Jeremiah 37:19

KJV

Where [are] now your prophets which prophesied unto you, saying, The king of Babylon shall not come against you, nor against this land?

KJV (with Strong's)

Where are now {H346} your prophets {H5030} which prophesied {H5012} unto you, saying {H559}, The king {H4428} of Babylon {H894} shall not come {H935} against you, nor against this land {H776}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Where are your prophets now, the ones who prophesied to you that the king of Bavel wouldn't attack you or this land?

Berean Standard Bible

Where are your prophets who prophesied to you, claiming, ‘The king of Babylon will not come against you or this land’?

American Standard Version

Where now are your prophets that prophesied unto you, saying, The king of Babylon shall not come against you, nor against this land?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 37:19 captures a pivotal and poignant moment, as the prophet Jeremiah, from his confinement, issues a piercing rhetorical question to King Zedekiah. This query serves as a stark and irrefutable indictment of the false prophets whose assurances of peace and immunity from Babylonian invasion had proven utterly baseless. At a critical juncture when Jerusalem faced renewed siege, Jeremiah forces the king to confront the devastating reality that the comforting lies he had embraced were now exposed, highlighting the profound folly of trusting human deception over divine truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the climactic narrative of Jerusalem's final days before its destruction, specifically following a temporary reprieve from the Babylonian siege (Jeremiah 37-39). King Zedekiah, in a moment of desperate uncertainty, sends for Jeremiah, who is imprisoned, to inquire if there is "any word from the Lord" ([Jeremiah 37:17](/jeremiah/37-17 "Jeremiah 37:17 - Zedekiah's Secret Inquiry to Jeremiah")). Jeremiah's response in verse 19 is not a direct prophetic oracle but a powerful counter-question. It is designed to expose Zedekiah's prior misplaced trust in the false prophets and to underscore the demonstrable failure of their optimistic predictions. This dramatic exchange highlights the stark contrast between Jeremiah's consistent, unpopular, but ultimately true prophecies of judgment and the deceptive messages of his opponents. The narrative immediately preceding this verse details Jeremiah's arrest on false charges of desertion and the king's secret consultation, setting the stage for this sharp and convicting rebuke.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is the twilight of the Kingdom of Judah (c. 588 BCE), a period characterized by intense political instability, widespread spiritual apostasy, and the relentless expansion of the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar. King Zedekiah, a puppet ruler installed by Babylon, constantly vacillated between submission and rebellion, often swayed by pro-Egyptian factions and the comforting, yet deceitful, pronouncements of false prophets. In ancient Israel, prophets were crucial divine messengers, but this era was plagued by charlatans who spoke "a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord" ([Jeremiah 23:16](/jeremiah/23-16 "Jeremiah 23:16 - Warning Against False Prophets")). These false prophets typically delivered popular messages of peace and prosperity, especially when Judah faced external threats, directly contradicting the true prophets like Jeremiah who foretold divine judgment and exile due to the nation's profound sin. The temporary lifting of the siege by the approaching Egyptian army ([Jeremiah 37:5](/jeremiah/37-5 "Jeremiah 37:5 - Pharaoh's Army Approaches")) would have been hailed by many as vindication for the false prophets' optimistic declarations, making Jeremiah's rhetorical question in verse 19 particularly cutting and revealing of their profound error in the face of the returning Babylonian forces.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 37:19 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent in the book of Jeremiah and broader prophetic literature. First, it vividly illustrates **The Exposure of False Prophecy**, demonstrating how the unfolding historical events—the inevitable return of the Babylonian army and the subsequent fall of Jerusalem—served as the ultimate test and condemnation of those who claimed to speak for God but delivered messages of false peace and security. Their predictions were proven utterly wrong, leading to a moment of reckoning for those, like Zedekiah, who had preferred their comforting lies over the harsh truth. Second, the verse underscores **The Inevitability of Divine Judgment**, emphasizing that despite human attempts to deny or escape it, God's declared judgment on Judah for its persistent sin and idolatry, as consistently prophesied by Jeremiah, was inexorable. This verse serves as a grim reminder that God's word, even when uncomfortable, will ultimately be fulfilled, as seen in the subsequent fall of Jerusalem detailed in [Jeremiah 39](/jeremiah/39 "Jeremiah 39 - The Fall of Jerusalem"). Finally, it powerfully illustrates **The Consequences of Rejecting Truth**, showing how the people and their leaders' preference for comforting lies over the challenging truth delivered by Jeremiah left them utterly unprepared for the devastating reality of the Babylonian siege and subsequent exile, a theme echoed in Jeremiah's lament over Judah's spiritual blindness throughout the book, particularly in passages like [Jeremiah 5:31](/jeremiah/5-31 "Jeremiah 5:31 - Prophets Prophesy Falsely").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **where (Hebrew, _ʼayêh'_):** From H346, meaning "where?" This interrogative pronoun introduces a rhetorical question, not seeking an answer, but challenging the king to acknowledge the absence and failure of those he trusted. Its use here highlights the stark contrast between the false prophets' former prominence and their current discrediting silence in the face of proven falsehood.
* **prophets (Hebrew, _nâbîyʼ'_):** From H5030, meaning "a prophet or (generally) inspired man." Jeremiah uses this term with biting irony. These individuals claimed divine inspiration, yet their words directly contradicted God's true message. The question "Where are now your prophets?" underscores their proven lack of genuine divine authority and their inability to deliver on their false promises of safety.
* **land (Hebrew, _ʼerets'_):** From H776, meaning "the earth (at large, or partitively a land)." In this context, it specifically refers to the territory of Judah and Jerusalem. The false prophets' assurance that the king of Babylon would "not come against... this land" was a concrete, verifiable prediction about the physical territory. Its failure to materialize, as the Babylonian army returned, served as undeniable proof of their falsehood and brought devastation upon the very land they claimed would be secure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Where [are] now your prophets":** This is a potent rhetorical question from Jeremiah to King Zedekiah. It forces the king to confront the stark reality of the situation and the conspicuous absence or discrediting of those who had previously offered comforting, yet false, assurances. The implied answer is that these prophets are either silenced, discredited, or unable to deliver on their promises, highlighting their utter failure and the king's misguided trust.
* **"which prophesied unto you, saying":** This clause precisely identifies the activity of these individuals – they delivered messages, claiming divine authority, directly to the king and the people. The phrase "saying" introduces the specific content of their false prophecy, setting up the direct contradiction with the unfolding events and emphasizing that their words were explicit and unambiguous declarations.
* **"The king of Babylon shall not come against you, nor against this land?":** This is the verbatim content of the false prophecy that Jeremiah is recalling. It was a definitive statement of security and peace, directly contradicting Jeremiah's consistent warnings of invasion and conquest. The current reality of the Babylonian siege, even if temporarily lifted, proves the falsehood of this specific prediction, thereby discrediting the prophets who uttered it and exposing the king's profound folly in trusting them over God's true messenger.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 37:19 is powerfully crafted, employing several literary devices to amplify its message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "Where [are] now your prophets...?" This is not a genuine inquiry for information but a forceful challenge designed to compel King Zedekiah to confront the undeniable reality of his predicament and the utter failure of those he had previously trusted. It serves as a sharp rebuke and a call to acknowledge the truth. Closely related is **Irony**, as the very prophets who promised safety and peace are now conspicuously absent or discredited precisely when their predictions are proven false by the return of the Babylonian army. The situation is the direct opposite of what they foretold, creating a bitter irony for Zedekiah and revealing the tragic consequences of their deceit. Furthermore, a strong **Contrast** is established between the false words of the unfaithful prophets and the true, albeit painful, words of Jeremiah. Jeremiah's question implicitly highlights his own vindication as the true prophet, whose uncomfortable warnings are now being fulfilled, in stark opposition to the comforting lies that proved utterly baseless.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 37:19 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine truth, the integrity of God's word, and the severe consequences of its rejection. It underscores God's unwavering commitment to His declared word, whether it be of judgment or salvation, and His ultimate vindication of His true messengers. The failure of the false prophets is not merely a political miscalculation but a profound theological failure, revealing their lack of genuine divine inspiration and their presumption in speaking "peace, peace, when there is no peace" ([Jeremiah 6:14](/jeremiah/6-14 "Jeremiah 6:14 - False Prophets and Superficial Healing")). This verse is a stark reminder that God's word is not subject to human desires, political expediency, or popular opinion; it stands firm, and its fulfillment is inevitable, demonstrating God's sovereignty over history and human affairs.

* [Deuteronomy 18:22](/deuteronomy/18-22 "Deuteronomy 18:22 - Discerning True and False Prophets")
* [Jeremiah 14:14](/jeremiah/14-14 "Jeremiah 14:14 - The Lord's Condemnation of False Prophets")
* [Ezekiel 13:10](/ezekiel/13-10 "Ezekiel 13:10 - False Prophets and Untempered Mortar")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 37:19 offers profound and timeless lessons for believers today, urging us to cultivate a discerning spirit in an age saturated with competing voices and narratives. It challenges us to critically evaluate the sources of our spiritual comfort and guidance, asking whether they align with the unchanging truth of God's Word or merely echo our desires for ease, prosperity, or popular opinion. The verse serves as a solemn warning against the human tendency to prefer comforting lies over inconvenient truths, especially when those truths call for repentance, sacrifice, or a difficult path of obedience. Our steadfast reliance must be on genuine biblical teaching, even when it is challenging, for only God's proven faithfulness and His revealed Word can provide true security and guidance in a world of shifting sands. This passage encourages us to seek out and cling to the uncomfortable truth that leads to life, rather than the deceptive assurances that lead to destruction, fostering a deeper trust in God's sovereign plan, even amidst trials and uncertainties.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "comforting lies" might I be tempted to believe today, either from external sources or from my own heart, that contradict God's revealed truth?**
* **How can I better cultivate spiritual discernment to distinguish between true biblical teaching and messages that merely appeal to my desires or fears?**
* **In what areas of my life am I resisting a difficult truth from God's Word, preferring a more convenient or popular narrative?**

### FAQ
**Why did King Zedekiah continue to consult Jeremiah if he had previously ignored his warnings and preferred the false prophets?**

Answer: King Zedekiah's actions reveal a profound spiritual and political ambivalence, characteristic of a leader caught between divine truth and political expediency. Despite his repeated disregard for Jeremiah's prophecies and his preference for the more palatable messages of false prophets, moments of extreme crisis, like the Babylonian siege, would often drive him back to Jeremiah. This was likely due to a lingering, perhaps superstitious, belief that Jeremiah truly spoke for God, coupled with a desperate hope that God might still offer a word of deliverance, even if Zedekiah was unwilling to fully obey its implications. His consultation in [Jeremiah 37:17](/jeremiah/37-17 "Jeremiah 37:17 - Zedekiah's Secret Inquiry to Jeremiah") was a desperate attempt to find a way out of his immediate predicament, rather than a genuine commitment to repentance or obedience to God's will.

**What was the ultimate fate of Jerusalem and Zedekiah after this prophecy?**

Answer: Jeremiah's prophecy of the Babylonian conquest, which the false prophets vehemently denied, was tragically and completely fulfilled. The temporary withdrawal of the Babylonian army was indeed short-lived, as Jeremiah had warned. Nebuchadnezzar's forces returned, and after a prolonged and devastating siege, Jerusalem finally fell in 586 BC. King Zedekiah attempted to flee but was captured in the plains of Jericho. His sons were executed before his eyes, and then he was blinded and taken in chains to Babylon, where he died in captivity. This catastrophic outcome, detailed in [Jeremiah 39:1-10](/jeremiah/39-1-10 "Jeremiah 39:1-10 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Zedekiah's Capture") and [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - Jerusalem's Fall and Exile"), served as a grim testament to the accuracy of Jeremiah's warnings and the utter failure of the false prophets' assurances, sealing the fate of a nation that rejected the truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 37:19, with its stark contrast between false prophecy and devastating reality, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate truth revealed in Jesus Christ. The false prophets of Jeremiah's day offered a deceptive peace, a promise that the "king of Babylon shall not come," which ultimately led to destruction and exile. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ is the true Prophet, the very Word of God incarnate, who never spoke a false word. He did not offer a superficial peace or a false sense of security, but rather declared the true state of humanity's sin and the necessity of repentance, saying, "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword" ([Matthew 10:34](/matthew/10-34 "Matthew 10:34 - Jesus Brings Division")). Yet, He also offered the only true and lasting peace, not as the world gives, but a peace that transcends understanding for those who trust in Him ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Promise of Peace")). The failure of the Old Testament prophets to prevent judgment highlights humanity's desperate need for a perfect mediator and a perfect word. Jesus, as the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), perfectly fulfilled all true prophecy and perfectly revealed the Father's will. His words, unlike those of the false prophets, are "spirit and life" ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Words of Spirit and Life")) and will never pass away ([Matthew 24:35](/matthew/24-35 "Matthew 24:35 - Heaven and Earth Will Pass Away")). Thus, Jeremiah's lament over failed human words points us to the divine, infallible Word of God made flesh, who alone provides true hope, eternal salvation, and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises.

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 2:28

But where [are] thy gods that thou hast made thee? let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble: for [according to] the number of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah.

Jeremiah 28:10

¶ Then Hananiah the prophet took the yoke from off the prophet Jeremiah's neck, and brake it.

Jeremiah 28:17

So Hananiah the prophet died the same year in the seventh month.

2 Kings 3:13

And Elisha said unto the king of Israel, What have I to do with thee? get thee to the prophets of thy father, and to the prophets of thy mother. And the king of Israel said unto him, Nay: for the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab.

Jeremiah 29:31

Send to all them of the captivity, saying, Thus saith the LORD concerning Shemaiah the Nehelamite; Because that Shemaiah hath prophesied unto you, and I sent him not, and he caused you to trust in a lie:

Jeremiah 14:13

Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place.

Jeremiah 14:15

Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed.