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

But as for you, do not listen to your prophets
In the context of Jeremiah 27, God is speaking through Jeremiah to the nations surrounding Judah, warning them not to heed their own prophets who falsely claim that they will not be subject to Babylon. These prophets are contrasted with true prophets like Jeremiah, who speak God's actual message. This highlights the biblical theme of discerning true prophecy from false, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:20-22 and 1 John 4:1.

your diviners
Divination was a common practice in the ancient Near East, used to predict the future or gain insight through various means, such as reading animal entrails or casting lots. The Bible consistently condemns such practices (Leviticus 19:26, Deuteronomy 18:10-12) as they rely on sources other than God for guidance. This reflects the cultural context where divination was prevalent, yet God's people were called to seek Him alone.

your interpreters of dreams
Dream interpretation was another method used in ancient times to discern divine messages. While God did use dreams to communicate (e.g., Joseph in Genesis 37, Daniel in Daniel 2), the caution here is against those who interpret dreams without divine authority. This underscores the need for discernment and reliance on God’s revelation rather than human interpretation.

your mediums
Mediums, or those who claim to communicate with the dead, were also part of the spiritual landscape of the time. The Bible explicitly forbids consulting mediums (Leviticus 20:27, 1 Samuel 28), as it is seen as an abomination and a form of idolatry. This prohibition emphasizes the importance of seeking God directly rather than through forbidden spiritual practices.

or your sorcerers
Sorcery, involving the use of magic or supernatural powers, is condemned in Scripture (Exodus 22:18, Galatians 5:20). In the ancient world, sorcerers were often consulted for power or protection, but God’s people are warned against such practices, which are seen as rebellion against God’s sovereignty.

who declare, ‘You will not serve the king of Babylon.’
This phrase directly addresses the false assurance given by these various figures that the nations would not fall under Babylonian rule. Historically, this was a time when Babylon was expanding its empire, and Jeremiah’s message was that God had ordained Babylon’s dominance as a form of judgment (Jeremiah 27:6-7). The false prophets’ message contradicted God’s plan, illustrating the danger of listening to voices that oppose God’s revealed will.

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.