Jeremiah 23:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 23:17
17 They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 23 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, hope, judgment. Written during the final years of Judah and early exile (c. 627-580 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Prophesied during Judah's final years as Babylon became the dominant power.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-40: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Jeremiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Jeremiah 23:17
17 They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.
Analysis
They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace—the Hebrew נֹאמְרִים (no'mrim, 'they keep saying') indicates continual, repetitive proclamation. To those who despise me (מְנַאֲצַי, m'na'atsai—active scorners of Yahweh), the false prophets promise שָׁלוֹם (shalom, 'peace/wholeness/prosperity'). And they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you. The phrase שְׁרִרוּת לִבּוֹ (sh'rirut libbo, 'stubbornness/imagination of his heart') describes willful rebellion disguised as independence.
The false prophets commit theological malpractice: promising covenant blessings to covenant breakers. They divorce blessing from obedience, creating a prosperity gospel disconnected from holiness. Jesus warned against false prophets who cry 'Lord, Lord' yet practice lawlessness (Matthew 7:21-23). The modern equivalent says 'God loves you' while ignoring repentance, cheap grace without discipleship. Authentic prophets comfort the afflicted but afflict the comfortable—false prophets reverse this.
Historical Context
This was a perennial problem in Israel—prophets declaring 'Peace, peace' when no peace existed (Jeremiah 6:14, 8:11). During 609-586 BC, as Babylon's threat grew, Judah's court prophets insisted God would never allow Jerusalem's destruction because of the temple's presence. They reinterpreted covenant promises to guarantee security regardless of faithfulness, a deadly theological error.
Reflection
- What false peace are you proclaiming to yourself while walking in stubbornness?
- How does contemporary Christianity sometimes promise blessing without obedience?
- What would it mean for you to hear God's authentic word rather than comfortable lies?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Evil: Jeremiah 3:17, 5:12, 13:10, Amos 9:10, Micah 3:11
- Peace: Jeremiah 8:11, Deuteronomy 29:19, Micah 3:5
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 9:14, 18:18