Jeremiah 27:1-11

Jeremiah 27-29. Certain linguistic peculiarities (e.g. the incorrect spelling, Nebuchadnezzar) suggest that these three Chapter s may have circulated as a separate pamphlet, e.g. in Babylon. They deal with the rebuke of false hopes concerning a speedy return from exile.

Jeremiah 27:1. The Conspiracy against Babylon. Probably in 593 (note correction by mg. of Jeremiah 27:1; the more definite date of Jeremiah 28:1 seems to belong here) Jeremiah is told to make and wear a yoke (as symbol of submission to Babylon; cf. 1 Kings 22:11, and the note on Jeremiah 13:1 ff.). He is to send an interpretative message by the representatives of the five kings who are seeking the alliance of Zedekiah in a conspiracy against Babylon. Yahweh, the Creator of all, has given all into the power of the Babylonian king. Those who will not bear the yoke willingly shall be given into his hand after much suffering. They are not to be deceived by false guides. On Jeremiah's characteristic policy of submission to Babylon, and its consequences to himself, see Introduction, § 2.

Jeremiah 27:3. Omit them, with the LXX of Lucian; according to Jeremiah 28:10, Jeremiah is still wearing the yoke himself.

Jeremiah 27:6. the beasts of the field, etc.: the words simply emphasize the absolute sovereignty of the Babylonian king; cf. Daniel 2:38.

Jeremiah 27:7 (omitted by LXX) limits the Babylonian tenure of power to two more generations; it is probably, like Jeremiah 25:12, a later addition.

Jeremiah 27:8. consumed. by: should probably be emended into given into.

Jeremiah 27:9. dreams: read dreamers with VSS.