Jeremiah 27:5

KJV

I have made the earth, the man and the beast that [are] upon the ground, by my great power and by my outstretched arm, and have given it unto whom it seemed meet unto me.

KJV (with Strong's)

I have made {H6213} the earth {H776}, the man {H120} and the beast {H929} that are upon {H6440} the ground {H776}, by my great {H1419} power {H3581} and by my outstretched {H5186} arm {H2220}, and have given {H5414} it unto whom it seemed {H5869} meet {H3474} unto me.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'"I made the earth, humankind, and the animals on the earth by my great power and my outstretched arm; and I give it to whom it seems right to me.

Berean Standard Bible

By My great power and outstretched arm, I made the earth and the men and beasts on the face of it, and I give it to whom I please.

American Standard Version

I have made the earth, the men and the beasts that are upon the face of the earth, by my great power and by my outstretched arm; and I give it unto whom it seemeth right unto me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 27:5 is a profound declaration of God's absolute and unchallengeable sovereignty over all creation and the affairs of humanity. Through the prophet Jeremiah, the Lord asserts His singular role as the Creator of the earth, mankind, and all living creatures, emphasizing that this act of creation was accomplished by His immense power and irresistible might. Furthermore, the verse unequivocally states God's prerogative to distribute dominion and authority among nations and rulers according to His divine wisdom and sovereign will, underscoring that no earthly power exists outside His ultimate control and purposeful design.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 27 is part of a series of prophetic messages delivered by Jeremiah during the reign of King Zedekiah of Judah (c. 597-586 BC). Specifically, this chapter presents a symbolic act where Jeremiah wears a yoke, signifying the impending servitude of Judah and surrounding nations to Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon. The message is directed not only to Zedekiah but also to the ambassadors from Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre, and Sidon who had come to Jerusalem, likely to form an an alliance against Babylon. Jeremiah's message, including verse 5, serves as a divine counter-narrative to their rebellious plans, asserting that submission to Babylon is not merely a political necessity but a divinely ordained act of God's judgment and sovereign will. This declaration of God's universal dominion sets the theological foundation for the command to submit.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late 7th and early 6th centuries BC were a period of intense geopolitical upheaval in the ancient Near East. The Neo-Babylonian Empire, under Nebuchadnezzar II, had risen to prominence, having decisively defeated Assyria and Egypt. Judah, a small kingdom caught between these superpowers, was struggling to maintain its independence. After the first Babylonian siege of Jerusalem in 597 BC, King Jehoiachin was exiled, and Zedekiah was installed as a puppet king. Despite this, there was a strong pro-Egyptian faction in Jerusalem and among neighboring states advocating for rebellion against Babylon. Jeremiah's prophecy directly confronts this political resistance, asserting that Babylon's ascendancy is not a mere geopolitical accident but an instrument in God's hands. The cultural understanding of gods often tied their power to their specific lands or peoples, but Jeremiah’s message radically elevates Yahweh as the supreme God over all nations and their destinies.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 27:5 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **absolute sovereignty of God** over creation and history. God is not merely a national deity but the universal Creator and controller of all things, from the smallest beast to the greatest empire. This theme is foundational to understanding God's justice and judgment throughout Jeremiah, as seen in His use of Babylon as His "servant" to punish Judah and other nations [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant"). Secondly, it highlights **divine providence**, asserting that even seemingly chaotic or oppressive historical events are part of God's deliberate and purposeful plan. The rise and fall of empires are not random but are orchestrated by God according to His will [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons"). Thirdly, the verse implicitly calls for **humility and submission** to God's revealed will, even when it involves hardship or submission to an earthly oppressor. Resisting God's ordained path, even through a pagan king, is presented as rebellion against God Himself.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Made (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** This verb signifies "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." In the context of creation, it denotes God's active, intentional, and comprehensive work in bringing the earth, man, and beast into existence. It emphasizes not just the act of creation, but also the ongoing work of God in shaping and maintaining His creation. This word highlights God's power as the ultimate artisan and architect of reality.
* **Power (Hebrew, _kôach'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be firm," _kôach_ refers to vigor, force, might, or strength. It denotes the inherent ability and capacity of God to execute His will without hindrance. When applied to God's creative acts and His control over nations, it speaks to His irresistible and unassailable might, a power that transcends all earthly limitations and opposition. It is the raw, unyielding energy by which God accomplishes His purposes.
* **Arm (Hebrew, _zᵉrôwaʻ'_):** This word literally refers to the arm or foreleg, but figuratively, it represents force, might, or strength. When paired with "outstretched" (Hebrew, _nâṭâh'_), it forms a powerful idiom, "outstretched arm," which is a recurring biblical motif. While often associated with God's acts of deliverance (e.g., the Exodus), here it signifies His active, manifest, and irresistible power in establishing and controlling nations. It underscores that God's authority is not merely conceptual but actively demonstrated through powerful intervention in human affairs, whether for salvation or judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I have made the earth, the man and the beast that [are] upon the ground":** This opening clause unequivocally asserts God's identity as the sole and supreme Creator. It encompasses the entire terrestrial realm – the physical world ("earth"), humanity ("man"), and all animal life ("beast"). This foundational statement establishes God's inherent right to govern and dispose of His creation as He sees fit, as His ownership is rooted in His creative act.
* **"by my great power and by my outstretched arm":** This phrase explains the *means* by which God accomplished creation and continues to exercise control. "Great power" refers to His inherent, limitless might, while "outstretched arm" is a powerful anthropomorphic idiom signifying His active, irresistible, and direct intervention. It conveys the idea of a force that cannot be resisted or turned back, emphasizing the effortlessness and effectiveness of God's sovereign will.
* **"and have given it unto whom it seemed meet unto me":** This concluding clause pivots from creation to divine providence and governance. "It" refers to the created order, particularly dominion over it, including the nations and their territories. The phrase "unto whom it seemed meet unto me" highlights God's absolute discretion, wisdom, and sovereign prerogative in distributing authority and establishing rulers. It implies that God's decisions are based on His perfect judgment and purpose, independent of human merit, preference, or understanding, and that His assignments of power are righteous and fitting in His sight.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 27:5 is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological message. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, seen in the phrase "my outstretched arm." While God is spirit and has no physical body, this imagery attributes a human characteristic (an arm) to Him to convey His active, powerful, and direct involvement in creation and governance. This device makes God's immense power relatable and understandable to human readers. Closely related is the **Idiom** "outstretched arm," which is a well-established biblical phrase signifying irresistible might and decisive action, particularly in acts of creation, deliverance, or judgment. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Divine Declaration** or **Assertion**, where God Himself speaks directly, using the first-person pronoun "I," to underscore the undeniable truth and authority of His claims. This direct address lends immense weight and finality to the pronouncement of His sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 27:5 serves as a theological cornerstone, asserting God's absolute sovereignty not only over creation but also over the course of human history and the destinies of nations. This declaration is crucial for understanding the prophetic message of Jeremiah, as it grounds the seemingly harsh command to submit to Babylon in the unassailable truth of God's universal dominion. It challenges any humanistic or nationalistic view that would place human will or political power above the divine, reminding us that all authority is delegated by God and serves His ultimate purposes. The verse emphasizes that God's actions are never arbitrary but are always "meet" (fitting, right) in His perfect wisdom, even when they involve hardship or the elevation of pagan rulers, thereby affirming His righteous governance over all things.

* [Psalm 115:3](/psalms/115-3 "Psalm 115:3 - Our God Is in the Heavens; He Does All That He Pleases")
* [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - The Most High Rules the Kingdom of Men")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often characterized by political turmoil, shifting powers, and a sense of human helplessness in the face of global events, Jeremiah 27:5 offers a profound anchor for faith and a challenging call to perspective. It reminds us that behind the headlines and the machinations of human leaders, there is a sovereign God who remains on the throne, orchestrating all things according to His eternal purpose. This truth should inspire deep trust, knowing that our ultimate hope is not in earthly governments or human strategies, but in the God who made the earth by His great power and gives dominion to whomever He pleases. It calls us to cultivate a posture of humility, recognizing that our plans and desires, however well-intentioned, are ultimately subservient to His overarching will. Furthermore, it encourages us to view world events not merely through a secular or political lens, but through the lens of God's active involvement, seeking to discern His hand and purposes even in challenging circumstances, and to pray for those in authority, knowing their power is derived from Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's absolute sovereignty in Jeremiah 27:5 impact your perspective on current global or national events?**
* **In what areas of your life do you struggle to submit to God's will, especially when it seems "unmeet" or contrary to your own desires?**
* **How can the truth of God's "outstretched arm" bring you comfort and confidence in times of personal or collective uncertainty?**

### FAQ
**Does Jeremiah 27:5 imply that God is responsible for all evil or oppressive regimes in history?**

Answer: Jeremiah 27:5 declares God's ultimate sovereignty and His prerogative to *give* authority "unto whom it seemed meet unto me." This means that no ruler or nation comes to power without God's permission or appointment, even if they are pagan or oppressive. God uses all things, including the actions of wicked rulers, to accomplish His ultimate purposes, whether for judgment, discipline, or the advancement of His kingdom. However, this does not mean God *approves* of or *causes* the evil acts committed by these regimes. He permits them within His sovereign plan, often as a consequence of human sin or as a means to bring about repentance and justice. God remains holy and just, even when He uses imperfect or sinful instruments to achieve His will [Habakkuk 1:5-11](/habakkuk/1-5 "Habakkuk 1:5-11 - God Using the Chaldeans")).

**What does "seemed meet unto me" reveal about God's character?**

Answer: The phrase "seemed meet unto me" (KJV) or "is right in my eyes" (ESV) emphasizes God's absolute wisdom, righteousness, and discretion. It reveals that God's decisions are not arbitrary, capricious, or subject to human opinion or counsel. Instead, they are rooted in His perfect nature—His infinite wisdom, justice, and goodness. What "seems meet" to God is always what is fitting, proper, and ultimately serves His righteous and loving purposes, even if humans cannot fully comprehend them at the time. It underscores His unchallengeable authority and His status as the ultimate moral standard and judge.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 27:5, with its powerful declaration of God's sovereign creation and control over all earthly dominion, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament verse speaks of God giving authority "unto whom it seemed meet," the New Testament reveals that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to the resurrected Christ [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus"). Jesus, as the eternal Word, is not merely an instrument of God's power but is Himself the agent through whom all things were made and by whom all things are sustained [John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him"); [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer"). The "outstretched arm" of God, which created the world and set up kings, is perfectly embodied in Christ, who demonstrates divine power over creation, disease, and death, and who ultimately disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities through His cross [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers"). Thus, the seemingly arbitrary distribution of power in Jeremiah 27:5 culminates in the perfect, righteous reign of the Son, to whom all nations will ultimately bow [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus"). He is the true King whom God has appointed to rule forever, ensuring that God's sovereign plan for creation and humanity is perfectly realized through Him [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord and of His Christ").

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 51:15

He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heaven by his understanding.

Psalms 115:15

Ye [are] blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth.

Psalms 115:16

The heaven, [even] the heavens, [are] the LORD'S: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.

Jeremiah 32:17

Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, [and] there is nothing too hard for thee:

Hebrews 1:10

And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:

Hebrews 1:11

They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment;

Daniel 4:17

This matter [is] by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.