Jeremiah 27:21

KJV

Yea, thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, concerning the vessels that remain [in] the house of the LORD, and [in] the house of the king of Judah and of Jerusalem;

KJV (with Strong's)

Yea, thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, concerning the vessels {H3627} that remain {H3498} in the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, and in the house {H1004} of the king {H4428} of Judah {H3063} and of Jerusalem {H3389};

Complete Jewish Bible

yes, this is what ADONAI Shaddai, the God of Isra'el, says about the things remaining in the house of ADONAI, in the palace of the king of Y'hudah and in Yerushalayim:

Berean Standard Bible

Yes, this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says about the articles that remain in the house of the LORD, in the palace of the king of Judah, and in Jerusalem:

American Standard Version

yea, thus saith Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel, concerning the vessels that are left in the house of Jehovah, and in the house of the king of Judah, and at Jerusalem:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 27:21 delivers a profound prophetic declaration from the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, concerning the remaining sacred vessels in the Temple and the royal treasury in Jerusalem. This verse serves as a direct divine pronouncement, setting the stage for the inevitable Babylonian exile and the fate of these cherished objects, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly institutions and possessions, even those dedicated to His worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 27:21 is strategically placed within a series of divine oracles delivered by Jeremiah during the nascent years of King Zedekiah's reign in Judah (c. 594-593 BC). The preceding verses ([Jeremiah 27:1-11](/jeremiah/27-1-11 "Jeremiah 27:1-11 - The Yoke of Babylon")) vividly depict Jeremiah wearing a literal yoke, a powerful visual metaphor for the impending servitude of Judah and surrounding nations to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. This dramatic act directly countered the comforting, but false, prophecies of peace and a swift return of the temple vessels already plundered in earlier Babylonian incursions (as recorded in [2 Kings 24:13](/2_kings/24-13 "2 Kings 24:13 - Jehiachin's Captivity and Temple Plunder") and [Daniel 1:1-2](/daniel/1-1-2 "Daniel 1:1-2 - Daniel's Captivity and Temple Vessels Taken")). Jeremiah 27:12-15 specifically warns Zedekiah and the priestly class against listening to these deceptive messages, emphasizing that submission to Babylon is God's sovereign decree. Therefore, verse 21 serves as a precise, undeniable confirmation of the ongoing judgment, focusing on the remaining precious items as a tangible sign of Judah's complete and unavoidable subjugation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Jeremiah 27 is the precarious twilight of the Kingdom of Judah. Following the first Babylonian deportation in 605 BC (which included Daniel) and the second in 597 BC (which saw King Jehoiachin and Ezekiel exiled), Jerusalem existed under the precarious puppet rule of King Zedekiah. Despite the clear signs of divine judgment, the people, particularly the religious and political elite, clung to a misplaced sense of security. They believed that God would unequivocally protect Jerusalem and its sacred Temple, and that the previously plundered vessels would soon be returned. The Temple itself was not merely a building; it was the spiritual and national heart of Judah, and its vessels were not mere artifacts but sacred instruments integral to divine worship, symbolizing God's manifest presence among His people. Similarly, the king's house (palace) housed significant treasures, embodying the nation's wealth, sovereignty, and political independence. Jeremiah's prophecy directly confronts this false confidence, asserting that even these most sacred and royal symbols of Judah's identity and covenant relationship with God would be subject to divine judgment and foreign conquest.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent in the book of Jeremiah and broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty**, emphasizing that the [LORD of hosts](/jeremiah/27-21 "Jeremiah 27:21 - The LORD of Hosts"), the God of Israel, is the ultimate arbiter of history, not earthly kings or empires. His word, delivered through Jeremiah, dictates the fate of nations and objects, demonstrating His absolute control over human affairs, including the rise and fall of kingdoms (compare [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")). Secondly, it underscores **Prophetic Authority**, as Jeremiah speaks with the unmistakable formula, "thus saith the LORD," validating the certainty and immutability of God's revealed will, even when it conveys a message of impending doom. Thirdly, the fate of the vessels symbolizes the broader **Judgment and Consequence** facing Judah due to its persistent idolatry, covenant unfaithfulness, and pervasive moral corruption. Even the most sacred items associated with the Temple were not immune to the consequences of the nation's sin (see [Jeremiah 7:1-15](/jeremiah/7 "Jeremiah 7 - The Temple Sermon")). Lastly, it implicitly teaches the **Transience of Earthly Possessions and Institutions**, reminding Judah—and us—that all material wealth, power, and even religious structures are ultimately subordinate to God's purposes and can be removed or altered according to His sovereign plan (as seen in [Haggai 2:6-9](/haggai/2-6-9 "Haggai 2:6-9 - Shaking of the Heavens and Earth")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh_):** This is the sacred covenant name of God, often rendered as "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." Derived from the Hebrew root for "to be" or "to exist," it signifies God as the self-existent, eternal, and unchanging One. Its use here, combined with "of hosts" (_tsâbâʼ_), emphasizes God's personal, covenantal relationship with Israel, yet also His immense power and authority as the sovereign ruler who is about to execute judgment upon His own people, demonstrating His unyielding justice.
* **vessels (Hebrew, _kᵉlîy_):** This term is broad, referring to any prepared apparatus, implement, utensil, or vessel. In this specific context, it denotes the sacred objects used in the Temple worship (e.g., bowls, basins, censers, lampstands) and valuable items from the royal palace. These were not merely utilitarian objects but held profound religious and national significance, representing God's presence and Judah's covenant identity. Their impending fate directly reflects the nation's spiritual condition and impending desolation.
* **remain (Hebrew, _yâthar_):** A primitive root meaning "to jut over or exceed," and by implication, "to excel," or intransitively, "to remain or be left." Here, it critically highlights the fact that these are the *surviving* vessels, those that were not taken in the earlier Babylonian deportations. The prophet's specific focus on what "remains" underscores the completeness and finality of the impending judgment – even these last vestiges of Judah's spiritual and national glory will not be spared.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yea, thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel,"**: This opening clause is a powerful and authoritative prophetic formula, known as a divine oracle. "Yea, thus saith" unequivocally establishes the direct, undeniable authority of the message as originating from God Himself, not merely Jeremiah's personal opinion or interpretation. "The LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) emphasizes God's supreme power as the commander of heavenly armies and the sovereign ruler over all creation, including nations and their leaders. "The God of Israel" reaffirms His unique covenant relationship with His chosen people, highlighting that this severe judgment comes from their own faithful God, not a foreign deity, thereby underscoring His justice and righteousness in holding His covenant people accountable.
* **"concerning the vessels that remain"**: This clause precisely specifies the immediate subject of the divine pronouncement. The "vessels" (kᵉlîy) refer to the sacred implements of the Temple and the valuable items of the royal palace. The crucial phrase "that remain" indicates that these are the objects that have *not yet* been plundered in previous Babylonian incursions. The prophecy is now directed at these last remaining symbols of Judah's religious and national heritage, signifying that the judgment is not yet complete.
* **"[in] the house of the LORD, and [in] the house of the king of Judah and of Jerusalem;"**: This clause precisely identifies the physical location of these remaining vessels. "The house of the LORD" refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, the spiritual and religious center of the nation, where God's presence was believed to dwell. "The house of the king of Judah and of Jerusalem" refers to the royal palace, representing the political authority, national sovereignty, and material wealth of the kingdom. By specifying both the sacred and the secular, the prophecy declares that no aspect of Judah's national life, whether religious or political, will escape the impending, comprehensive judgment. The fate of these objects symbolizes the complete overthrow of both the religious and political structures of Judah.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 27:21 employs several potent literary devices to convey its powerful and sobering message. The most prominent is the **Divine Oracle Formula**, "Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel," which immediately establishes the absolute authority and divine origin of the prophecy. This formula is a hallmark of prophetic literature, lending immense weight and certainty to the words that follow, making it clear that the message is not human but divine. **Symbolism** is also central, with the "vessels" serving as potent symbols. They represent not only the material wealth and sacredness of the Temple but also the very identity, covenant relationship, and spiritual state of Judah. Their impending removal symbolizes the complete breakdown of the covenant, the loss of national sovereignty, and the desolation of Jerusalem. Furthermore, the **Parallelism** and **Repetition** of "house" ("house of the LORD" and "house of the king") serve to emphasize the comprehensive nature of the judgment, affecting both the religious and political spheres of Judah's life. This structural choice underscores that no part of the nation, however sacred or powerful, will be exempt from God's decree.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 27:21 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign control over history and His unwavering commitment to justice. The fate of the vessels, seemingly insignificant objects, becomes a tangible sign of a greater theological truth: God's judgment is comprehensive, touching every aspect of a nation's life when it persists in disobedience. Yet, even within this severe pronouncement, there is a subtle undercurrent of God's ultimate faithfulness. While the vessels are taken, they are not destroyed, foreshadowing a future restoration when God will bring His people back from exile and return the sacred items to their rightful place. This demonstrates that God's judgment is corrective, not merely punitive, aiming to purify His people and prepare them for renewed covenant faithfulness.

* [2 Kings 25:13-17](/2_kings/25-13-17 "2 Kings 25:13-17 - Temple Plunder by Babylon")
* [Ezra 1:7-11](/ezra/1-7-11 "Ezra 1:7-11 - Cyrus Returns Temple Vessels")
* [Daniel 5:1-4](/daniel/5-1-4 "Daniel 5:1-4 - Belshazzar's Feast and the Profaned Vessels")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 27:21 serves as a stark reminder that our most cherished possessions, institutions, and even sacred objects are ultimately subject to God's sovereign will. For ancient Judah, it was a call to humble submission to God's decreed judgment, a recognition that their security lay not in the physical presence of the Temple or its vessels, but in obedience to the LORD. For believers today, this verse offers profound lessons. It compels us to examine where we place our trust and security. Do we rely on material wealth, national strength, or even the outward forms of religious practice? Or do we place our ultimate hope in the unchanging character and sovereign plan of God? It challenges us to understand that God's purposes often involve discomfort, loss, and the dismantling of familiar structures to bring about deeper spiritual transformation. True security and flourishing are found not in what we possess or where we worship, but in humble submission to God's will and unwavering trust in His faithfulness, even when His ways are difficult to comprehend.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "vessels" or cherished possessions in my life might I be trusting in more than God's sovereign plan?**
* **How does the concept of God's sovereignty, even in judgment, shape my understanding of difficult circumstances in my own life or in the world?**
* **In what ways might I be clinging to outward forms of faith or religious tradition rather than cultivating a heart of true obedience and submission to God?**

### FAQ
**What was the ultimate fate of these vessels mentioned in Jeremiah 27:21?**

Answer: While Jeremiah prophesied their removal, he also hinted at their eventual return. The vessels that remained in Jerusalem, along with those taken earlier, were indeed carried off to Babylon during the final siege and destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC (as detailed in [2 Kings 25:13-17](/2_kings/25-13-17 "2 Kings 25:13-17 - Nebuzaradan Plunders the Temple")). They were stored in the treasury of the Babylonian gods. However, God's faithfulness to His covenant people ensured their preservation. After the seventy years of Babylonian exile, when Cyrus the Great issued his decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem, he commanded that these very vessels be returned to the Jewish exiles for the rebuilding of the Temple (see [Ezra 1:7-11](/ezra/1-7-11 "Ezra 1:7-11 - Cyrus Returns Temple Vessels")). This remarkable fulfillment demonstrated God's precise control over history and His commitment to His promises.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 27:21, with its focus on the fate of the Temple vessels, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. The Old Testament Temple, with its sacred objects and rituals, was a shadow pointing to the ultimate reality found in Jesus Christ. The plundering of the physical Temple vessels symbolized the temporary nature of the Old Covenant system and the impending desolation of a people who had rejected God's covenant. However, in Christ, we see the true and eternal "vessel" of God's presence. Jesus declared Himself to be the ultimate Temple, stating, "[Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")". His body, broken and raised, became the new and living way to God, fulfilling all the types and shadows of the Old Covenant Temple and its sacred items. Furthermore, the prophet Daniel later recounts King Belshazzar's sacrilegious use of these very vessels from the Jerusalem Temple, leading to divine judgment ([Daniel 5:1-4](/daniel/5-1-4 "Daniel 5:1-4 - Belshazzar's Feast and the Profaned Vessels")). This act of desecration foreshadows the ultimate profaning of God's holy presence through sin, a problem only solved by Christ's perfect sacrifice. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus inaugurated a new covenant where believers themselves become the "[temple of the Holy Spirit](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple")", and the spiritual worship offered is no longer tied to physical objects or a specific earthly building, but is "[in spirit and truth](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")". Thus, the temporary removal and eventual return of the physical vessels point to the greater reality of Christ's triumph over sin and death, establishing an eternal spiritual kingdom and a new dwelling place for God among His people, not made with human hands.

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.