Jeremiah 27:4

KJV

And command them to say unto their masters, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Thus shall ye say unto your masters;

KJV (with Strong's)

And command {H6680} them to say {H559} unto their masters {H113}, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}; Thus shall ye say {H559} unto your masters {H113};

Complete Jewish Bible

Give them this message for their masters by telling their envoys that ADONAI-Tzva'ot, the God of Isra'el, says for them to tell their masters:

Berean Standard Bible

Give them a message from the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, to relay to their masters:

American Standard Version

and give them a charge unto their masters, saying, Thus saith Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel, Thus shall ye say unto your masters:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 27:4 inaugurates a pivotal divine mandate delivered through the prophet Jeremiah to the envoys of various nations gathered in Jerusalem. This verse powerfully asserts the absolute authority of the message's sender—"the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel"—commanding these foreign representatives to convey God's precise and authoritative word directly to their respective kings. It sets the immutable stage for a declaration of divine sovereignty over all earthly powers, revealing God's active orchestration of geopolitical events and the impending subjugation of these nations to Babylon, all to fulfill His predetermined purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 27:4 serves as the authoritative opening of a significant prophetic oracle that spans [Jeremiah 27-28](/jeremiah/27 "Jeremiah 27 - The Yoke of Babylon"). This chapter immediately follows a series of prophecies against various foreign nations (as seen in [Jeremiah 25](/jeremiah/25 "Jeremiah 25 - Prophecy Against Nations")) and Jeremiah's personal struggles and laments (detailed in [Jeremiah 26](/jeremiah/26 "Jeremiah 26 - Jeremiah's Arrest and Acquittal")). The specific narrative context of chapter 27 involves the presence of envoys from Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre, and Sidon in Jerusalem, who were likely conspiring with King Zedekiah of Judah to form an alliance against the formidable and rising power of Babylon. In response to this political maneuvering, God commands Jeremiah to craft yokes and send them to these kings, symbolizing their inevitable and divinely ordained submission to Nebuchadnezzar. Verse 4 initiates the direct divine message that these envoys are to relay, emphatically stating that the words are not Jeremiah's own, but an authoritative utterance from the Almighty, thereby setting the tone for the entire message of submission that follows in [Jeremiah 27:5-11](/jeremiah/27-5-11 "Jeremiah 27:5-11 - God's Sovereignty Over Nations and the Yoke of Babylon").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Jeremiah 27 is the early reign of King Zedekiah (c. 597-586 BCE), a period characterized by intense geopolitical instability and a desperate struggle for regional autonomy. Babylon, under the formidable leadership of Nebuchadnezzar, had firmly established its dominance after decisively defeating Egypt at Carchemish (605 BCE) and subsequently conquering Judah, leading to the first significant deportation of Judahites in 597 BCE. Despite this subjugation, some nations, including Judah, harbored persistent hopes of throwing off the Babylonian yoke. The gathering of these foreign envoys in Jerusalem indicates a concerted effort to forge a military coalition aimed at resisting Babylonian hegemony. Culturally, the act of a prophet delivering a message to foreign dignitaries on behalf of their deity was a profoundly powerful statement in the ancient Near East, where national gods were typically believed to control only their respective territories. The message from "the God of Israel" to pagan kings asserted a universal claim of sovereignty, directly challenging the prevailing polytheistic worldview and the political ambitions of these nations.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces and reinforces several key themes central to the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty** is paramount, as the unequivocal declaration "Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel" immediately establishes God's absolute and unchallenged control over all nations and their destinies. It highlights that even powerful empires like Babylon are mere instruments in His hands, fulfilling His divine purpose, a theme profoundly echoed in [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"). Secondly, **Prophetic Authority** is robustly reinforced through the repetitive divine speech formula, "Thus saith the LORD," which validates the message as a direct, unquestionable utterance from God, demanding immediate attention and obedience. This underscores the prophet's crucial role as a divine messenger, not a political advisor or strategist. Lastly, the broader context of [Jeremiah 27](/jeremiah/27 "Jeremiah 27 - The Yoke of Babylon") reveals the overarching theme of **Submission to God's Will**, even when it involves humbling and seemingly adverse circumstances like subjugation to a foreign power. God was meticulously orchestrating these events, and resistance would only lead to greater suffering, emphasizing that true wisdom and peace lie in aligning with God's sovereign and immutable plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **command (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** This primitive root (H6680) signifies an intensive act of constituting or enjoining, meaning "to appoint" or "to give a charge." It implies a definitive, authoritative directive, not merely a suggestion or request. In this context, it highlights the divine imperative behind Jeremiah's mission—he is not merely advising, but delivering a non-negotiable, divinely ordained command from God, which demands precise and immediate execution.
* **masters (Hebrew, _ʼâdôwn'_):** This term (H113) refers to a sovereign, controller, lord, or owner. Here, it specifically denotes the kings of the surrounding nations to whom the envoys are to report. The profound irony is that while these earthly rulers are "masters" in their respective realms, they are ultimately subject to the true and supreme "Master," the LORD of hosts, whose absolute command is being delivered to them, underscoring God's ultimate authority over all human power structures.
* **LORD of hosts (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh tsâbâʼ'_):** This powerful divine title combines the personal, covenantal name of God (H3068, YHWH, "the Self-Existent or Eternal") with "hosts" (H6635, _tsâbâʼ_), which refers to a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially an army or organized body. It signifies God's absolute power and authority as the supreme commander of all heavenly and earthly forces, including celestial armies, the stars, and even human armies. Coupled with "the God of Israel," it underscores that the covenant God of Israel is simultaneously the universal sovereign, extending His unparalleled authority over all nations and their rulers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And command them to say unto their masters":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine origin and mandatory nature of the message. Jeremiah is explicitly instructed to "command" the foreign envoys, emphasizing the urgency, authority, and non-negotiable character of the word they are to deliver. The message is not for Jeremiah to soften, interpret, or modify, but to be relayed precisely and without alteration to their respective kings ("masters"), highlighting the direct chain of divine communication.
* **"Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel;":** This is the quintessential prophetic formula, serving as an unimpeachable declaration of divine authority and authenticity. "Thus saith" (Hebrew: _koh ʼâmar_) is the standard opening for a direct word from God, leaving no doubt about the message's infallible source. The double title, "the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel," powerfully asserts God's universal sovereignty (as "LORD of hosts," the supreme commander of all creation) and His particular, intimate covenant relationship with Israel (as "the God of Israel"). This combination profoundly underscores that the God who chose Israel and made a covenant with them is not merely a tribal deity but the supreme, universal ruler of all nations, whose will extends far beyond His chosen people.
* **"Thus shall ye say unto your masters;":** This repetition of the command to "say unto your masters" serves as a powerful emphasis and reinforcement of the divine imperative. It highlights the directness, precision, and fidelity required in the transmission of God's word. The envoys are not merely passive recipients but active, mandated conduits of a divine decree, reiterating that the message is specifically for their kings and demands their immediate attention and absolute obedience. The divine insistence on this repetition underscores the gravity and non-negotiable nature of the message.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 27:4 primarily employs **Repetition** and the **Divine Speech Formula** to underscore its central message of divine authority and the binding nature of God's word. The phrase "And command them to say unto their masters... Thus shall ye say unto your masters;" features a clear **Repetition** of the command to "say," reinforcing the imperative nature of the message and the precise fidelity required in its transmission. This repetition serves to emphasize the directness and non-negotiable character of God's decree. The **Divine Speech Formula** ("Thus saith the LORD") is a hallmark of prophetic literature, immediately signaling that the following words are not human opinion or political counsel but a direct, authoritative utterance from God Himself. This formula elevates the message above mere human discourse, imbuing it with irrefutable divine backing and demanding unquestioning obedience. Furthermore, the use of the majestic and compound title "**LORD of hosts, the God of Israel**" functions as a powerful form of **Appellation**, highlighting God's dual identity as both the universal sovereign and the covenant God, thereby asserting His unparalleled authority over both His chosen people and all other nations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 27:4 is a profound theological statement on God's absolute and unchallengeable sovereignty over all creation, specifically including the rise and fall of nations and the destinies of their rulers. It unequivocally dispels any notion of human autonomy or self-determination in geopolitical affairs, asserting that even the most powerful kings and empires are ultimately mere instruments in God's hands, fulfilling His divine purposes. The message delivered through Jeremiah demonstrates that God's overarching plan is unfolding precisely according to His divine will, and any resistance to that will, even by formidable foreign powers, is ultimately futile and self-destructive. This verse calls all humanity, from the highest rulers to the common person, to humbly acknowledge God's supreme authority and to align their lives with His purposes, recognizing that true peace, stability, and prosperity come from submission to His divine decree.

* [Psalm 103:19](/psalms/103-19 "God's Sovereignty Over All")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "The King's Heart in God's Hand")
* [Isaiah 45:7](/isaiah/45-7 "God as Creator and Controller of All")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 27:4 stands as a timeless and profoundly relevant reminder that God remains sovereign over all earthly powers and political landscapes, regardless of how chaotic, unpredictable, or unjust they may seem from a human perspective. In an age marked by shifting global alliances, economic uncertainties, political upheavals, and social unrest, this verse encourages believers to place their ultimate trust not in human leaders, national strength, or strategic alliances, but in the unchanging, all-powerful "LORD of hosts, the God of Israel." It challenges us to recognize that God can and does use any circumstance, any nation, or any ruler—even those who do not acknowledge Him or who act contrary to His revealed will—to accomplish His ultimate, redemptive purposes. This truth should inspire both profound humility and unwavering confidence: humility, in recognizing our limited understanding and control over the vast sweep of history; and confidence, in knowing that God's overarching plan for redemption, justice, and the establishment of His kingdom is always unfolding, meticulously and irresistibly. Our primary calling, like Jeremiah's, is to listen for and obey God's authoritative word, trusting that His commands, even when difficult or counter-intuitive, are always for our ultimate good and His eternal glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the declaration "Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel" challenge our modern assumptions about human autonomy, national sovereignty, and the ultimate source of power?**
* **In what specific areas of your personal life, or in current global events, do you find yourself struggling to fully trust God's ultimate control and absolute sovereignty?**
* **What does it mean for you personally to "say unto your masters" (i.e., to faithfully convey God's truth and will) in your various spheres of influence—family, workplace, community—even when it is unpopular, challenging, or requires personal sacrifice?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "LORD of hosts, the God of Israel" in this context?**

The phrase "LORD of hosts, the God of Israel" (Hebrew: *YHWH Sabaoth, Elohei Yisrael*) is profoundly significant and deliberate. "LORD of hosts" (YHWH Sabaoth) emphasizes God's universal sovereignty, omnipotence, and unmatched power as the supreme commander of all heavenly and earthly armies and forces. It declares His absolute authority over all creation and all nations. "The God of Israel" simultaneously highlights His unique, intimate, and covenant relationship with Israel, His chosen people. By combining these two majestic titles, the verse asserts that the God who chose Israel and made a covenant with them is not merely a tribal deity, but the supreme, universal ruler whose authority extends over all peoples, including the pagan kings to whom this message is addressed. This combination underscores that even these foreign "masters" are ultimately subject to the God of Israel, who orchestrates global events according to His divine and sovereign plan, as powerfully seen in [Isaiah 40:23](/isaiah/40-23 "God Brings Rulers to Nothing").

**Why did God command Jeremiah to deliver such a direct message to foreign kings through their envoys?**

God commanded Jeremiah to deliver this direct and uncompromising message to foreign kings through their envoys for several crucial reasons: primarily, to unequivocally demonstrate His absolute sovereignty over all nations and to reveal His divine plan for the region. At this time, these nations were actively attempting to form an alliance against Babylon, thereby resisting God's divinely ordained instrument for judgment and discipline upon Judah and the surrounding nations. By sending this message, God was directly intervening in geopolitical affairs, asserting that Babylon's rise to power was not a mere historical accident or human endeavor but an integral part of His sovereign will. The message of submission, powerfully symbolized by the yokes Jeremiah was also instructed to send, was a divine decree for these nations to accept Babylonian rule, warning that resistance would inevitably lead to severe and devastating consequences. This act served as a powerful prophetic sign, leaving no doubt that the events unfolding were under the direct and meticulous control of the "LORD of hosts," who raises up and brings down kingdoms according to His perfect purpose, as clearly illustrated in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "God Changes Times and Seasons and Removes Kings").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 27:4, with its profound emphasis on divine authority, universal sovereignty, and the absolute nature of God's spoken word, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Jeremiah was a faithful messenger delivering God's authoritative command to earthly kings, Jesus is the very embodiment of that divine authority and the living Word of God made flesh. He is the "LORD of hosts" who condescended to dwell among humanity, the one through whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). The command given to the envoys in Jeremiah 27:4, demanding submission to God's ordained instrument, powerfully foreshadows the universal dominion of Christ, who, after His triumphant resurrection, declared, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "The Great Commission and Christ's Authority")). Just as the nations were commanded to submit to God's will through the temporary dominion of Babylon, so too are all nations now called to submit to the eternal and benevolent reign of Christ, the true King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). The prophetic word delivered by Jeremiah, though powerful and divinely inspired, was a shadow of the living Word, Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate and complete revelation of God's will and the one to whom every knee will one day bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")).

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 10:10

But the LORD [is] the true God, he [is] the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.

Jeremiah 51:19

The portion of Jacob [is] not like them; for he [is] the former of all things: and [Israel is] the rod of his inheritance: the LORD of hosts [is] his name.

Jeremiah 10:16

The portion of Jacob [is] not like them: for he [is] the former of all [things]; and Israel [is] the rod of his inheritance: The LORD of hosts [is] his name.

Jeremiah 25:27

Therefore thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Drink ye, and be drunken, and spue, and fall, and rise no more, because of the sword which I will send among you.

Exodus 5:1

¶ And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness.