Jeremiah 23:27
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 23:27
27 Which think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbour, as their fathers have forgotten my name for Baal.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 23 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of holiness, redemption, 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 illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. 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 23:27
27 Which think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbour, as their fathers have forgotten my name for Baal.
Analysis
Which think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams—the verb שָׁכַח (shakach, 'forget') appears twice. Current false prophets function like previous Baal-worshipers in erasing Yahweh's name (שֵׁם, shem—character, reputation, covenant identity). The mechanism differs but the result is identical: God's people forget Him.
The phrase 'which they tell every man to his neighbour' describes grassroots dissemination—viral spread through personal testimony. Friendly neighbors sharing 'what God showed me' creates peer pressure more effective than formal teaching. The Baal comparison isn't hyperbolic—syncretism replacing God's true character with comfortable fictions is functional idolatry.
Historical Context
Israel's history featured repeated Baal syncretism—worshiping Yahweh while adopting Canaanite practices. Elijah confronted this (1 Kings 18). By Jeremiah's day, official Baal worship had diminished after Josiah's reforms, but theological corruption continued. False prophets redefined Yahweh to match what Baal offered—prosperity without righteousness.
Reflection
- How might you be forgetting God's name while using Christian vocabulary?
- What modern equivalents exist to making people forget God through peer influence?
- Does your vision of God resemble Baal (prosperity) more than Yahweh (holiness)?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 29:8, Judges 3:7, 10:6, 2 Kings 21:3, Acts 13:8