Jeremiah 27:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 27:14
14 Therefore hearken not unto the words of the prophets that speak unto you, saying, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon: for they prophesy a lie unto you.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 27 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of covenant, salvation, righteousness. 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 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. 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 27:14
14 Therefore hearken not unto the words of the prophets that speak unto you, saying, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon: for they prophesy a lie unto you.
Analysis
Therefore hearken not unto the words of the prophets that speak unto you, saying, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon—God repeats the warning (cf. v. 9), emphasizing its urgency. The phrase hearken not (al-tishme'u, אַל־תִּשְׁמְעוּ) is emphatic prohibition—absolutely do not listen. These prophets spoke what people wanted to hear: nationalist promises of quick deliverance and restored independence. Their message was religiously attractive (trust God, not pagan Babylon) but theologically wrong (God had ordained Babylon's temporary dominance).
For they prophesy a lie unto you—The repeated accusation sheker (שֶׁקֶר, lie/falsehood) establishes these aren't sincere believers who happen to be mistaken; they are purveyors of deception. The danger of false prophecy is that it comes in God's name, uses religious language, and appeals to noble instincts (patriotism, faith in God's protection), yet leads away from God's actual will. Distinguishing true from false prophecy requires comparing the message to God's revealed word and character. These prophets promised what contradicted God's explicit revelation through Jeremiah. When prophecy contradicts Scripture, regardless of the prophet's sincerity or charisma, it must be rejected. Truth is not determined by popular vote, emotional appeal, or national sentiment, but by correspondence to God's revealed word.
Historical Context
Multiple false prophets operated during this period. Hananiah famously contradicted Jeremiah, breaking the symbolic yoke and promising return from exile within two years (Jeremiah 28). He died within that year as God's judgment. Other false prophets in Jerusalem and Babylon promised quick deliverance, encouraging rebellion against Babylonian authority. Their influence was strong because their message aligned with natural human desires for independence and divine protection. Jeremiah's counsel seemed defeatist and even treasonous—he was imprisoned and nearly killed for it (Jeremiah 37-38). Yet history vindicated God's true prophet: those who followed false prophets perished in Jerusalem's destruction; those who heeded Jeremiah's counsel survived.
Reflection
- How can we distinguish between true prophetic voices and false teachers who use religious language but contradict Scripture?
- What makes false teaching so dangerous when it appeals to legitimate desires like faith in God or hope for deliverance?
- In what ways might we be tempted to prefer comforting falsehoods over difficult truths from God's word?
Word Studies
- Prophet: נָבִיא (Navi) H5030 - Prophet, spokesman
Cross-References
- Prophecy: Jeremiah 14:14, 23:21