Jeremiah 29:31

"Send a message telling all the exiles what the LORD says concerning Shemaiah the Nehelamite. Because Shemaiah has prophesied to you--though I did not send him--and has made you trust in a lie,

Study Bible

Send a message to all the exiles
This phrase begins with a directive, emphasizing the importance of communication from God to His people. The Hebrew root for "send" (שָׁלַח, shalach) implies a mission or purpose. In the historical context, the exiles were the Israelites taken captive to Babylon. This message signifies God's ongoing relationship and concern for His people, even in their displacement. It underscores the idea that God’s word reaches His people regardless of their physical location, offering hope and guidance.

This is what the LORD says
This phrase establishes divine authority. The Hebrew term for "LORD" (יהוה, Yahweh) is the covenant name of God, reminding the exiles of His eternal and unchanging nature. It assures them that the message is not from a human source but from the Almighty, who is faithful to His promises. This divine assurance is crucial for the exiles, reinforcing that their situation is under God's sovereign control.

concerning Shemaiah the Nehelamite
Shemaiah is identified here, and the term "Nehelamite" likely refers to his place of origin or a family designation. Historically, Shemaiah was a false prophet who opposed Jeremiah. This mention serves as a warning against false teachings and emphasizes the need for discernment. It highlights the ongoing struggle between true and false prophecy, a theme prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah.

Because Shemaiah has prophesied to you
The act of prophesying here is significant. The Hebrew root for "prophesied" (נָבָא, naba) involves speaking under divine inspiration. However, Shemaiah's prophecies were not from God, illustrating the danger of false prophets who claim divine authority. This serves as a cautionary tale for the exiles to test the spirits and remain faithful to the true word of God.

though I did not send him
This phrase underscores the falsehood of Shemaiah's claims. The repetition of the concept of sending (שָׁלַח, shalach) contrasts God's true messengers with those who act on their own accord. It highlights the importance of divine commissioning in authentic prophecy. This distinction is vital for the exiles to understand, as it helps them discern true guidance from deception.

and he has caused you to trust in a lie
The consequence of Shemaiah's false prophecy is revealed here. The Hebrew word for "lie" (שֶׁקֶר, sheker) denotes falsehood and deception. This phrase warns of the spiritual danger of misplaced trust. It serves as a reminder that believing in falsehoods can lead to spiritual and communal harm. For the exiles, this is a call to return to the truth of God's word and to place their trust solely in Him.

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. Shemaiah the Nehelamite
A false prophet who misled the exiles in Babylon by claiming to speak for God without being sent by Him.

3. The Exiles
The people of Judah who were taken captive to Babylon, living in a foreign land and longing for God's deliverance.

4. Babylon
The place of exile for the people of Judah, representing both a physical and spiritual place of testing and refinement.

5. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who communicates His will and truth through His true prophets.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Prophecy
Believers must exercise discernment and test all teachings against the Word of God to avoid being led astray by false prophets.

The Danger of Lies
Trusting in lies can lead to spiritual destruction. It is crucial to seek truth and align our beliefs with God's revealed Word.

God's Sovereignty in Communication
God chooses His messengers and communicates His will through them. We must be attentive to His true voice.

The Role of Suffering and Exile
Times of exile and suffering can be opportunities for growth and reliance on God, rather than on false hopes.

Accountability for Leaders
Those who claim to speak for God bear a heavy responsibility and will be held accountable for their words and actions.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we discern between true and false prophets in today's context, and what role does Scripture play in this process?

2. In what ways might we be tempted to trust in lies or false hopes, and how can we guard against this in our spiritual journey?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "spiritual exile" or period of suffering. How did God use that time to refine your faith?

4. How does the accountability of leaders and teachers in the church impact your view of spiritual authority and responsibility?

5. What practical steps can you take to ensure that you are aligning your beliefs and actions with God's truth rather than human deception?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 18:20-22
Discusses the criteria for true and false prophets, emphasizing the importance of discerning God's true messengers.

1 John 4:1
Encourages believers to test the spirits to see whether they are from God, as many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Matthew 7:15-20
Jesus warns about false prophets, describing them as wolves in sheep's clothing and teaching that they can be recognized by their fruits.

2 Peter 2:1
Warns of false teachers who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord.