Jeremiah 27:6

And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him.

And now have I given {H5414} all these lands {H776} into the hand {H3027} of Nebuchadnezzar {H5019} the king {H4428} of Babylon {H894}, my servant {H5650}; and the beasts {H2416} of the field {H7704} have I given {H5414} him also to serve {H5647} him.

For now, I have given over all these lands to my servant N'vukhadnetzar the king of Bavel; I have also given him the wild animals to serve him.

So now I have placed all these lands under the authority of My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. I have even made the beasts of the field subject to him.

And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field also have I given him to serve him.

Context

Jeremiah 27:6 is part of a prophetic message delivered by the prophet Jeremiah during a pivotal and tumultuous period in Judah's history, specifically in the early years of King Zedekiah's reign (around 597 BC). This era was marked by intense political instability and the looming threat of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Judah and surrounding nations were facing the formidable power of Nebuchadnezzar II, king of Babylon. Jeremiah's message often stood in stark contrast to that of false prophets who promised peace and swift deliverance from Babylonian dominance. Here, Jeremiah is conveying God's explicit declaration that Babylon, under Nebuchadnezzar, is His chosen instrument for judgment upon the disobedient nations, including Judah. This verse underscores the divine origin of Babylon's power, despite its pagan nature.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty Over Nations: This verse powerfully demonstrates God's absolute control over the affairs of human governments and empires. He is not merely observing but actively "giving" lands and authority to whomever He wills, even a pagan king like Nebuchadnezzar. This highlights that no earthly power operates outside of His ultimate plan.
  • Nebuchadnezzar as God's "Servant": It is striking that God refers to Nebuchadnezzar, a ruthless conqueror and idolater, as "my servant." This term (Hebrew: ‘avdi) does not imply moral approval or personal piety, but rather designates him as an instrument fulfilling God's specific purpose. God uses both willing and unwilling agents to accomplish His will, even for judgment. For another instance of God raising up a nation for His purposes, see Habakkuk 1:6.
  • Universal Dominion and Judgment: The phrase "all these lands" and "the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's delegated authority to Nebuchadnezzar. It signifies that the Babylonian dominion was divinely ordained to extend not only over people and territories but even over the natural world, indicating the totality of the impending judgment and the extent of God's power.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "my servant" (עַבְדִּי, ‘avdi) is crucial here. While often used for faithful individuals like Abraham or David, its application to Nebuchadnezzar highlights a functional rather than a relational servitude. He was God's instrument for a specific task, namely the chastisement of Judah and surrounding nations for their idolatry and rebellion. This usage underscores God's ability to employ anyone, regardless of their personal faith or morality, to achieve His sovereign purposes on earth.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 27:6 offers profound insights for believers today. It reminds us that God remains sovereign over all global events and political leaders. Even in times of great turmoil, oppression, or seemingly irrational decisions by world powers, this verse encourages us to remember that God is still on the throne. He can use any individual or nation, even those who do not acknowledge Him, as instruments in His divine plan. This truth can bring comfort and stability, fostering trust in God's ultimate control, even when circumstances are challenging. It also calls us to discern God's hand in history and to submit to His will, understanding that His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9).

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Jeremiah 28:14

    For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; I have put a yoke of iron upon the neck of all these nations, that they may serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; and they shall serve him: and I have given him the beasts of the field also.

  • Jeremiah 25:9

    Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations.

  • Daniel 2:37

    Thou, O king, [art] a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.

  • Daniel 2:38

    And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou [art] this head of gold.

  • 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 29:20

    I have given him the land of Egypt [for] his labour wherewith he served against it, because they wrought for me, saith the Lord GOD.

  • Jeremiah 43:10

    And say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will send and take Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will set his throne upon these stones that I have hid; and he shall spread his royal pavilion over them.

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