Jeremiah 27:18

KJV

But if they [be] prophets, and if the word of the LORD be with them, let them now make intercession to the LORD of hosts, that the vessels which are left in the house of the LORD, and [in] the house of the king of Judah, and at Jerusalem, go not to Babylon.

KJV (with Strong's)

But if they be prophets {H5030}, and if the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} be {H3426} with them, let them now make intercession {H6293} to the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, that the vessels {H3627} which are left {H3498} in the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, and in the house {H1004} of the king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}, and at Jerusalem {H3389}, go {H935} not to Babylon {H894}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But if they are in fact prophets, and if the word of ADONAI is with them, then let them now intercede with ADONAI-Tzva'ot that the articles still remaining in the house of ADONAI and in the palace of the king of Y'hudah will not go off to Bavel.

Berean Standard Bible

If they are indeed prophets and the word of the LORD is with them, let them now plead with the LORD of Hosts that the articles remaining in the house of the LORD, in the palace of the king of Judah, and in Jerusalem, not be taken to Babylon.

American Standard Version

But if they be prophets, and if the word of Jehovah be with them, let them now make intercession to Jehovah of hosts, that the vessels which are left in the house of Jehovah, and in the house of the king of Judah, and at Jerusalem, go not to Babylon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 27:18 delivers a profound challenge from the prophet Jeremiah to the false prophets in Judah during the tumultuous reign of King Zedekiah. In direct opposition to their optimistic pronouncements of peace and the swift return of plundered temple vessels, Jeremiah, as God's authentic messenger, urged submission to the impending Babylonian judgment. This verse functions as a critical test of prophetic legitimacy, demanding that if these self-proclaimed prophets truly possessed a word from the Lord, they should demonstrate it not by offering deceptive hope, but by earnestly interceding for the preservation of the remaining sacred vessels in Jerusalem, thereby revealing the true source and nature of their prophetic claims.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 27 is situated within a significant prophetic block (chapters 27-29) that addresses Judah's inevitable subjugation to Babylon. In this chapter, Jeremiah is divinely commanded to fashion and wear yokes, and to send similar yokes to neighboring nations, symbolizing their decreed servitude under Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. The overarching message is clear: resistance to Babylon is tantamount to rebellion against God's sovereign will, and such defiance will incur severe consequences. Jeremiah 27:18 specifically targets the false prophets who actively contradicted Jeremiah's message, propagating a narrative of imminent peace and the rapid restoration of the temple treasures already seized. Jeremiah's challenge in this verse is a direct, confrontational demand for these false prophets to validate their claims by engaging in intercession for the remaining sacred items, rather than merely proclaiming a false future. This sets the stage for the dramatic and direct confrontation between Jeremiah and the false prophet Hananiah in [Jeremiah 28](/jeremiah/28 "Jeremiah 28 - Jeremiah and Hananiah's Prophetic Confrontation").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Jeremiah 27:18 is the early years of King Zedekiah's reign (circa 597-586 BC), following the first Babylonian deportation in 597 BC. This initial deportation saw the removal of King Jehoiachin, along with many of Judah's elite and skilled craftsmen, to Babylon. Jerusalem was operating as a Babylonian vassal state, yet strong political and religious factions within Judah vehemently advocated for rebellion against Babylon. These sentiments were often fueled by fervent nationalism and, crucially, by the deceptive assurances of false prophets. The temple vessels, originally from Solomon's magnificent Temple, were far more than mere artifacts; they were profoundly sacred objects, embodying God's tangible presence and His covenant with Israel. Their initial removal by Babylon (as meticulously recorded in [2 Kings 24:13](/2_kings/24-13 "2 Kings 24:13 - Nebuchadnezzar Plunders the Temple")) inflicted deep national and spiritual trauma. The fervent desire among the populace for the return of these vessels made the false prophets' messages of restoration particularly appealing and persuasive. In this environment, Jeremiah's message, which called for submission to a foreign, pagan power, was widely perceived as treasonous and deeply unpatriotic by many.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent in the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. A primary theme is the stark contrast between **True and False Prophecy**, where Jeremiah consistently and unequivocally distinguishes between genuine divine revelation and human-contrived messages that merely pander to popular desires. The challenge to intercede serves as a practical and spiritual litmus test of prophetic authenticity, as true prophets not only speak God's word but also stand in the gap for His people, even in the face of impending judgment. Another significant theme underscored here is **God's Sovereignty and Unwavering Judgment**. Despite the people's fervent hopes and the false prophets' confident declarations, God's decree for judgment through Babylonian exile was firm and unalterable. The ultimate fate of the vessels, whether preserved or taken, rested solely in God's hands, reinforcing His supreme and absolute control over nations and historical events. Finally, the verse profoundly highlights the **Indispensable Importance of Intercessory Prayer**, presenting it as a vital and non-negotiable function of a true prophet. A genuine prophet's calling is not merely to declare divine messages but to actively plead for mercy and divine intervention, especially concerning sacred elements that represent God's covenant presence. This echoes the powerful intercession of figures like Moses, who pleaded for Israel's preservation in [Exodus 32:11-14](/exodus/32-11-14 "Exodus 32:11-14 - Moses Intercedes for Israel's Sin").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prophets (Hebrew, _nâbîyʼ'_):** From the root meaning "to bubble forth" or "to announce," this term (H5030) refers to one who is inspired or speaks for God. In Jeremiah 27:18, Jeremiah employs the term to challenge those who claim to speak for the Lord but whose messages fundamentally contradict His revealed will. The essence of the challenge is to test whether their claim to be a "prophet" is genuine, as their subsequent actions—or lack thereof—will unequivocally expose the true source of their "word."
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This highly significant term (H1697) extends beyond mere spoken words to encompass matters, affairs, deeds, and even the very essence or reality of a thing. When used in the phrase "the word of the LORD," it denotes divine revelation, instruction, command, or prophecy. Jeremiah's challenge implies that if the "word of the LORD" is truly with these prophets, it should manifest in actions consistent with God's character and His sovereign will, specifically in earnest intercession rather than the dissemination of false assurances.
* **Intercession (Hebrew, _pâgaʻ'_):** The root (H6293) carries the meaning "to impinge," "to encounter," or "to meet." In the context of prayer, it signifies a direct, earnest, and often persistent appeal made on behalf of another, implying a forceful "falling upon" or "entreating" God. Jeremiah challenges the false prophets to "make intercession" for the vessels, asserting that genuine prophetic authority is demonstrated not merely by predicting future events, but by actively pleading with God to alter or mitigate a decreed outcome, should it align with His divine purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if they [be] prophets, and if the word of the LORD be with them":** This opening clause establishes the conditional premise of Jeremiah's challenge. It directly questions the legitimacy of those who assert prophetic authority. The phrase "if the word of the LORD be with them" posits that authentic prophetic power and message are derived from possessing and accurately conveying God's divine revelation, not from personal desires, popular sentiment, or human fabrication. It sets the stage for a test of their spiritual bona fides.
* **"let them now make intercession to the LORD of hosts":** This constitutes the core of Jeremiah's direct challenge. If these individuals are truly God's spokesmen, their immediate and appropriate response should be to earnestly and fervently plead with the Almighty God, referred to here as the "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth). This epithet emphasizes His supreme power and authority over all heavenly and earthly armies, highlighting that only He possesses the ultimate power to alter the course of events. This call to intercession serves as a critical test of their spiritual authenticity and their true alignment with God's sovereign will, demanding action rather than mere words.
* **"that the vessels which are left in the house of the LORD, and [in] the house of the king of Judah, and at Jerusalem, go not to Babylon":** This clause precisely specifies the object of their potential intercession: the remaining sacred vessels. These vessels, located within the sacred Temple ("house of the LORD"), the royal palace ("house of the king of Judah"), and throughout the city of Jerusalem, were invaluable symbols of God's covenant presence and the nation's spiritual heritage. The profound concern articulated here is that these last remaining sacred items would suffer the same fate as those already plundered and transported to Babylon, signifying the complete and utter desolation of both the city and its revered Temple, a final act of divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 27:18 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The primary device at play is **Irony**, as Jeremiah challenges the false prophets to undertake an act—intercession—that would inherently acknowledge the very judgment (Babylonian captivity) they are vehemently denying and promising to avert. Their inevitable failure or inability to successfully intercede would thus expose the hollowness and falsity of their prophetic claims. The phrase "LORD of hosts" functions as a powerful **Epithet** for God, emphasizing His supreme power, authority, and sovereign control over all creation and armies, thereby underscoring that only He possesses the ultimate power to determine the fate of nations and their sacred objects. Furthermore, the "vessels" themselves serve as profound **Symbolism**, representing not merely material objects but the profound sacredness of God's presence, the enduring covenant with Israel, and the very spiritual heritage of the nation. Their potential removal to Babylon symbolizes the complete dismantling and desecration of Judah's religious and national identity under the weight of divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 27:18 profoundly illuminates the critical distinction between authentic divine revelation and human-generated falsehoods, a pervasive and recurring theme throughout the prophetic books. True prophecy is always rooted in God's revealed will and frequently conveys uncomfortable truths that demand repentance and submission, whereas false prophecy panders to popular desires for peace, prosperity, and immediate gratification, even when divine judgment is imminent. This verse powerfully underscores that a genuine prophet's role extends far beyond mere prediction; it encompasses a deep, compassionate burden for the people and an unwavering willingness to stand in the gap through fervent intercession, even when God's judgment appears to be irrevocably set. It also speaks to God's unwavering and absolute sovereignty, demonstrating that His divine plans, even those involving severe judgment, will be accomplished regardless of human opposition, political maneuvering, or deceptive assurances. The preservation of sacred items, though deeply desired by the people, is ultimately secondary to the fulfillment of God's righteous and just decrees.

* [Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20-22 "Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - Testing the Prophet")
* [Ezekiel 13:6-9](/ezekiel/13-6-9 "Ezekiel 13:6-9 - Condemnation of False Prophets")
* [James 5:16](/james/5-16 "James 5:16 - The Power of Righteous Prayer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 27:18 stands as a timeless and urgent call to spiritual discernment, particularly relevant in an age saturated with an overwhelming multitude of voices and conflicting messages, many claiming spiritual authority. It compels us, as believers, to critically and prayerfully evaluate the sources of information and guidance we embrace, especially those purporting to deliver divine truth. We are challenged to ask fundamental questions: Does this message genuinely align with the immutable character and revealed will of God as comprehensively presented in His inspired Word? Does it lead to authentic repentance, humble submission, and a deeper walk with Christ, or does it merely offer comforting but ultimately deceptive assurances that bypass the need for spiritual transformation? Beyond discernment, this verse also magnifies the profound privilege and solemn responsibility of intercessory prayer. Instead of passively observing or merely predicting outcomes, believers are invited to actively engage in sincere, fervent, and persistent prayer, pleading with God for His mercy, intervention, and the preservation of what is truly sacred to Him, both physically and spiritually. It serves as a powerful reminder that our prayers, when offered in alignment with God's sovereign will and righteous purposes, are indeed powerful and effective, capable of bringing about divine intervention even in the face of daunting and seemingly insurmountable circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I actively discern between true and false spiritual messages and teachings in my life and in the broader culture today?**
* **What "vessels"—whether spiritual truths, moral values, or aspects of my faith community—am I called to intercede for, that they "go not to Babylon" (i.e., that they are not lost, corrupted, or compromised by worldly influences)?**
* **In what tangible ways can my personal prayer life become more deeply aligned with God's sovereign will, even when His will involves difficult truths, challenging circumstances, or the necessity of divine judgment?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the "vessels" mentioned in Jeremiah 27:18?**

Answer: The "vessels" (Hebrew: _kᵉlîy'_), particularly those designated for the "house of the LORD" (the Temple), were sacred implements and furnishings used in the holy rituals and worship of God. They were consecrated specifically for divine service and symbolized God's tangible presence among His people, as well as the enduring covenant relationship with Israel. Their removal by the Babylonians, which had already partially occurred during the first deportation (as recorded in [2 Kings 24:13](/2_kings/24-13 "2 Kings 24:13 - Nebuchadnezzar Plunders the Temple")), was not merely a material loss but a profound spiritual and national humiliation. It signified God's judgment upon His people and the desecration of His dwelling place. Jeremiah's urgent challenge to the false prophets to intercede for the remaining vessels underscored their deep spiritual importance, both to the people of Judah and to the very honor of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 27:18, while a specific and pointed challenge to false prophets in ancient Judah, finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The false prophets of Jeremiah's day offered empty and deceptive promises of peace and safety, but Jesus is the true [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Jesus, Prince of Peace") who delivers humanity from the ultimate captivity of sin, death, and spiritual alienation, far surpassing any mere physical or political exile. Unlike the false prophets who failed to intercede effectively or authentically, Jesus stands as our Great High Priest, who "always lives to make intercession" for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our Eternal Intercessor")). He did not merely speak the "word of the LORD" (H1697); rather, He *is* the living Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), perfectly embodying God's truth, will, and redemptive purpose. The "vessels" of the Temple, which were threatened with destruction and removal to Babylon, powerfully foreshadow the ultimate "temple" of Jesus' own body, which was indeed destroyed on the cross but gloriously raised in three days ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). Through His perfect life of obedience, His atoning death on the cross, and His triumphant resurrection, Christ secured not the temporary preservation of physical artifacts, but the eternal salvation and spiritual preservation of His people. He established a new and better covenant, under which believers themselves become living, spiritual temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, the concern for physical vessels is superseded by Christ's finished work, which eternally preserves, sanctifies, and redeems the very people of God for His everlasting glory.

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

1 Samuel 7:8

And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the LORD our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines.

1 Samuel 12:23

Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:

1 Samuel 12:19

And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the LORD thy God, that we die not: for we have added unto all our sins [this] evil, to ask us a king.

Jeremiah 18:20

Shall evil be recompensed for good? for they have digged a pit for my soul. Remember that I stood before thee to speak good for them, [and] to turn away thy wrath from them.

1 Kings 18:24

And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken.

Jeremiah 42:2

And said unto Jeremiah the prophet, Let, we beseech thee, our supplication be accepted before thee, and pray for us unto the LORD thy God, [even] for all this remnant; (for we are left [but] a few of many, as thine eyes do behold us:)

Ezekiel 14:18

Though these three men [were] in it, [as] I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters, but they only shall be delivered themselves.