Jeremiah 27:14

Do not listen to the words of the prophets who say, 'You must not serve the king of Babylon,' for they are prophesying to you a lie.

Study Bible

Do not listen to the words of the prophets
In the context of Jeremiah's ministry, many false prophets were claiming to speak on behalf of God, offering messages of peace and prosperity. Jeremiah, however, was tasked with delivering a message of impending judgment and exile. This phrase emphasizes the need for discernment and obedience to God's true message, as opposed to the comforting but false assurances of the false prophets. The New Testament also warns against false prophets (Matthew 7:15), highlighting the timeless nature of this issue.

who say, ‘You must not serve the king of Babylon,’
The historical context here is crucial. Babylon, under King Nebuchadnezzar, was the dominant power in the region. God had decreed through Jeremiah that Judah should submit to Babylonian rule as a form of divine judgment (Jeremiah 25:11). The false prophets were contradicting this divine command, encouraging rebellion against God's ordained plan. This reflects a broader biblical theme where human pride and resistance to God's will lead to downfall, as seen in the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9).

for they are prophesying to you a lie.
The false prophets' messages were not just incorrect; they were deceitful, leading the people away from God's truth. This aligns with the biblical theme of truth versus deception, seen in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3) and throughout Scripture. The lie here is particularly dangerous because it gives false hope and encourages disobedience to God's explicit instructions. In the New Testament, Jesus warns of those who will come in His name, deceiving many (Matthew 24:4-5), underscoring the importance of adhering to God's true word.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Prophets
In this context, false prophets who were misleading the people of Judah with messages contrary to God's will.

3. King of Babylon
Refers to Nebuchadnezzar II, the ruler of Babylon, who was used by God as an instrument of judgment against Judah.

4. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which was facing impending conquest and exile by Babylon.

5. Babylon
A powerful empire during this period, which God used to discipline His people for their disobedience.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Prophecy
Believers must exercise discernment when evaluating messages claimed to be from God. Not all who speak in His name are true prophets.

Consequences of False Prophecy
Following false prophets can lead to dire consequences, as seen in Judah's history. It is crucial to align with God's true word.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God can use even foreign powers to accomplish His purposes. Understanding His sovereignty helps us trust His plans, even when they are difficult.

The Importance of Obedience
Obedience to God's word, even when it is challenging, is essential for His people. Ignoring His commands leads to judgment and hardship.

Testing the Spirits
As believers, we are called to test the spirits and ensure that teachings align with Scripture. This protects us from deception.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we discern between true and false prophets in today's context, and what tools does Scripture provide for this discernment?

2. In what ways does the historical context of Babylon's conquest of Judah help us understand God's use of nations to fulfill His purposes?

3. How does the message of Jeremiah 27:14 challenge us to evaluate the voices we listen to in our spiritual journey?

4. What are some modern examples of false prophecies or teachings, and how can we guard against them?

5. How can understanding God's sovereignty in the events of Jeremiah's time encourage us in our current circumstances?

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.

2 Kings 24:1-4
Provides historical context for Babylon's dominance over Judah and the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecies.

Ezekiel 13:6-7
Condemns false prophets who claim to speak for God but deliver lies, similar to the situation in Jeremiah 27:14.

1 John 4:1
Encourages believers to test the spirits to see whether they are from God, reinforcing the need for discernment.