Jeremiah 27:16

Then I said to the priests and to all this people, "This is what the LORD says: Do not listen to the words of your prophets who prophesy to you, saying, 'Look, very soon now the articles from the house of the LORD will be brought back from Babylon.' They are prophesying to you a lie.

Study Bible

Then I said to the priests and to all this people
This phrase sets the stage for a direct address from the prophet Jeremiah. The Hebrew word for "said" is אָמַר (amar), which is often used in the Old Testament to denote a declaration or proclamation from God through His prophets. Jeremiah, as a mouthpiece of God, is delivering a message not just to the priests, who were the religious leaders, but to "all this people," indicating the inclusivity and importance of the message. The priests, responsible for spiritual guidance, and the people, representing the nation of Judah, are both accountable to heed the prophetic word.

This is what the LORD says
The phrase underscores the divine authority behind Jeremiah's message. The Hebrew term for "LORD" is יְהוָה (YHWH), the sacred and personal name of God, emphasizing His covenant relationship with Israel. This introduction is a common prophetic formula that authenticates the message as coming directly from God, not from human wisdom or insight. It serves as a reminder that the words to follow are not Jeremiah's own but are divinely inspired, carrying the weight and authority of God Himself.

Do not listen to the words of your prophets
Here, Jeremiah warns against heeding the false prophets. The Hebrew word for "listen" is שָׁמַע (shama), which implies not just hearing but obeying or following. The false prophets were those who claimed to speak for God but led the people astray with messages of peace and security that contradicted God's true warnings. This admonition highlights the danger of false teachings and the importance of discernment in spiritual matters. It serves as a timeless reminder to test all teachings against the truth of God's Word.

who prophesy to you, saying
The act of prophesying, נָבָא (naba), involves speaking forth a message believed to be from God. However, these prophets were not delivering God's true message. The historical context reveals a time of great turmoil and impending judgment upon Judah, yet these prophets offered false hope. This phrase calls attention to the responsibility of God's people to discern true prophecy from false, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture.

‘The articles from the house of the LORD
The "articles" refer to the sacred vessels and items used in temple worship, which had been taken by Nebuchadnezzar to Babylon. The Hebrew term for "house" is בַּיִת (bayit), often used to denote the temple, the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The false prophets were promising the return of these items, symbolizing a restoration of normalcy and divine favor, which was contrary to God's actual message of continued exile and judgment.

will now be returned from Babylon very soon!’
The phrase "very soon" is a false assurance given by the prophets. The historical context shows that the exile was to last seventy years, as decreed by God through Jeremiah (Jeremiah 29:10). The promise of a swift return was a deception, offering false comfort and leading the people away from repentance and submission to God's will. This highlights the danger of impatience and the human tendency to seek immediate relief rather than trusting in God's perfect timing.

For they are prophesying to you a lie
The Hebrew word for "lie" is שֶׁקֶר (sheker), meaning falsehood or deception. This stark declaration exposes the false prophets' messages as not just incorrect but intentionally misleading. It underscores the spiritual battle between truth and deception, a theme prevalent throughout the Bible. The warning serves as a call to vigilance, urging believers to anchor themselves in the truth of God's Word and to be wary of teachings that deviate from it.

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. The Priests
Religious leaders in Judah responsible for temple worship and rituals, often seen as spiritual guides for the people.

3. The People of Judah
The inhabitants of the southern kingdom of Judah, who were facing the threat of Babylonian conquest and exile.

4. False Prophets
Individuals claiming to speak on behalf of God, but delivering messages contrary to God's true word, often offering false hope.

5. Babylon
A powerful empire during Jeremiah's time, responsible for the eventual conquest and exile of Judah.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Leadership
Believers must exercise discernment when listening to spiritual leaders, ensuring their teachings align with Scripture.

The Danger of False Hope
False prophets offer comforting lies that can lead people away from God's true plan. True hope is found in God's promises, even when they involve hardship.

Trusting God's Timing
God's plans may not align with our desires for immediate relief or restoration. Trusting His timing is crucial for spiritual growth.

The Role of Prophecy
Prophecy should be tested against God's revealed word. True prophecy aligns with God's character and purposes.

The Importance of Repentance
Jeremiah's message underscores the need for repentance and turning back to God, rather than clinging to false assurances.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we discern between true and false teachings in today's world, similar to the situation in Jeremiah's time?

2. What are some modern examples of "false hope" that people might cling to, and how can we redirect our focus to God's promises?

3. How does understanding the historical context of Babylon's conquest help us appreciate the gravity of Jeremiah's message?

4. In what ways can we practice patience and trust in God's timing, especially when facing difficult circumstances?

5. How can we apply the principles of true prophecy and discernment in our personal Bible study and spiritual growth?

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 24-25
Provides historical context for the Babylonian conquest and the exile of Judah, fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecies.

Matthew 7:15-20
Jesus warns about false prophets, teaching that they can be recognized by their fruits, which connects to the discernment needed in Jeremiah's time.