Jeremiah 37:19

Where are your prophets who prophesied to you, claiming, 'The king of Babylon will not come against you or this land'?

Study Bible

Where now are your prophets
This phrase challenges the credibility and presence of the false prophets who had previously assured the people of Judah that they would not face the threat of Babylon. In the Hebrew context, the word for "prophets" is "נְבִיאֵיכֶם" (nevi'eichem), which refers to those who claim to speak on behalf of God. Historically, these prophets were often more concerned with pleasing the people and the king than with delivering God's true message. This rhetorical question underscores the absence of these prophets in the face of impending disaster, highlighting their false assurances and the futility of their words.

who prophesied to you
The act of prophesying, "הַנִּבָּאִים" (hanibba'im), involves delivering a message believed to be from God. In this context, it refers to the false prophets who gave misleading messages of peace and security. The historical backdrop of this period was one of political turmoil and impending invasion, making the false prophecies particularly dangerous as they lulled the people into a false sense of security. This phrase serves as a reminder of the importance of discerning true prophecy from false, a theme that resonates throughout the Bible.

claiming, ‘The king of Babylon will not come against you
The phrase "claiming" indicates the assertion or declaration made by the false prophets. The Hebrew root "אָמַר" (amar) means to say or declare. The specific claim that "The king of Babylon will not come against you" was a direct contradiction to the warnings given by true prophets like Jeremiah. Historically, this reflects the political alliances and false hopes placed in Egypt and other nations, which were ultimately futile. The king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, was a dominant force, and his campaigns against Judah were well-documented in both biblical and extra-biblical sources.

or this land
The phrase "this land" refers to the land of Judah, the promised land given to the Israelites. In Hebrew, "הָאָרֶץ" (ha'aretz) signifies not just the physical territory but also the covenantal relationship between God and His people. The false assurance that the land would remain untouched was a grave misrepresentation of the reality of God's judgment due to the people's disobedience. This highlights the broader biblical theme of the land as a place of blessing contingent upon the people's faithfulness to God.

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. Zedekiah
The last king of Judah before the Babylonian conquest, who often sought Jeremiah's counsel but failed to heed his warnings.

3. Prophets
False prophets in Judah who assured the people and the king that Babylon would not attack, contrary to Jeremiah's prophecies.

4. Babylon
The empire that conquered Judah, fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecies and demonstrating the consequences of ignoring God's warnings.

5. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which faced destruction due to its disobedience and reliance on false assurances.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Prophecy
Believers must exercise discernment and seek alignment with God's Word when evaluating prophetic messages. False assurances can lead to spiritual complacency and disaster.

Consequences of Ignoring God’s Warnings
Ignoring God's warnings, as Judah did, leads to inevitable consequences. We must heed God's Word and repent when necessary.

The Importance of True Prophets
True prophets, like Jeremiah, often deliver uncomfortable truths. We should value and listen to those who speak God's truth, even when it challenges us.

Trust in God, Not in Man
Judah's reliance on false prophets instead of God serves as a reminder to place our trust in God alone, not in human assurances or wisdom.

Repentance and Obedience
The call to repentance is central to avoiding judgment. Obedience to God's commands is crucial for spiritual well-being and protection.

Bible Study Questions

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

2. Reflect on a time when you ignored a warning or advice that later proved to be true. How can this experience inform your spiritual journey?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our trust is placed in God rather than in human assurances or wisdom?

4. How does the account of Judah's fall to Babylon serve as a warning for modern believers about the consequences of disobedience?

5. What steps can we take to cultivate a heart of repentance and obedience in our daily lives, and how can we encourage others to do the same?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 14:13-16
This passage highlights the false prophets' assurances of peace and safety, which were contrary to God's true message delivered through Jeremiah.

2 Kings 25:1-7
Describes the siege and fall of Jerusalem to Babylon, fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecies and demonstrating the futility of trusting in false assurances.

Ezekiel 13:1-16
Condemns false prophets who lead people astray with deceptive visions and false hope, similar to those in Jeremiah's time.