Jeremiah 14:15

Therefore this is what the LORD says about the prophets who prophesy in My name: I did not send them, yet they say, 'No sword or famine will touch this land.' By sword and famine these very prophets will meet their end!

Study Bible

Therefore this is what the LORD says about the prophets who prophesy in My name:
This phrase emphasizes the authority of God in addressing false prophets. In the biblical context, prophets were expected to speak God's truth. However, false prophets often arose, claiming divine authority without being sent by God. This is a recurring issue in the Old Testament, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:20-22, where God warns against false prophecy. The use of "in My name" highlights the seriousness of their deception, as they falsely claim divine endorsement.

I did not send them,
This statement underscores the illegitimacy of the false prophets. In the historical context of ancient Israel, a true prophet was one who was called and sent by God, as seen with prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah. The false prophets lacked this divine commissioning, making their messages unreliable and dangerous. This distinction is crucial, as it separates true divine revelation from human fabrication.

yet they say, ‘No sword or famine will touch this land.’
The false prophets were offering a message of peace and security, contradicting the warnings given by true prophets like Jeremiah. In the cultural and historical context, sword and famine were common consequences of disobedience to God, as outlined in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28. By denying these impending judgments, the false prophets were misleading the people, providing a false sense of security.

By sword and famine these very prophets will meet their end!
This phrase serves as a divine pronouncement of judgment against the false prophets. It is both ironic and just that the very calamities they denied would be the means of their demise. This fulfills the principle of divine retribution, where the punishment fits the crime. Theologically, it underscores God's justice and the certainty of His word, as seen in other prophetic judgments throughout scripture, such as in Ezekiel 13:10-16. This also serves as a warning to all who would claim to speak for God without His authorization.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his messages of warning and calls for repentance to the people of Judah.

2. False Prophets
Individuals claiming to speak in God's name, delivering messages of peace and safety contrary to God's true warnings.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who speaks through Jeremiah to warn against the deceit of false prophets.

4. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, facing impending judgment due to their disobedience and idolatry.

5. Sword and Famine
Symbols of divine judgment and the consequences of ignoring God's true prophetic warnings.

Teaching Points

Discernment of True Prophecy
Believers must exercise discernment to distinguish between true and false messages, aligning them with Scripture.

Consequences of False Assurance
False assurances of peace can lead to complacency and unpreparedness for God's judgment.

Accountability of Leaders
Spiritual leaders are accountable to God for the messages they deliver; they must ensure they speak truthfully.

The Reality of Divine Judgment
God's warnings through true prophets must be heeded to avoid the consequences of disobedience.

The Importance of Repentance
The call to repentance is central to avoiding the judgment that false prophets deny.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we discern between true and false messages in today's context, and what role does Scripture play in this process?

2. What are the dangers of listening to messages that promise peace and safety without calling for repentance?

3. How does the accountability of spiritual leaders in Jeremiah's time apply to church leaders today?

4. In what ways can we ensure that we are not complacent in our spiritual lives, especially when faced with comforting but false assurances?

5. How do the warnings against false prophets in Jeremiah 14:15 relate to Jesus' teachings in the New Testament about false teachers?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 18:20-22
Discusses the criteria for true and false prophets, emphasizing the importance of discerning God's true message.

Ezekiel 13:1-16
Similar warnings against false prophets who lead people astray with false assurances of peace.

Matthew 7:15-20
Jesus warns about false prophets, teaching that they can be recognized by their fruits.

2 Peter 2:1-3
Describes the presence of false teachers in the church, paralleling the false prophets in Jeremiah's time.