. When professors continue in disobedience, presuming upon outward privileges, let them be told that the Lord will prosper his open enemies against them. As the king and his princes would not surrender, the people are exhorted to do so. No sinner on earth is left without a Refuge, who really desires one; but the way of life is humbling, it requires self-denial, and exposes to difficulties.