Jeremiah 27
Segments
Introduction
Chapters 27–29 form a literary unit that deals with Jeremiah’s continuing struggle with the false prophets. These messages should have put to rest any false hopes that Babylon’s rule would be brief.
Major Ideas
Truth #1: God is the authority.
When the appointed time came for the termination of Babylonian supremacy, the rulers of Persia, Media, and contiguous areas finally overthrew it. God is Creator of the universe and Administrator in the affairs of the nations.
The false prophets were holding out baseless hopes that the temple vessels taken to Babylon were soon to be returned. This was a powerful incentive for Judah to revolt against the Babylonians, but Jeremiah reiterated the necessity of submitting to Nebuchadnezzar (v.17).
The vessels were originally made by Solomon but were doubtless added to through the years by gifts from the people (cf. 1 Kings 7:15, 23, 27, 48–50). Some were carried away in the deportation of Jehoiakim (cf. 2 Chronicles 36:5–7), and even more were carried away in 597 B.C. (cf. v.20; 2 Kings 24:13). Instead of these vessels being returned “shortly,” as the lying prophets claimed, the vessels remaining in the temple would be carried off too (cf. v.22; 2 Kings 25:13).
To the prediction of the carrying away of all these things, the Lord added a promise that they would be restored (v.22) in the day that he would execute judgment on Babylon. And the vessels actually were returned to Jerusalem by Cyrus at the beginning of his reign (c. 536 B.C.; cf. Ezra 1:7–11).
No reason is given for the gathering of the envoys in Jerusalem. It is quite likely they were there to plot rebellion against Babylon.
The expression “his son and his grandson” (lit. “son’s son”) must not be taken literally.
The Lord warned the other nations not to listen to their prophets or diviners. Diviners were people who read omens and claimed to communicate with higher powers through the reading of omens (cf. Josh 13:22; Ezek 13:9). Judah was warned not to listen to “interpreters of dreams” (lit. “your dreams”; cf. Deut 13:1–5; Jer 23:25–32). They also were warned not to listen to “mediums” (translated as “soothsayers,” RSV; “diviners,” NJPS), a people whose function was uncertain. Consulting them was prohibited by Deut 18:9–13 (cf. Mic 5:12). Sorcerers, those who practiced magic, were also assuring the people that they would not serve Babylon (cf. Exod 22:18; Lev 19:26; Mal 3:5). Their reassuring lies only stiffened the people’s resistance against Jeremiah’s warnings. Their refusal to listen to Jeremiah would result in their removal from their land. They would perish in faraway places.
Because they believed the false prophets, the Lord declared that he would banish both Zedekiah and the prophets who were leading him astray (see 39:5–7, where the fate predicted here for Zedekiah overtook him).
Truth #2: Sin comes with consequences.
The meaning of the yoke is explained in v.8. Those resisting the Babylonian power, as the coalition was planning to do, would be punished by the threefold stroke of sword, famine, and plague—well-known results of war.
To resist the known will of God is always spiritual suicide.
The pillars were made of bronze and were placed in front of the temple; their names were Jakin and Boaz (cf. 1 Kings 7:15–22). Before being taken away to Babylon, they were actually broken into pieces because they were too large to take intact. The Sea was a large cast basin, supported on the backs of twelve cast oxen, and used for the washings of the priests (cf. 1 Kings 7:23–26). There were also stands to support the lavers (cf. 1 Kings 7:27–37; 2 Chronicles 4:6), and the stands were on wheels. All of these remaining vessels would be taken to Babylon also, Jeremiah prophesied (vv.20–21).
The ox yoke was a wooden bar or bars fastened about the neck by leather thongs. It was placed on cattle or oxen for plowing or threshing.
Truth #3: Submission is the way of salvation.
11 “But the nation which will bring its neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon and serve him, I will let remain on its land,” declares the LORD, “and they will till it and dwell in it.” ’ ”
Though the major emphasis of Jer 27 is on God’s threat of punishment if the people refused to submit to the Babylonian yoke, it also speaks of another facet of God’s nature. He is always ready to forgive and give an opportunity for a new beginning. The same God who pronounces judgment on sin also proclaims hope for those who will turn to him. God forgives and gives second chances.