Jeremiah 26-29
Common Theme
God calls His people to hear and obey His word, warning them against false prophets who promise peace apart from repentance. His plans for His people are rooted in truth and hope, but only as they submit to His timing and authority.
Questions
- How can we discern the difference between a true and false message that claims to come from God?
- What does trusting God’s timing look like when His plans do not align with our expectations?
God Shot
God is the sovereign sender of His word, faithfully speaking truth even when it is unpopular or resisted. He is the God of purposeful plans, shaping the future for His people according to His wisdom and faithfulness.
Deeper
Jeremiah 26
In Jeremiah 26:1–24, the prophet Jeremiah warns the people of impending calamity if they do not heed the Lord’s instructions, emphasizing that disobedience leads to disaster, similar to the destruction of Shiloh. His message about the temple, viewed as God’s house, provokes strong opposition, with priests and prophets calling for his death, perceiving his words as blasphemy. During a public trial, Jeremiah defends himself, asserting that he is innocent and sent by the Lord, warning that executing him would bring guilt upon the people. Some elders recall the prophet Micah, who prophesied Jerusalem’s destruction but was spared by King Hezekiah’s repentance, suggesting that the current actions against Jeremiah could harm the people. They recognize the need for genuine repentance, contrasting their situation with Micah’s. In contrast, another prophet, Uriah, is executed by King Jehoiakim for similar prophecies, highlighting the danger faced by those delivering God’s messages. Jeremiah’s survival is aided by Ahikam, an official who supports him. The text concludes that judgmental prophecy aims not only to announce disaster but also to prompt change and renewal among God’s people, affirming God’s commitment to righteousness and the transformative potential of prophetic messages.
Jeremiah 27
In Jeremiah 27, the prophet conveys that God has granted Babylon and Nebuchadnezzar limited sovereignty, and opposing them equates to opposing God’s will. The chapter acknowledges the eventual end of Babylonian dominance and God’s plan to restore temple vessels taken by Nebuchadnezzar. Jeremiah critiques other prophets who falsely proclaim peace, highlighting that their messages have proven incorrect. He lists various specialists who seek divine guidance, all of whom are rejected. The chapter emphasizes that Nebuchadnezzar acts as God’s servant, not as a conqueror. The application warns against assuming that all suffering is due to divine judgment, stressing the importance of understanding God’s timing and purposes in history.
Jeremiah 28
In Jeremiah 28:1–17, Hananiah, a prophet, claims that God will restore Jerusalem and the exiled king, Jehoiachin, after breaking the wooden yoke worn by Jeremiah. Despite initially responding positively to Hananiah’s prophecy, Jeremiah emphasizes that true prophets often announce disaster and judgment. He warns that peace will only be validated if it comes to pass. After receiving a message from God, Jeremiah confronts Hananiah, stating that his prophecy is a lie and that Babylon’s rule is divinely sanctioned. Jeremiah proclaims that the people will face servitude under an iron yoke instead. He also predicts Hananiah’s death within the year as a judgment for his false prophecy. The text highlights the importance of recognizing the distinction between God’s call and human fallibility in understanding divine will.
Jeremiah 29
Jeremiah 29:1–32 discusses a letter Jeremiah writes to the Judean exiles in Babylon, addressing false prophets who mislead the community with promises of imminent return to Judah. He emphasizes that their exile is part of God’s plan, despite Nebuchadnezzar being the historical agent. The exiles are instructed to settle in Babylon, seek its prosperity, and pray for their captors, indicating that their well-being is linked to that of Babylon. Jeremiah reassures them of God’s future restoration, contingent upon their sincere seeking of Him. He warns against listening to false prophets who deny God’s judgment, using metaphors like “poor figs” to illustrate the fate of those in Jerusalem. The chapter concludes with a specific condemnation of Shemaiah, a notable opponent of Jeremiah. The application highlights the importance of prayer as a means of communion with God, suggesting that a lack of prayer reflects inadequate theology. Prayer transforms perceptions and actions, fostering growth in one’s relationship with God, contrasting with the belief in God without genuine communion.
*Deeper excerpt from NIV Application Commentary, One-Volume Edition.