Jeremiah 27:8

KJV

And it shall come to pass, [that] the nation and kingdom which will not serve the same Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, and that will not put their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, that nation will I punish, saith the LORD, with the sword, and with the famine, and with the pestilence, until I have consumed them by his hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass, that the nation {H1471} and kingdom {H4467} which will not serve {H5647} the same Nebuchadnezzar {H5019} the king {H4428} of Babylon {H894}, and that will not put {H5414} their neck {H6677} under the yoke {H5923} of the king {H4428} of Babylon {H894}, that nation {H1471} will I punish {H6485}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, with the sword {H2719}, and with the famine {H7458}, and with the pestilence {H1698}, until I have consumed {H8552} them by his hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The nation and kingdom that refuses to serve this N'vukhadnetzar king of Bavel, that will not put their necks under the yoke of the king of Bavel, I will punish," says ADONAI "with sword, famine and plague, until I have put an end to them through him.

Berean Standard Bible

As for the nation or kingdom that does not serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and does not place its neck under his yoke, I will punish that nation by sword and famine and plague, declares the LORD, until I have destroyed it by his hand.

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass, that the nation and the kingdom which will not serve the same Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and that will not put their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, that nation will I punish, saith Jehovah, with the sword, and with the famine, and with the pestilence, until I have consumed them by his hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 27:8 presents a profound divine decree from the Lord concerning the nations, including Judah, during the tumultuous early reign of King Zedekiah. It unequivocally declares that any nation or kingdom that refuses to submit to the divinely appointed authority of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and to accept his dominion, will face direct and severe judgment from God Himself. This judgment will manifest through a devastating triad of calamities: the sword, famine, and pestilence, continuing relentlessly until these rebellious nations are utterly consumed and brought to ruin by Nebuchadnezzar's hand, who acts as God's sovereign instrument.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 27 is strategically placed within a series of prophecies addressing Judah's impending subjugation to Babylon, specifically in the fourth year of King Zedekiah's reign (c. 594 BC). The chapter commences with Jeremiah performing a dramatic prophetic act: wearing a literal wooden yoke around his neck, a powerful visual metaphor designed to convey the inescapable reality of servitude to Nebuchadnezzar. This symbolic action, undertaken before King Zedekiah and envoys from neighboring nations (Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre, and Sidon), underscores the divine origin and unalterable certainty of God's message. Verses 1-7 explicitly state that the Lord, in His absolute sovereignty, has "given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant" [Jeremiah 27:6](/jeremiah/27-6 "Jeremiah 27:6 - God's Servant Nebuchadnezzar"). This divine commission establishes Nebuchadnezzar as God's instrument, setting the theological and narrative stage for the severe consequences outlined in Jeremiah 27:8 for any nation that dares to resist this divinely ordained dominion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This prophecy unfolds against a backdrop of intense geopolitical maneuvering in the ancient Near East. Around 594 BC, just a few years after Nebuchadnezzar's first siege of Jerusalem (597 BC) and the deportation of King Jehoiachin, a new wave of anti-Babylonian sentiment was brewing. King Zedekiah, installed as a Babylonian vassal, faced immense pressure from his own court and from neighboring states—Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre, and Sidon—who were likely forming an alliance, possibly with the hope of Egyptian support, to throw off the Babylonian yoke. Jeremiah's message directly confronts this rebellious spirit, warning that such resistance is not merely a political miscalculation but an act of defiance against the Lord's sovereign will. The "yoke" imagery was profoundly resonant in an agrarian society, symbolizing forced labor, submission, and loss of independence, a common and easily understood metaphor for political subjugation throughout the ancient world.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 27:8 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes pervasive in the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it emphatically declares **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over world history, the rise and fall of empires, and His ability to use even pagan rulers as instruments of His will, as seen in passages like [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules in the Kingdom of Men"). Secondly, the theme of **Judgment for Disobedience** is central; refusal to submit to the "yoke of Babylon" is explicitly equated with rebellion against the Lord Himself, leading to severe and certain consequences. This judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous response to the nations' idolatry, injustice, and persistent rejection of divine warnings. Thirdly, the verse highlights the **Consequences of Rebellion**, specifically through the devastating triad of "sword, famine, and pestilence." These recurring biblical curses for covenant unfaithfulness often appear together as instruments of divine wrath throughout the Old Testament, as exemplified in [Jeremiah 14:12](/jeremiah/14-12 "Jeremiah 14:12 - God's Refusal to Hear Prayer"). These plagues signify a comprehensive and inescapable consumption, ensuring the complete fulfillment of God's disciplinary purpose.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **nation (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** H1471 refers to a foreign nation or, by extension, a Gentile people. In this context, it emphasizes the universal scope of God's judgment, applying not only to Judah but to all surrounding non-Israelite kingdoms that resist His ordained plan. It underscores that God's authority extends beyond His covenant people to all peoples of the earth, demonstrating His absolute dominion over all humanity.
* **punish (Hebrew, _pâqad'_):** H6485 carries a broad semantic range, including to visit, inspect, appoint, or hold accountable. Here, it is used with a strong connotation of divine visitation for the purpose of judgment and retribution. It signifies God's active, intentional, and personal involvement in bringing about the stated consequences, indicating that the calamities are not random occurrences but direct acts of divine justice.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** H3027 is a primitive word for "hand," but it extends metaphorically to signify power, means, direction, or agency. In the phrase "until I have consumed them by his hand," it powerfully denotes Nebuchadnezzar as the instrument or agent through whom God's judgment is executed. It highlights that Nebuchadnezzar's actions, though seemingly independent, are ultimately directed and empowered by the Lord, making him a tool in God's sovereign plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass, that the nation and kingdom which will not serve the same Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, and that will not put their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon":** This opening clause establishes the condition for divine judgment, clearly identifying the recipients of God's wrath as any "nation and kingdom" that actively resists submission to Nebuchadnezzar. The vivid phrase "put their neck under the yoke" is a powerful metaphor for accepting servitude, becoming a vassal state, and surrendering political independence. It implies not only military defeat but also an acknowledgment of Babylonian authority as divinely ordained.
* **"that nation will I punish, saith the LORD, with the sword, and with the famine, and with the pestilence":** Here, the direct and severe consequence of resistance is explicitly stated. The Lord Himself declares, "that nation will I punish," signifying His personal and active involvement. The instruments of this divine punishment are precisely specified: "the sword" (representing warfare, violent conquest, and death), "the famine" (representing economic collapse, siege, and starvation), and "the pestilence" (representing widespread disease and plague). These three calamities constitute a classic triad of comprehensive divine judgment in the Old Testament, signifying inescapable and utter devastation. The authoritative declaration "saith the LORD" authenticates the warning as a direct, unalterable word from God Himself.
* **"until I have consumed them by his hand":** This concluding phrase emphasizes both the extent and the precise means of the judgment. The punishment will persist "until I have consumed them," indicating a complete and utter destruction or subjugation, leaving no remnant of their former independence or strength. Crucially, this consumption will be "by his hand"—that is, through Nebuchadnezzar. This reiterates that the Babylonian king is not merely an earthly conqueror acting on his own ambition but a divinely appointed agent, fulfilling God's sovereign purpose of judgment and ensuring its thorough completion.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 27:8 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with undeniable force and clarity. **Symbolism** is profoundly present, particularly through the implicit "yoke" (drawn from the broader context of the chapter), which vividly represents forced submission, servitude, and the loss of autonomy to a dominant power. The refusal to "put their neck under the yoke" is thus a symbolic act of defiance against God's ordained plan. The phrase "saith the LORD" exemplifies **Divine Pronouncement**, lending absolute authority, certainty, and solemnity to the prophecy, emphasizing that this is not merely Jeremiah's human opinion but the direct, unmediated word of the Almighty God. The enumeration of "the sword, and with the famine, and with the pestilence" functions as a powerful **Tricolon** (or rule of three), building intensity and emphasizing the comprehensive, inescapable, and devastating nature of the impending judgment. Furthermore, the use of **Metonymy** is evident in the phrase "by his hand," where "hand" stands in for Nebuchadnezzar's power, agency, and instrumental role, highlighting his function as God's chosen tool for executing divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and the entire course of human history. It directly challenges the common ancient Near Eastern belief that a nation's gods determined its fate, asserting instead that the God of Israel orchestrates the rise and fall of empires, even using pagan rulers like Nebuchadnezzar as His "servant" to accomplish His divine purposes of judgment and discipline. The refusal to submit to this divinely appointed authority is thus interpreted as direct rebellion against God Himself, underscoring the profound biblical principle that all earthly authority is ultimately derived from and accountable to the Almighty. This truth provides a crucial framework for understanding God's active and purposeful involvement in human affairs, even when His methods seem harsh or involve instruments that are themselves unrighteous. It calls for humility and submission to God's will, even when it manifests through difficult, unexpected, or seemingly unjust circumstances, recognizing His ultimate control and righteous intent.

* [Isaiah 45:7](/isaiah/45-7 "Isaiah 45:7 - God Creates Good and Evil")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [Habakkuk 1:5-6](/habakkuk/1-5-6 "Habakkuk 1:5-6 - God Raises Up the Babylonians")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 27:8 serves as a stark and enduring reminder that God is not a distant deity but is intimately and actively involved in the affairs of nations and individuals, orchestrating events to fulfill His sovereign purposes. For the original audience, the imperative was to discern God's hand in the rise of Babylon and to submit to His will, even when it meant accepting the difficult reality of subjugation and the loss of national independence. For believers today, this verse encourages a deeper, unwavering trust in God's overarching plan, even amidst global turmoil, political upheaval, or personal trials that seem overwhelming and beyond our control. It challenges us to honestly examine our own lives: are we, perhaps subtly, resisting God's revealed will, clinging to our independence, our preferred outcomes, or our comfort zones rather than yielding to His sovereign direction? True wisdom and spiritual peace lie in recognizing God's ultimate authority over all circumstances, aligning our lives with His purposes, and understanding that His discipline, though often painful, is ultimately for our good, our sanctification, and His eternal glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge or deepen my understanding of God's sovereignty over nations and current world events?**
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be resisting God's "yoke," preferring my own will or comfort over His divine leading?**
* **What does it truly mean to "submit" to God's will when it involves difficult, uncomfortable, or seemingly unjust circumstances?**
* **How can understanding God's use of seemingly unrighteous instruments like Nebuchadnezzar deepen my trust in His ultimate control, wisdom, and goodness?**

### FAQ
**Why would God use a pagan king like Nebuchadnezzar to punish His own people and other nations?**

Answer: God, in His absolute and transcendent sovereignty, is not limited to using only righteous people or nations to accomplish His purposes. He frequently employs unrighteous instruments to bring about judgment, discipline, or even to prepare the way for future blessings. In this particular context, Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian Empire were powerful, ruthless, and efficient, perfectly suited to execute the severe judgment God intended for nations, including Judah, that had persistently rebelled against Him through idolatry, injustice, and covenant unfaithfulness. The Lord's declaration in [Jeremiah 27:6](/jeremiah/27-6 "Jeremiah 27:6 - God's Servant Nebuchadnezzar") that Nebuchadnezzar is "my servant" profoundly emphasizes that even pagan rulers operate under God's ultimate authority and serve His divine plan, whether they acknowledge Him or not. This demonstrates that God's power and purposes transcend human morality and political structures, ensuring His will is always accomplished.

**Does "putting their neck under the yoke" have any spiritual application for believers today?**

Answer: While believers today are not called to literal political subjugation to a foreign empire in the same way, the imagery of "putting one's neck under the yoke" carries profound and enduring spiritual application. It powerfully symbolizes a willing and humble submission to God's authority, His divine will, and His providential leading in our lives. Just as resisting Nebuchadnezzar was resisting God's ordained path for those ancient nations, resisting God's clear commands, His revealed truth, or His providential guidance in our lives can lead to spiritual "famine," "sword," or "pestilence"—metaphorical consequences of disobedience and a life lived outside of His favor. Conversely, Jesus Christ Himself invites us to take His "yoke" upon us, promising that it is "easy" and His "burden is light" [Matthew 11:29-30](/matthew/11-29-30 "Matthew 11:29-30 - Jesus' Easy Yoke"). This spiritual yoke represents humble obedience, discipleship, and a life lived in loving submission to Him, which ultimately leads to true rest for our souls and genuine freedom from the heavy yokes of sin, self-will, and worldly burdens.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 27:8, with its stark portrayal of divine judgment enacted through a powerful earthly king, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While Nebuchadnezzar was a temporary instrument of temporal judgment, Christ is the **King of kings and Lord of lords** [Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), the one through whom all final judgment is ultimately committed by the Father [John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One"). The "yoke" imagery, representing burdensome submission to an external power, is radically transformed in the New Covenant. Instead of a yoke of forced servitude leading to destruction, Jesus offers a fundamentally different yoke: "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" [Matthew 11:29-30](/matthew/11-29-30 "Matthew 11:29-30 - Jesus' Easy Yoke"). Submission to Christ is not a reluctant yielding to a conquering power, but a willing embrace of grace and truth that brings true freedom from the oppressive yokes of sin, legalism, and death [Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Freedom in Christ"). Furthermore, the "sword, famine, and pestilence" of divine wrath, which consumed the rebellious nations in Jeremiah's day, were ultimately borne by Christ on the cross. He became the substitute for humanity's rebellion, absorbing the full penalty for sin so that all who believe might escape eternal judgment and receive reconciliation with God [Romans 5:8-9](/romans/5-8-9 "Romans 5:8-9 - Christ Died for Us"). Thus, Jeremiah 27:8 not only foreshadows the universal judgment to come but also powerfully points to the ultimate deliverer and the gracious alternative of joyful submission to the benevolent and eternal reign of 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 38:17

Then said Jeremiah unto Zedekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of hosts, the God of Israel; If thou wilt assuredly go forth unto the king of Babylon's princes, then thy soul shall live, and this city shall not be burned with fire; and thou shalt live, and thine house:

Jeremiah 38:19

And Zedekiah the king said unto Jeremiah, I am afraid of the Jews that are fallen to the Chaldeans, lest they deliver me into their hand, and they mock me.

Jeremiah 24:10

And I will send the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, among them, till they be consumed from off the land that I gave unto them and to their fathers.

Ezekiel 14:21

For thus saith the Lord GOD; How much more when I send my four sore judgments upon Jerusalem, the sword, and the famine, and the noisome beast, and the pestilence, to cut off from it man and beast?

Ezekiel 17:19

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; [As] I live, surely mine oath that he hath despised, and my covenant that he hath broken, even it will I recompense upon his own head.

Ezekiel 17:21

And all his fugitives with all his bands shall fall by the sword, and they that remain shall be scattered toward all winds: and ye shall know that I the LORD have spoken [it].

Jeremiah 42:10

If ye will still abide in this land, then will I build you, and not pull [you] down, and I will plant you, and not pluck [you] up: for I repent me of the evil that I have done unto you.