Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryJeremiah 27

Nebuchadnezzar's Victories PredictedThis chapter contains a prophecy about the coming power of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. There is some confusion about the date, as the prophecy mentions Jehoiakim but also refers to Zedekiah, who ruled later. Most likely, the message was first given during Jehoiakim’s reign and then repeated or applied during Zedekiah’s time, when foreign ambassadors came to Jerusalem. God uses Jeremiah to warn the surrounding nations that Babylon’s rise is part of His plan. The message is clear: God is in control of all kingdoms, and resisting His will only brings more trouble.v. 1–2: God tells Jeremiah to make bonds and yokes and put them on his own neck. This is a sign to show that Judah and the surrounding nations will be forced to serve the king of Babylon. Jeremiah’s action is a living message—he is not asking others to do what he is not willing to do himself. True leaders must also bear the burdens they speak about (Jeremiah 27:2 ).

v. 3–4: Jeremiah is to send these yokes, along with a message, to the kings of Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre, and Sidon. Their ambassadors are in Jerusalem, probably for a meeting to discuss how to resist Babylon. Jeremiah’s message is that they must submit to Babylon’s rule, because this is God’s will. God alone has the right to give kingdoms to whomever He chooses, since He is the Creator of all things (Jeremiah 27:3–5 ).

v. 5–7: God declares that He has given all these lands to Nebuchadnezzar, even the animals. Nebuchadnezzar will rule over these nations, as will his son and grandson, until Babylon’s time of judgment comes. Then, other nations will rise up and conquer Babylon, just as Babylon conquered others (Jeremiah 27:6–7 ).

v. 8: Any nation that refuses to serve the king of Babylon will be punished with war, famine, and disease until it is destroyed. Even though Nebuchadnezzar is harsh, God is using him to punish the nations for their sins. Those who refuse to submit will only bring more suffering on themselves .

v. 9–10: Jeremiah warns the nations not to listen to their own prophets, fortune-tellers, or dreamers who say they will not serve Babylon. These false messages will only lead to their destruction, because they encourage rebellion against God’s plan (Jeremiah 27:9–10 ).

v. 11: However, if any nation is willing to submit to Babylon and pay tribute, God will allow them to remain in their own land. It is better to accept a lighter burden than to resist and bring a heavier punishment. Sometimes, humble submission is wiser than stubborn resistance .

Jeremiah's Counsel to Zedekiah; Submission to Nebuchadnezzar UrgedThis part of Jeremiah’s prophecy is a personal and urgent warning to King Zedekiah, the priests, and the people of Judah. Jeremiah is deeply concerned for his nation. Many people, including some prophets in Jerusalem, are promising that they will soon be free from Babylon’s power and that everything taken will be returned. But Jeremiah’s message is very different: he urges them to accept Babylon’s rule as God’s will for a time, because resistance will only bring more loss and suffering.v. 12: Jeremiah directly addresses Zedekiah, the king of Judah. He tells him, Bring your necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him and his people, and live . Jeremiah uses the image of a yoke to show submission. He urges the king and people to surrender, not because Babylon is good, but because it is the only way to save their lives. This also teaches us that it is wise to accept God’s discipline even when it is hard, instead of fighting against it.

v. 13: Jeremiah asks, Why will you die, you and your people, by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence? He warns that if they refuse to submit, the result will be deadly. He wants them to see that stubbornness will only lead to greater suffering and destruction.

v. 14–15: Jeremiah warns Zedekiah and the people not to listen to the false prophets who say, You shall not serve the king of Babylon (Jeremiah 27:14 ). These prophets claim to speak for God, but God says, I have not sent them. Their promises are lies, and if the people believe them, they will only bring disaster on themselves and the prophets.

v. 16–17: Jeremiah speaks to the priests and all the people. He warns them again not to believe the false prophets who say the treasures taken from the temple will soon be returned. Instead, if they want to save their lives and their city, they must accept Babylon’s rule. Jeremiah shows love for his enemies by warning even those who have tried to harm him, proving he cares for them and seeks their good.

v. 18: Jeremiah challenges the false prophets: If they be prophets, and if the word of the Lord

v. 19–22: Jeremiah tells them that even the remaining treasures in the temple and palace will be taken to Babylon. He says, They shall be carried to Babylon, and there shall they be until the day that I visit them, says the Lord