Jeremiah transforms from prophetic messenger to divine ambassador, physically wearing yokes while commanding kings of five nations to submit to Babylon's God-ordained authority.
Jeremiah 27
The Yoke of Babylon
1In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, this word came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,
2the LORD says to me: “Make bonds and bars, and put them on your neck.
3Then send them to the king of Edom, to the king of Moab, to the king of the children of Ammon, to the king of Tyre, and to the king of Sidon, by the hand of the messengers who come to Jerusalem to Zedekiah king of Judah.
4Give them a command to their masters, saying, ‘The LORD of Armies, the God of Israel says, “You shall tell your masters:
5‘I have made the earth, the men, and the animals that are on the surface of the earth by my great power and by my outstretched arm. I give it to whom it seems right to me.
6Now I have given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant. I have also given the animals of the field to him to serve him.
7All the nations will serve him, his son, and his son’s son, until the time of his own land comes. Then many nations and great kings will make him their bondservant.
8“‘“‘It will happen that I will punish the nation and the kingdom which will not serve the same Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and that will not put their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon,’ says the LORD, ‘with the sword, with famine, and with pestilence, until I have consumed them by his hand.
9But as for you, don’t listen to your prophets, to your diviners, to your dreams, to your soothsayers, or to your sorcerers, who speak to you, saying, “You shall not serve the king of Babylon;”
10for they prophesy a lie to you, to remove you far from your land, so that I would drive you out, and you would perish.
11But the nation that brings their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon and serves him, that nation I will let remain in their own land,’ says the LORD; ‘and they will till it and dwell in it.’”’”
12I spoke to Zedekiah king of Judah according to all these words, saying, “Bring your necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him and his people, and live.
13Why will you die, you and your people, by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence, as the LORD has spoken concerning the nation that will not serve the king of Babylon?
14Don’t listen to the words of the prophets who speak to you, saying, ‘You shall not serve the king of Babylon;’ for they prophesy a lie to you.
15For I have not sent them,” says the LORD, “but they prophesy falsely in my name; that I may drive you out, and that you may perish, you, and the prophets who prophesy to you.”
16Also I spoke to the priests and to all this people, saying, the LORD says, “Don’t listen to the words of your prophets who prophesy to you, saying, ‘Behold, the vessels of the LORD’s house will now shortly be brought again from Babylon;’ for they prophesy a lie to you.
17Don’t listen to them. Serve the king of Babylon, and live. Why should this city become a desolation?
18But if they are prophets, and if the LORD’s word is with them, let them now make intercession to the LORD of Armies, that the vessels which are left in the LORD’s house, in the house of the king of Judah, and at Jerusalem, don’t go to Babylon.
19For the LORD of Armies says concerning the pillars, concerning the sea, concerning the bases, and concerning the rest of the vessels that are left in this city,
20which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon didn’t take when he carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, from Jerusalem to Babylon, and all the nobles of Judah and Jerusalem—
21yes, the LORD of Armies, the God of Israel, says concerning the vessels that are left in the LORD’s house, and in the house of the king of Judah, and at Jerusalem:
22‘They will be carried to Babylon, and there they will be, until the day that I visit them,’ says the LORD; ‘then I will bring them up, and restore them to this place.’”
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Theme
God commands Jeremiah to create a symbolic yoke and send it to surrounding nations, declaring that He has given all lands to Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon as His instrument of judgment. The prophet warns that nations refusing to submit to Babylonian rule will face destruction by sword, famine, and pestilence, while those who surrender will be allowed to remain in their lands. Jeremiah specifically urges King Zedekiah, the priests, and people of Judah to reject false prophets promising quick deliverance and instead submit to Babylon to preserve their lives.
Context
This chapter continues Jeremiah's warnings about Babylonian conquest from previous chapters, setting up the confrontation with false prophet Hananiah in chapter 28.
Key Themes
Outline
- 1-7 The Symbolic Yoke and Divine Decree God commands Jeremiah to make yokes for surrounding nations, declaring Nebuchadnezzar as His chosen instrument to rule all lands.
- 8-11 Consequences of Resistance and Submission Nations refusing Babylonian rule will face divine punishment, while those submitting will remain in their territories.
- 12-15 Warning to King Zedekiah Jeremiah directly urges Judah's king to submit to Babylon and reject false prophets promising otherwise.
- 16-22 Message to Priests and People The prophet warns religious leaders and citizens against believing false promises about temple vessels returning quickly from Babylon.
The Yoke of Babylon
27:1–27:22 prophecy instruction solemn
God commands Jeremiah to make yokes symbolizing submission to Babylon, declaring that all nations must serve Nebuchadnezzar as God's appointed instrument. Those who resist will face sword, famine, and pestilence, while those who submit will remain in their land.
person_contrast
Jeremiah transforms from prophetic messenger to divine ambassador, physically wearing yokes while commanding kings of five nations to submit to Babylon's God-ordained authority.
Insights
Cross-References
Connected passages across Scripture
Jeremiah 27:1 5 references
Lexicals 5
Jeremiah 26:1 Lexical
In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, this word came from the LORD:
Jeremiah 36:1 Lexical
In the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, this word came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,
Jeremiah 45:1 Lexical
The message that Jeremiah the prophet spoke to Baruch the son of Neriah, when he wrote these words in a book at the mout…
Jeremiah 25:1 Lexical
The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the people of Judah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, ki…
Jeremiah 35:1 Lexical
The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, saying,
Jeremiah 27:3 5 references
Lexicals 5
Judges 10:6 Lexical
The children of Israel again did that which was evil in the LORD’s sight, and served the Baals, the Ashtaroth, the gods…
Jeremiah 25:21 Lexical
Edom, Moab, and the children of Ammon;
1 Chronicles 18:11 Lexical
King David also dedicated these to the LORD, with the silver and the gold that he carried away from all the nations: fro…
Daniel 11:41 Lexical
He will enter also into the glorious land, and many countries will be overthrown; but these will be delivered out of his…
1 Samuel 14:47 Lexical
Now when Saul had taken the kingdom over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side: against Moab, and agai…
Jeremiah 27:5 3 references
Lexicals 3
2 Kings 17:36 Lexical
but you shall fear the LORD, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt with great power and with an outstretched arm,…
Deuteronomy 9:29 Lexical
Yet they are your people and your inheritance, which you brought out by your great power and by your outstretched arm.”
Jeremiah 32:17 Lexical
“Ah Lord GOD! Behold, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm. There is…
Jeremiah 27:6 2 references
Jeremiah 27:8 5 references
Lexicals 5
Jeremiah 21:7 Lexical
Afterward,” says the LORD, “I will deliver Zedekiah king of Judah, his servants, and the people, even those who are left…
Jeremiah 28:14 Lexical
For the LORD of Armies, the God of Israel says, “I have put a yoke of iron on the neck of all these nations, that they m…
Jeremiah 34:17 Lexical
Therefore the LORD says: “You have not listened to me, to proclaim liberty, every man to his brother, and every man to h…
Jeremiah 28:11 Lexical
Hananiah spoke in the presence of all the people, saying, “The LORD says: ‘Even so I will break the yoke of Nebuchadnezz…
Deuteronomy 28:48 Lexical
therefore you will serve your enemies whom the LORD sends against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in lack o…
Jeremiah 27:9 3 references
Lexicals 3
Jeremiah 29:8 Lexical
For the LORD of Armies, the God of Israel says: “Don’t let your prophets who are among you and your diviners deceive you…
Deuteronomy 18:10 Lexical
There shall not be found with you anyone who makes his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, one who uses divina…
Deuteronomy 18:14 Lexical
For these nations that you shall dispossess listen to those who practice sorcery and to diviners; but as for you, the LO…
Jeremiah 27:11 5 references
Lexicals 5
Jeremiah 28:14 Lexical
For the LORD of Armies, the God of Israel says, “I have put a yoke of iron on the neck of all these nations, that they m…
Jeremiah 30:8 Lexical
It will come to pass in that day, says the LORD of Armies, that I will break his yoke from off your neck, and will burst…
Jeremiah 28:11 Lexical
Hananiah spoke in the presence of all the people, saying, “The LORD says: ‘Even so I will break the yoke of Nebuchadnezz…
Deuteronomy 28:48 Lexical
therefore you will serve your enemies whom the LORD sends against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in lack o…
Genesis 27:40 Lexical
You will live by your sword, and you will serve your brother. It will happen, when you will break loose, that you will s…
Jeremiah 27:12 5 references
Lexicals 5
Jeremiah 28:14 Lexical
For the LORD of Armies, the God of Israel says, “I have put a yoke of iron on the neck of all these nations, that they m…
Genesis 27:40 Lexical
You will live by your sword, and you will serve your brother. It will happen, when you will break loose, that you will s…
Jeremiah 28:11 Lexical
Hananiah spoke in the presence of all the people, saying, “The LORD says: ‘Even so I will break the yoke of Nebuchadnezz…
Deuteronomy 28:48 Lexical
therefore you will serve your enemies whom the LORD sends against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in lack o…
Jeremiah 30:8 Lexical
It will come to pass in that day, says the LORD of Armies, that I will break his yoke from off your neck, and will burst…
Jeremiah 27:13 5 references
Lexicals 5
Jeremiah 32:36 Lexical
Now therefore the LORD, the God of Israel, says concerning this city, about which you say, “It is given into the hand of…
Jeremiah 21:7 Lexical
Afterward,” says the LORD, “I will deliver Zedekiah king of Judah, his servants, and the people, even those who are left…
1 Chronicles 21:12 Lexical
either three years of famine; or three months to be consumed before your foes, while the sword of your enemies overtakes…
Jeremiah 42:17 Lexical
So will it be with all the men who set their faces to go into Egypt to live there. They will die by the sword, by the fa…
Jeremiah 42:22 Lexical
Now therefore know certainly that you will die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence in the place where you…
Jeremiah 27:14 5 references
Lexicals 5
Jeremiah 20:6 Lexical
You, Pashhur, and all who dwell in your house will go into captivity. You will come to Babylon, and there you will die,…
Jeremiah 29:21 Lexical
The LORD of Armies, the God of Israel, says concerning Ahab the son of Kolaiah, and concerning Zedekiah the son of Maase…
Jeremiah 14:14 Lexical
Then the LORD said to me, “The prophets prophesy lies in my name. I didn’t send them. I didn’t command them. I didn’t sp…
Jeremiah 5:31 Lexical
The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority; and my people love to have it so. What will…
Jeremiah 23:26 Lexical
How long will this be in the heart of the prophets who prophesy lies, even the prophets of the deceit of their own heart…
Jeremiah 27:15 5 references
Lexicals 5
Jeremiah 23:26 Lexical
How long will this be in the heart of the prophets who prophesy lies, even the prophets of the deceit of their own heart…
Jeremiah 23:25 Lexical
“I have heard what the prophets have said, who prophesy lies in my name, saying, ‘I had a dream! I had a dream!’
Jeremiah 5:31 Lexical
The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority; and my people love to have it so. What will…
Jeremiah 14:14 Lexical
Then the LORD said to me, “The prophets prophesy lies in my name. I didn’t send them. I didn’t command them. I didn’t sp…
Jeremiah 23:32 Lexical
Behold, I am against those who prophesy lying dreams,” says the LORD, “who tell them, and cause my people to err by thei…
Jeremiah 27:16 5 references
Lexicals 5
Jeremiah 28:6 Lexical
even the prophet Jeremiah said, “Amen! May the LORD do so. May the LORD perform your words which you have prophesied, to…
Jeremiah 29:21 Lexical
The LORD of Armies, the God of Israel, says concerning Ahab the son of Kolaiah, and concerning Zedekiah the son of Maase…
Jeremiah 20:6 Lexical
You, Pashhur, and all who dwell in your house will go into captivity. You will come to Babylon, and there you will die,…
Jeremiah 23:25 Lexical
“I have heard what the prophets have said, who prophesy lies in my name, saying, ‘I had a dream! I had a dream!’
Jeremiah 14:14 Lexical
Then the LORD said to me, “The prophets prophesy lies in my name. I didn’t send them. I didn’t command them. I didn’t sp…
Jeremiah 27:17 1 reference
Jeremiah 27:19 5 references
Lexicals 5
Jeremiah 52:20 Lexical
They took the two pillars, the one sea, and the twelve bronze bulls that were under the bases, which King Solomon had ma…
2 Kings 25:16 Lexical
The two pillars, the one sea, and the bases, which Solomon had made for the LORD’s house, the bronze of all these vessel…
2 Kings 25:13 Lexical
The Chaldeans broke up the pillars of bronze that were in the LORD’s house and the bases and the bronze sea that were in…
Jeremiah 52:17 Lexical
The Chaldeans broke the pillars of bronze that were in the LORD’s house and the bases and the bronze sea that were in th…
1 Chronicles 18:8 Lexical
From Tibhath and from Cun, cities of Hadadezer, David took very much bronze, with which Solomon made the bronze sea, the…
Jeremiah 27:20 5 references
Lexicals 5
Jeremiah 24:1 Lexical
The LORD showed me, and behold, two baskets of figs were set before the LORD’s temple, after Nebuchadnezzar king of Baby…
2 Kings 24:1 Lexical
In his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant three years. Then he turned and reb…
Daniel 1:1 Lexical
In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged…
Jeremiah 37:1 Lexical
Zedekiah the son of Josiah reigned as king instead of Coniah the son of Jehoiakim, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon m…
Jeremiah 25:1 Lexical
The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the people of Judah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, ki…
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