Jeremiah 27:2

This is what the LORD said to me: "Make for yourself a yoke out of leather straps and put it on your neck.

Study Bible

This is what the LORD said to me
This phrase establishes the divine authority behind the message. The Hebrew word for "LORD" here is "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. Jeremiah, as a prophet, is a mouthpiece for God, and this introduction underscores the seriousness and authenticity of the message. In a conservative Christian perspective, this highlights the importance of obedience to God's word, as it is not merely human opinion but divine instruction.

Make for yourself a yoke
The "yoke" is a powerful symbol in biblical literature, often representing submission and servitude. In Hebrew, the word for yoke is "motah," which can also imply burden or oppression. Historically, yokes were used to harness animals for work, signifying control and direction. Here, God instructs Jeremiah to create a physical representation of the yoke to symbolize the impending subjugation of nations under Babylon. This act serves as a prophetic sign, illustrating the reality of God's sovereignty over nations and His use of earthly powers to fulfill divine purposes.

out of leather straps
The use of "leather straps" indicates the yoke's durability and strength. Leather, in ancient times, was a common material for making strong and lasting items. The Hebrew term for leather, "or," suggests something that is both flexible and resilient. This choice of material for the yoke signifies the enduring nature of the Babylonian captivity that God is orchestrating. From a spiritual perspective, it reminds believers of the weight and reality of sin and the need for repentance and submission to God's will.

and put it on your neck
The act of placing the yoke "on your neck" is deeply symbolic. The neck, in Hebrew "tsavvar," is often associated with will and pride. By instructing Jeremiah to wear the yoke, God is demonstrating the humbling of nations and individuals who resist His will. For Jeremiah, this act is a personal embodiment of the message he is to deliver, showing his complete submission to God's command. In a broader sense, it calls believers to willingly bear the yoke of Christ, as mentioned in Matthew 11:29-30, where Jesus invites us to take His yoke upon us, which is easy and light compared to the burdens of the world.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah. Known for his messages of warning and calls for repentance.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who communicates His will and plans through His prophets.

3. Yoke
A wooden bar or frame used to join animals, typically oxen, for plowing or pulling loads. Symbolically, it represents submission or servitude.

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

5. Babylonian Exile
The event where the people of Judah were taken captive by Babylon, as a consequence of their rebellion against God.

Teaching Points

Symbol of Submission
The yoke represents submission to God's will, even when it involves difficult circumstances. Believers are called to trust in God's sovereignty.

Prophetic Action
Jeremiah's act of wearing a yoke is a vivid illustration of prophetic symbolism. It teaches us the importance of living out our faith visibly and tangibly.

Consequences of Disobedience
The yoke signifies the consequences of Judah's disobedience. It serves as a reminder that turning away from God leads to bondage.

Call to Repentance
The message of the yoke is a call to repentance and submission to God's authority, urging believers to examine their lives and align with God's purposes.

Hope in Submission
While the yoke symbolizes judgment, it also points to hope. Submission to God, even in difficult times, leads to eventual restoration and peace.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the yoke symbolize in Jeremiah 27:2, and how can this symbolism be applied to our lives today?

2. How does the concept of a yoke in Jeremiah 27:2 connect with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 11:29-30 about His yoke being easy and light?

3. In what ways can we, like Jeremiah, use symbolic actions to communicate God's truth in our contemporary context?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced the "yoke" of consequences due to disobedience. How did that experience lead you to repentance and submission to God?

5. How can understanding the historical context of the Babylonian Exile help us appreciate the importance of obedience and submission to God's will in our own lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 28
Discusses blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, including subjugation to foreign powers, which connects to the symbolic meaning of the yoke.

Matthew 11:29-30
Jesus speaks of taking His yoke, which is easy and light, contrasting the heavy yoke of sin and rebellion.

Acts 15:10
The early church discusses the yoke of the law, emphasizing freedom in Christ.