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Jeremiah 27

22 verses

TL;DR

Jeremiah receives a divine mandate to issue a symbolic yoke to all nations, warning that those who refuse Babylonian rule will face judgment.

Summary

In the first days of Jehoiakim’s reign, God commands Jeremiah to craft bonds and yokes for himself and to distribute them to the kings of Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre, and Sidon. The message declares that all lands have been granted to Nebuchadnezzar, and any nation that resists serving Babylon will be punished by sword, famine, and pestilence. Jeremiah is instructed to rebuke prophets, diviners, and sorcerers who claim they will not serve the king of Babylon, labeling their words as false. The Lord urges the people to accept the yoke and live, promising that those who submit will remain in their land. He also speaks to priests and the general populace, warning that those who cling to false hope that the temple vessels will return early are in error; the vessels will only be returned after a future visit of the Lord.

Outline
  1. Jeremiah’s divine commission to issue a yoke and announce Babylonian dominion
  2. Prophetic denunciation of those resisting Babylon and the promised judgment
  3. Reassurance of survival for those who submit and instructions to the priests and people
Themes
submission to divine willjudgment and punishment for disobediencetruth versus false prophecythe cost of loyalty
Keywords
yokeBabylonprophecyjudgmentobediencesubmissionvessels
People
JeremiahJehoiakimJosiahNebuchadnezzarZedekiahthe king of Judahprophetspriestsdiviners
Places
JerusalemBabylonEdomMoabAmmonTyreSidonJudahthe house of the LORD
Things
yokesbondsvessels of the LORD’s housepillarsseathe residue of vesselsthe king of Babylon’s yoke
Key Verses
  • Jeremiah 27:1: The initial divine commission to Jeremiah
  • Jeremiah 27:8: Statement of judgment for those who refuse the yoke
  • Jeremiah 27:9: Rebuke of false prophets warning of doom
  • Jeremiah 27:12: Direct instruction to the king of Judah
  • Jeremiah 27:22: Promise of eventual return of the temple vessels
Questions
  • Why does God command Jeremiah to issue a symbolic yoke to foreign kings?
  • How does Jeremiah’s message differ from that of other prophets?
  • What is the significance of the ‘vessels of the LORD’s house’ in the context of Babylonian exile?
  • In what ways does the chapter warn against false prophecy?
  • What is the theological implication of submitting to Babylon as a sign of obedience to God?
Sentiment

mixed
The passage contains both warning of impending judgment and an offer of survival for those who submit, creating a mixed emotional tone.