Jeremiah 27:9

But as for you, do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your interpreters of dreams, your mediums, or your sorcerers who declare, 'You will not serve the king of Babylon.'

Study Bible

So do not listen
This phrase is a direct command from God through the prophet Jeremiah. The Hebrew root for "listen" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which means to hear intelligently, often with the implication of attention and obedience. In the context of ancient Israel, listening was not merely about auditory reception but involved a commitment to heed and act upon what was heard. God is warning His people against giving heed to false assurances that contradict His revealed will.

to your prophets
The term "prophets" here refers to those who claim to speak on behalf of God but are not truly His messengers. In the Hebrew context, a prophet (נָבִיא, nabi) was expected to convey God's messages accurately. However, these prophets were misleading the people, offering false hope and security. Historically, false prophets were a recurring issue in Israel, often leading the people astray by telling them what they wanted to hear rather than the truth.

your diviners
Diviners (קֹסְמִים, qosemim) were individuals who practiced divination, attempting to predict the future or gain insight through supernatural means. This practice was explicitly forbidden in the Law of Moses (Deuteronomy 18:10-12) as it relied on sources other than God for guidance. The presence of diviners among the people indicates a reliance on pagan practices and a departure from trusting in God's sovereignty.

your dreamers
Dreamers (חֹלְמִים, cholemim) refers to those who claimed to receive divine messages through dreams. While God did use dreams to communicate at times (e.g., Joseph, Daniel), not all dreams were from Him. The warning here is against those who used dreams to falsely assure the people of peace and safety, contrary to God's true message of impending judgment.

your soothsayers
Soothsayers (מְנַחֲשִׁים, menachashim) were those who practiced enchantment or sought omens. This practice was common in surrounding pagan cultures and was another form of seeking guidance apart from God. The inclusion of soothsayers in this list underscores the extent to which the people had turned to alternative spiritual sources, abandoning their covenant relationship with God.

or your sorcerers
Sorcerers (מְכַשְּׁפִים, mekashfim) engaged in witchcraft or magic, often invoking evil spirits or using spells. This was strictly prohibited in Israel (Exodus 22:18) as it represented a direct rebellion against God's authority and a reliance on dark powers. The presence of sorcerers among the people highlights the spiritual decay and the extent of their rebellion against God.

who say to you, ‘You will not serve the king of Babylon.’
This phrase captures the false message being propagated by these various groups. The assurance that they would not serve the king of Babylon was a direct contradiction to God's declared plan, as He had ordained Babylon's dominance as a means of judgment. Historically, this period was marked by political turmoil and the rise of Babylon as a dominant power. The false prophets' message was appealing but ultimately deceptive, as it encouraged resistance against God's ordained discipline.

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. Prophets, Diviners, Dreamers, Soothsayers, Sorcerers
These are individuals who claimed to have spiritual insight or power, often leading people away from God's true message.

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 judgment and exile due to its disobedience to God.

5. Babylon
A powerful empire during Jeremiah's time, which God used to discipline His people.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Spiritual Guidance
Believers must exercise discernment in whom they listen to for spiritual guidance. Not all who claim to speak for God truly do so.

The Danger of False Prophets
False prophets can lead people away from God's will. It is crucial to test all teachings against Scripture.

Submission to God's Sovereignty
Sometimes, God uses unexpected means, like foreign powers, to accomplish His purposes. We must trust His sovereignty even when His plans are difficult to understand.

The Importance of Obedience
Obedience to God’s commands, even when they are hard, is essential for His people. Disobedience can lead to severe consequences.

Seeking God’s Word
In times of uncertainty, believers should seek God’s Word and His truth rather than relying on human wisdom or deceptive practices.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some modern equivalents of the "prophets, diviners, dreamers, soothsayers, or sorcerers" mentioned in Jeremiah 27:9, and how can we discern their influence in our lives?

2. How does the warning in Jeremiah 27:9 about false guidance relate to the New Testament teachings on false prophets and teachers?

3. In what ways can we ensure that we are listening to God’s true message rather than being swayed by popular but false teachings?

4. How does understanding God’s use of Babylon as an instrument of judgment help us trust His sovereignty in our current circumstances?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult situation. How did seeking God’s guidance through Scripture help you navigate that challenge?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 18:10-12
This passage warns against engaging with diviners and sorcerers, emphasizing that such practices are detestable to the Lord.

Isaiah 8:19-20
Isaiah warns against consulting mediums and spiritists, urging people to seek God’s guidance instead.

2 Kings 24:1-4
This passage describes the historical context of Babylon's rise and God's judgment on Judah, aligning with Jeremiah's warnings.