Jeremiah 27:11

KJV

But the nations that bring their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him, those will I let remain still in their own land, saith the LORD; and they shall till it, and dwell therein.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the nations {H1471} that bring {H935} their neck {H6677} under the yoke {H5923} of the king {H4428} of Babylon {H894}, and serve {H5647} him, those will I let remain still {H3240} in their own land {H127}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}; and they shall till {H5647} it, and dwell {H3427} therein.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the nation that puts its neck under the yoke of the king of Bavel and serves him, that nation I will allow to remain on their own soil," says ADONAI. "They will farm it and live there."'"

Berean Standard Bible

But the nation that will put its neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon and serve him, I will leave in its own land, to cultivate it and reside in it, declares the LORD.”

American Standard Version

But the nation that shall bring their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him, that nation will I let remain in their own land, saith Jehovah; and they shall till it, and dwell therein.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 27:11 delivers a crucial message of divine sovereignty and conditional preservation to the nations surrounding Judah during the Babylonian ascendancy. It declares that those who willingly submit to the divinely ordained dominion of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon will be permitted by the LORD to remain in their own lands, to cultivate them, and to dwell there securely, contrasting sharply with the severe judgment awaiting those who resist God's decreed plan. This verse underscores the principle that obedience to God's difficult commands, even when they involve humbling submission to an earthly power, leads to a measure of peace and continuity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 27:11 is embedded within a series of prophecies (Jeremiah 27-28) concerning the impending Babylonian subjugation of Judah and its neighboring nations. Jeremiah's message is particularly striking because he physically demonstrates it by wearing a wooden yoke (Jeremiah 27:2-3), symbolizing the servitude God intends for these kingdoms. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 27:6-8) explicitly state that God has given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, His "servant," and warn of dire consequences—sword, famine, and pestilence—for any nation or kingdom that refuses to serve him. Verse 11, therefore, serves as a counterpoint, offering a path of relative peace and stability for those who choose submission, directly contrasting the fate of those who rebel. This prophetic oracle is directed not only at Judah but also at Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre, and Sidon, emphasizing the universal scope of God's sovereign decree.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early 6th century BC was a tumultuous period in the Near East, marked by the decline of the Assyrian Empire and the meteoric rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar II. Babylon was rapidly consolidating its power, posing an existential threat to smaller kingdoms like Judah. Culturally, submission to a dominant empire often meant forced tribute, deportation, and the loss of national identity. Jeremiah's prophecy, however, reframes this political reality as a divine mandate. The "yoke" was a common agricultural implement, but also a potent symbol of servitude and burden in ancient Near Eastern cultures. For Jeremiah to command submission to Babylon was deeply unpopular and seen as treasonous by many of his contemporaries, who advocated for resistance or alliance with Egypt. Yet, God's message through Jeremiah was that this subjugation was not merely a geopolitical shift but a divinely orchestrated judgment and a means of discipline, with specific conditions for those who would accept it.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent in Jeremiah and throughout the Old Testament. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty** is paramount; God is not merely an observer but the active orchestrator of world events, raising up and bringing down empires according to His will, even using a pagan king like Nebuchadnezzar as His instrument (cf. [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Rod")). Secondly, the theme of **Conditional Blessing Through Obedience** is evident: while submission to Babylon was a bitter pill, it was presented as the means to avoid utter destruction and to retain a measure of national existence and productivity. This contrasts with the fate of those who resist, as detailed in [Jeremiah 27:8](/jeremiah/27-8 "Jeremiah 27:8 - Consequences of Rebellion"). Thirdly, the passage highlights the **Consequences of Rebellion** against God's revealed will, implying that refusal to submit would lead to devastating judgment, including displacement and exile, a fate that Judah eventually experienced due to its persistent disobedience (cf. [Jeremiah 25:8-11](/jeremiah/25-8 "Jeremiah 25:8-11 - Seventy Years of Servitude")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nations (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This term (H1471) refers to foreign nations, often distinct from Israel, and can also denote Gentiles or large groups of people. In Jeremiah 27:11, its use emphasizes the universal scope of God's decree, extending beyond Judah to all surrounding kingdoms, underscoring that God's sovereignty encompasses all peoples, not just His covenant people.
* **Yoke (Hebrew, _ʻôl'_):** The word (H5923) literally means a yoke, as imposed on the neck, and is used both literally and figuratively. Here, it functions as a powerful metaphor for servitude, burden, and forced submission to an external authority. Jeremiah's physical wearing of a yoke reinforces this imagery, making the divine command tangible and unavoidable.
* **Serve (Hebrew, _ʻâbad'_):** This versatile verb (H5647) means "to work" in any sense, but specifically implies "to serve," "to till," or "to enslave." In this verse, it is used twice: first, in the context of serving the king of Babylon, denoting political and economic subservience; and second, in the phrase "they shall till it," referring to agricultural labor. This dual usage highlights that submission to Babylon would involve both political vassalage and the practical work of maintaining their land, a privilege denied to those who resisted.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the nations that bring their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him,"**: This clause sets the condition for the promised preservation. It describes a willing, or at least compliant, submission to Nebuchadnezzar's authority. "Bringing their neck under the yoke" is a vivid idiom for accepting servitude, acknowledging the divinely ordained power of Babylon. The phrase "and serve him" reiterates this submission, implying both political allegiance and the payment of tribute.
* **"those will I let remain still in their own land,"**: This is the core promise of the LORD. Instead of being uprooted, exiled, or destroyed, these nations will be permitted to stay in their ancestral territories. "Let remain still" (from H3240, _yânach_) implies a state of undisturbed dwelling, a stark contrast to the displacement that was the common fate of conquered peoples in the ancient Near East.
* **"saith the LORD;"**: This authoritative declaration (from H5002, _nᵉʼum_) underscores that the entire prophecy, including both the command to submit and the promise of preservation, originates directly from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, affirming His ultimate sovereignty over all nations and their destinies.
* **"and they shall till it, and dwell therein."**: This final clause elaborates on the nature of the "remaining still." "Till it" (from H5647, _ʻâbad_) signifies the ability to cultivate their land, ensuring sustenance and economic activity. "And dwell therein" (from H3427, _yâshab_) indicates a settled, secure, and continued habitation. Together, these phrases paint a picture of relative peace, stability, and continuity of life, despite being under foreign dominion, as a direct result of their obedience to God's difficult command.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 27:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**, particularly through the image of the "yoke." The literal yoke worn by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 27:2) becomes a potent symbol for the burden of servitude and the divine decree of submission to Babylon. This concrete image makes the abstract concept of political subjugation tangible and inescapable. The phrase "bring their neck under the yoke" is an idiomatic **Metaphor** for voluntary or compelled submission. Furthermore, the passage utilizes **Juxtaposition** and **Contrast** by implicitly setting the fate of the obedient nations against the explicit doom of those who resist (as detailed in Jeremiah 27:8). This stark contrast highlights the divine choice presented to the nations: submission leading to preservation versus rebellion leading to destruction. The repeated emphasis on "their own land" and the actions of "tilling" and "dwelling" within it creates a sense of **Repetition** and **Emphasis**, underscoring the preciousness of retaining one's homeland and livelihood, a privilege granted only through obedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 27:11 profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over the nations and His use of even pagan empires as instruments of His divine will. It reveals that God's plans are often counter-intuitive to human wisdom, requiring a radical trust in His higher purposes. The conditional promise of remaining in their land through submission highlights a principle of divine economy: sometimes, a temporary, humbling surrender to an earthly power, when divinely commanded, is the path to long-term preservation and continuity. This demonstrates that God's desire is not always for immediate victory or independence, but for a deeper obedience that serves His ultimate redemptive plan, even through periods of hardship and foreign dominion.

* [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - God Using Assyria as His Rod"): God declares Assyria to be "the rod of my anger," demonstrating His use of foreign powers to execute judgment.
* [Daniel 2:20-21](/daniel/2-20 "Daniel 2:20-21 - God Changes Times and Seasons, Removes and Sets Up Kings"): Daniel praises God as the one who "changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings," affirming divine control over earthly rulers.
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities"): Paul instructs believers to "let every person be subject to the governing authorities," echoing the principle of submission to divinely permitted earthly powers, even if imperfect.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 27:11 challenges us to grapple with the often-uncomfortable truth of God's sovereignty, particularly when His will seems to align with what we perceive as defeat or injustice. It calls us to a posture of deep trust, recognizing that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts higher than our thoughts (cf. [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts are Higher")). For believers today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that true peace and security are found not in resisting God's ordained circumstances, but in submitting to His overarching plan, even when it involves personal humbling or difficult circumstances. It encourages us to discern God's hand in global events and personal trials, trusting that He is working all things for His glory and our good, even through the "yokes" we may be called to bear. This might involve submitting to difficult authorities, accepting challenging life seasons, or trusting God's timing when our desires are delayed, knowing that obedience, even in hardship, can lead to unexpected blessings and preservation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jeremiah 27:11 challenge my understanding of God's sovereignty in global affairs, especially when He uses seemingly ungodly leaders or nations?**
* **In what areas of my life might God be calling me to "bring my neck under the yoke" – to submit to a difficult situation, authority, or process – for a greater purpose?**
* **What does "till it, and dwell therein" mean for me today in terms of finding peace and productivity even within challenging or restrictive circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why would God command His people, and other nations, to submit to a pagan king like Nebuchadnezzar?**

Answer: God commanded submission to Nebuchadnezzar not because He endorsed Babylon's paganism, but because He was using Babylon as His instrument of judgment and discipline for the nations, including Judah, due to their idolatry and disobedience. This demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers. He raises up and brings down kings and empires according to His divine purpose (as seen in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Removes and Sets Up Kings")), even using those who do not acknowledge Him to accomplish His will. For the nations, submission was a test of their recognition of God's ultimate authority, even when expressed through an unexpected channel, offering a path to preservation rather than utter destruction.

**What is the significance of the promise "they shall till it, and dwell therein" for the nations who submit?**

Answer: The promise "they shall till it, and dwell therein" (from [Jeremiah 27:11](/jeremiah/27-11 "Jeremiah 27:11 - Promise of Preservation")) signifies a measure of continuity, stability, and blessing despite being under foreign dominion. In the ancient world, conquest often meant deportation, loss of land, and complete disruption of life. This promise meant that those who submitted would retain their land, cultivate it for sustenance, and maintain their settled existence. It represented a conditional blessing – a form of peace and security – that was granted as a direct result of their obedience to God's difficult command, contrasting sharply with the desolation promised to those who resisted (cf. [Jeremiah 27:8](/jeremiah/27-8 "Jeremiah 27:8 - Consequences of Rebellion")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 27:11 speaks of a temporal, conditional peace secured through submission to an earthly king, it foreshadows a deeper, eternal peace and true dwelling found only through submission to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. The "yoke" of Babylon, though burdensome, offered a path to remaining in one's land; similarly, Jesus invites us to take His "yoke" upon us, promising that it is "easy" and His "burden is light," leading to rest for our souls ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). The nations' preservation in their land through submission to God's appointed instrument points to the ultimate spiritual "land" and secure dwelling—the Kingdom of God—which is entered and inherited through humble submission to Christ's Lordship. Christ, as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly submitted to the "yoke" of the cross, bearing the ultimate burden of sin, to secure for His people not just a temporary dwelling, but an eternal inheritance and a permanent dwelling with God, where they will truly "till" (serve) and "dwell" (abide) in perfect peace and righteousness ([Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with His People")). Thus, the difficult call to submission in Jeremiah finds its glorious and redemptive fulfillment in the liberating submission to Christ, which grants us true freedom and eternal life.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 21:9

He that abideth in this city shall die by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth out, and falleth to the Chaldeans that besiege you, he shall live, and his life shall be unto him for a prey.

Jeremiah 27:8

And it shall come to pass, [that] the nation and kingdom which will not serve the same Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, and that will not put their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, that nation will I punish, saith the LORD, with the sword, and with the famine, and with the pestilence, until I have consumed them by his hand.

Jeremiah 27:2

Thus saith the LORD to me; Make thee bonds and yokes, and put them upon thy neck,

Jeremiah 38:2

Thus saith the LORD, He that remaineth in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth forth to the Chaldeans shall live; for he shall have his life for a prey, and shall live.

Jeremiah 42:10

If ye will still abide in this land, then will I build you, and not pull [you] down, and I will plant you, and not pluck [you] up: for I repent me of the evil that I have done unto you.

Jeremiah 42:11

Be not afraid of the king of Babylon, of whom ye are afraid; be not afraid of him, saith the LORD: for I [am] with you to save you, and to deliver you from his hand.

Jeremiah 40:9

And Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan sware unto them and to their men, saying, Fear not to serve the Chaldeans: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you.