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
The Hebrew root for "listen" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which means to hear, listen, or obey. In the context of ancient Israel, listening was not merely about auditory reception but involved obedience and heeding the message. God, through Jeremiah, is urging the people to discern and reject false teachings. This command underscores the importance of spiritual discernment and obedience to God's true word, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture.

to the words
The term "words" in Hebrew is "דְּבָרִים" (devarim), which can mean words, matters, or things. In the biblical context, words carry significant weight as they are often seen as a reflection of one's character and authority. Here, the "words" refer to the false prophecies being spread, highlighting the power and potential danger of misleading speech.

of the prophets
The Hebrew word for "prophets" is "נְבִיאִים" (nevi'im). Prophets were considered God's spokespersons, tasked with delivering His messages to the people. However, not all who claimed to be prophets were true. This distinction is crucial, as false prophets often led people astray, away from God's will. The verse warns against those who misuse the prophetic office for personal or political gain.

who say
The phrase "who say" indicates the active role these false prophets play in spreading their deceit. The Hebrew verb "אָמַר" (amar) means to say, speak, or declare. This highlights the intentionality behind their false messages, contrasting with the true prophets who spoke only what God commanded.

‘You will not serve the king of Babylon,’
This phrase directly contradicts God's message delivered through Jeremiah. The historical context is crucial here: Babylon, under King Nebuchadnezzar, was God's chosen instrument for judgment against Judah. The false prophets' message was appealing but ultimately deceptive, as it promised peace and autonomy contrary to God's declared plan. This serves as a reminder of the danger of messages that cater to human desires rather than divine truth.

for they are prophesying
The Hebrew root "נָבָא" (naba) means to prophesy or speak by divine inspiration. However, in this context, it is used ironically, as these prophets are not inspired by God but are instead spreading falsehoods. This misuse of the prophetic gift is a grave offense, as it misleads the people and defies God's authority.

to you a lie
The word "lie" in Hebrew is "שֶׁקֶר" (sheker), meaning falsehood or deception. Lies are antithetical to God's nature, as He is the God of truth. The false prophets' lies were not just incorrect predictions but were fundamentally opposed to God's revealed will. This serves as a caution against accepting teachings that deviate from Scripture, emphasizing the need for alignment with God's truth.

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.