Jeremiah 27

God has Jeremiah wear a yoke around his neck to symbolize the servanthood of the surrounding nations to the king of Babylon. Chapter 27 is ten years later than chapter 26. We only know that because he tells us who is king at the beginning of each chapter. This is closer to history now, from the prophet's point of view.

They have already been beaten once and the king and the leaders deported. The puppet king is considering rebellion. Jeremiah prophesies ruin and destruction if they do rebel. We know they will not listen. There are false prophets giving false comfort and saying the golden temple instruments take by Nebuchadnezzar will be brought back. Seeing the temple violated like that really upset people. All this glory was a symbol of God's power and control. On the other hand Jeremiah says it was not that God was weak. No it was God's judgment of his people that caused all this to happen. God is still in control.

Jeremiah tells them that if they take the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar they will stay in the land. But if they rebel they will die by sword, famine, and pestilence (v.13).

The false prophets greatly outnumber Jeremiah. We must remember that just because a lot of people are saying something doesn't make it right. God uses a still small voice. But his voice is truth and wisdom. We must seek to hear it over the noise.

Their specific instructions are to submit to the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar (v.12). Verse 7 tells us his reign will not be forever but it will be for three generations.

Jeremiah tells us the wild animal serve him (Nebuchadnezzar). What does that mean that the wild animals serve him? Does he somehow use them for war? Or do the numbers of lions and tigers and snakes get larger and become a serious threat to people's lives? Or is it something else? I just find details such as this fascinating. It seems they are a part of God's judgment on the Israelites.