Jeremiah 27:3

KJV

And send them to the king of Edom, and to the king of Moab, and to the king of the Ammonites, and to the king of Tyrus, and to the king of Zidon, by the hand of the messengers which come to Jerusalem unto Zedekiah king of Judah;

KJV (with Strong's)

And send {H7971} them to the king {H4428} of Edom {H123}, and to the king {H4428} of Moab {H4124}, and to the king {H4428} of the Ammonites {H1121}{H5983}, and to the king {H4428} of Tyrus {H6865}, and to the king {H4428} of Zidon {H6721}, by the hand {H3027} of the messengers {H4397} which come {H935} to Jerusalem {H3389} unto Zedekiah {H6667} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063};

Complete Jewish Bible

Send [similar yokes] to the kings of Edom, of Mo'av, of the people of 'Amon, of Tzor, and of Tzidon by means of the envoys they send to Yerushalayim, and to Tzidkiyahu king of Y'hudah.

Berean Standard Bible

Send word to the kings of Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre, and Sidon through the envoys who have come to Jerusalem to Zedekiah king of Judah.

American Standard Version

and send them to the king of Edom, and to the king of Moab, and to the king of the children of Ammon, and to the king of Tyre, and to the king of Sidon, by the hand of the messengers that come to Jerusalem unto Zedekiah king of Judah:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 27:3 records God's explicit command to the prophet Jeremiah to deliver a message of divine judgment and impending Babylonian dominion to the kings of Edom, Moab, the Ammonites, Tyre, and Sidon. This instruction was to be carried out through the diplomatic envoys from these nations who were currently present in Jerusalem, consulting with King Zedekiah of Judah, likely to forge an alliance against Nebuchadnezzar. The verse highlights God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His orchestration of geopolitical events to fulfill His predetermined purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 27:3 is an integral part of a larger prophetic oracle spanning [Jeremiah 27](/jeremiah/27 "Jeremiah 27 - The Yoke of Babylon") and [Jeremiah 28](/jeremiah/28 "Jeremiah 28 - Hananiah's False Prophecy"). The immediate preceding verse, [Jeremiah 27:2](/jeremiah/27-2 "Jeremiah 27:2 - Jeremiah's Symbolic Yoke"), describes Jeremiah's symbolic act of wearing yokes and bonds, a powerful visual aid to underscore the message of submission to Babylon. This symbolic action, commanded by the Lord, sets the stage for the verbal message delivered in verse 3. The subsequent verses (e.g., [Jeremiah 27:6-8](/jeremiah/27-6 "Jeremiah 27:6-8 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant")) elaborate on God's decree that all nations, including Judah, must serve Nebuchadnezzar, whom God explicitly calls "my servant." The presence of these foreign messengers in Jerusalem indicates a diplomatic gathering, likely an attempt to form a coalition against the rising Babylonian power, a move directly countered by God's prophetic word through Jeremiah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This prophecy is set during the early years of King Zedekiah's reign in Judah (c. 597-586 BC), a period of intense geopolitical flux in the ancient Near East. The Neo-Babylonian Empire, under Nebuchadnezzar, had rapidly ascended to dominance, having already sacked Jerusalem in 597 BC and deported King Jehoiachin and many elites. Surrounding nations, including those listed in [Jeremiah 27:3](/jeremiah/27-3 "Jeremiah 27:3 - Message to Neighboring Kings"), were grappling with the reality of Babylonian hegemony. Culturally, alliances were common among smaller kingdoms seeking to resist larger empires. Jerusalem, as a significant regional capital, served as a natural hub for such diplomatic discussions. The envoys mentioned were likely present to discuss a joint rebellion against Babylon, making Jeremiah's divinely-mandated message of submission all the more shocking and counter-cultural.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme underscored by this verse and the broader chapter is **Divine Sovereignty**. God's declaration that He has given all these lands into Nebuchadnezzar's hand (as seen in [Jeremiah 27:6](/jeremiah/27-6 "Jeremiah 27:6 - God's Gift to Nebuchadnezzar")) powerfully asserts His ultimate control over the rise and fall of nations, even those seemingly outside His covenant people. This challenges human notions of political power and self-determination, emphasizing that earthly rulers are ultimately instruments in God's cosmic plan (compare with [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")). Another crucial theme is **Submission to God's Will**, even when it is counter-intuitive or humiliating. The command to submit to a pagan king highlights that true obedience means aligning with God's purposes, regardless of personal or nationalistic desires. Finally, the verse demonstrates the **Universal Scope of God's Judgment and Authority**, extending His prophetic word beyond Judah to the surrounding nations, indicating His dominion over all peoples and their destinies.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **send (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** This verb (H7971) signifies a primitive root meaning "to send away, for, or out." In this context, it conveys a direct, authoritative command from God to Jeremiah. It implies a deliberate dispatching of a message or person with a specific purpose. Here, it is not merely a suggestion but a divine imperative for Jeremiah to transmit a crucial, divinely-ordained word to these foreign kings, emphasizing the urgency and non-negotiable nature of the message.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** The noun (H3027) refers to the "hand," but in a broader sense, it denotes power, means, agency, or instrument. "By the hand of the messengers" indicates that these foreign envoys are to serve as the direct conduit or instrument through which God's message, delivered by Jeremiah, will reach their respective kings. It highlights the practical and immediate means of transmission, utilizing the very diplomatic channels that were likely intended for anti-Babylonian coalition building.
* **messengers (Hebrew, _mălʼâk'_):** This noun (H4397) typically means "messenger" or "angel" (when referring to God's divine messengers). Here, it specifically refers to human envoys or ambassadors. The fact that God uses these foreign "messengers" to carry His word back to their own kings underscores the irony and divine efficiency of the command. It implies that God can use any available means, even the very individuals plotting against His will, to accomplish His sovereign purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And send them to the king of Edom, and to the king of Moab, and to the king of the Ammonites, and to the king of Tyrus, and to the king of Zidon,"**: This opening clause details the recipients of Jeremiah's message. The listing of these specific nations—Edom, Moab, Ammon (Ammonites), Tyre, and Sidon—is significant. These were Judah's immediate neighbors, often involved in complex alliances and conflicts with Judah throughout its history. Their inclusion demonstrates the comprehensive reach of God's decree, indicating that His sovereign plan extends beyond Judah to encompass all surrounding nations caught in the geopolitical shifts of the time. The repetition of "the king of" before each nation emphasizes that the message is directed at the highest authority, demanding national submission.
* **"by the hand of the messengers"**: This phrase specifies the method of delivery. Rather than Jeremiah traveling to each kingdom, God instructs him to use the existing diplomatic channels. The "messengers" are the foreign envoys who have come to Jerusalem. This detail adds a layer of dramatic irony: those who likely came to forge alliances against Babylon are now unwittingly tasked with carrying a divine message commanding submission to Babylon. This highlights God's ability to orchestrate events and use human agents, even those with opposing agendas, to fulfill His will.
* **"which come to Jerusalem unto Zedekiah king of Judah;"**: This final clause clarifies the context of the messengers' presence. They are not random travelers but official representatives who have specifically come to Jerusalem to meet with King Zedekiah. This confirms the setting as a diplomatic gathering, likely for the purpose of discussing a united front against Nebuchadnezzar. Jeremiah's message, therefore, serves as a direct divine counter-proposal to their earthly schemes, delivered at the very nexus of their political maneuvering. It underscores the clash between human strategic planning and God's sovereign, overarching plan.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 27:3 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Enumeration**, as the verse meticulously lists five distinct nations and their kings: Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre, and Sidon. This detailed listing serves to emphasize the comprehensive scope of God's decree, demonstrating that His sovereign authority extends over all the surrounding kingdoms, not just Judah. It underscores the universality of the prophetic word. Another device is **Metonymy**, particularly in the phrase "by the hand of the messengers." Here, "hand" stands for agency or means, indicating that the messengers are the instruments through which the divine message is to be conveyed. This specific phrasing highlights the practical and immediate method of transmission. Furthermore, the entire scenario presented in this verse, when viewed in conjunction with the symbolic yokes of [Jeremiah 27:2](/jeremiah/27-2 "Jeremiah 27:2 - Jeremiah's Symbolic Yoke"), functions as a form of **Symbolic Action** or **Prophetic Sign-Act**. While the sign-act itself is in the preceding verse, the command to send the message via the envoys is part of the larger symbolic drama, making the message itself a tangible representation of the inevitable subjugation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 27:3 profoundly illustrates the biblical doctrine of divine sovereignty over all earthly powers. It reveals that God is not merely the God of Israel but the Lord of all creation, orchestrating the rise and fall of empires according to His perfect will. The command to submit to Nebuchadnezzar, a pagan king, demonstrates that God can use any instrument, even those unaware of His purposes, to achieve His redemptive and judgmental plans. This challenges human pride and self-reliance, calling all nations to acknowledge a higher authority. It teaches that true peace and security are found not in political alliances or military strength, but in discerning and aligning with God's revealed will, however counter-intuitive it may seem. The message is a stark reminder that resistance to God's appointed means of judgment or discipline will only lead to greater devastation, while humble submission, even to difficult circumstances, can lead to preservation.

* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Judges the Earth"): "For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another."
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand"): "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will."
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities"): "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 27:3 offers a timeless lesson on God's unwavering sovereignty in a world often characterized by political turmoil and human ambition. For believers today, this verse serves as a powerful anchor, reminding us that even amidst global crises, shifting political landscapes, or personal adversities, God remains firmly on His throne, actively working out His purposes. It challenges us to look beyond immediate circumstances and human strategies, trusting that God is ultimately in control, even when His methods seem perplexing or His instruments unexpected. This calls us to a posture of humble submission to His will, recognizing that true wisdom lies in aligning our lives and our nations with His divine plan, rather than resisting His sovereign hand. It encourages discernment, urging us to seek God's perspective on current events and to pray for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, even if it means submitting to difficult realities for a season.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God's absolute sovereignty over nations impact your view of current global events?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to humble submission, even when it feels counter-intuitive or goes against your personal desires?**
* **How can understanding God's use of unexpected instruments (like Nebuchadnezzar) deepen your trust in His wisdom and plan?**

### FAQ

**Why would God command submission 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 an instrument of His divine judgment and discipline upon His own people, Judah, and the surrounding nations for their idolatry and disobedience. As seen in [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant"), God explicitly calls Nebuchadnezzar "my servant" for this specific purpose. This demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and rulers, using even ungodly powers to accomplish His righteous purposes. It was a call to humble repentance and acknowledgment of God's ultimate authority, rather than futile resistance.

**What was the significance of these specific nations being addressed?**

Answer: The nations listed—Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre, and Sidon—were Judah's immediate neighbors and frequent allies or adversaries. Their inclusion signifies the comprehensive reach of God's judgment and His universal dominion. These nations, like Judah, were caught in the geopolitical struggles of the ancient Near East and were likely attempting to form a coalition against Babylon. By addressing them directly through Jeremiah, God emphasized that His plan for Babylonian supremacy was not limited to Judah but encompassed the entire region, demonstrating His control over all peoples and their destinies, and countering their human-devised plans for resistance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 27:3, with its stark declaration of divine sovereignty over nations and the call to submit to an appointed earthly authority, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as God used Nebuchadnezzar as an instrument for His purposes, so too did He orchestrate all of history, including the rise and fall of empires, to bring about the coming of His Son. Christ Himself is the true King, to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). The message of submission in Jeremiah foreshadows the ultimate call to submit to Christ's benevolent reign. While Jeremiah's message was one of submission to a yoke of earthly servitude, Christ offers a different kind of yoke: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Christ's Easy Yoke")). Through His perfect obedience to the Father, even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience Unto Death")), Jesus demonstrated the ultimate act of submission to God's sovereign will. His resurrection and ascension confirm His universal kingship, establishing a kingdom that will never be destroyed ([Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Everlasting Dominion")). Thus, the prophetic word to the nations in Jeremiah 27:3 ultimately points to the day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")).

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

Amos 1:9

Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Tyrus, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because they delivered up the whole captivity to Edom, and remembered not the brotherly covenant:

Amos 2:3

And I will cut off the judge from the midst thereof, and will slay all the princes thereof with him, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 25:19

Pharaoh king of Egypt, and his servants, and his princes, and all his people;

Jeremiah 25:26

And all the kings of the north, far and near, one with another, and all the kingdoms of the world, which [are] upon the face of the earth: and the king of Sheshach shall drink after them.

2 Chronicles 36:13

And he also rebelled against king Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God: but he stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart from turning unto the LORD God of Israel.

Ezekiel 29:18

Son of man, Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon caused his army to serve a great service against Tyrus: every head [was] made bald, and every shoulder [was] peeled: yet had he no wages, nor his army, for Tyrus, for the service that he had served against it:

Ezekiel 25:1

¶ The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying,