God’s severe judgment on those who falsely claim His authority remains a steadfast reminder of His unyielding desire for truth.
“For I have not sent them,” declares the LORD, “but they prophesy falsely in My name, in order that I may drive you out and that you may perish, you and the prophets who prophesy to you.” (v.15)
This declaration underscores God’s disdain for unauthorized preachers who speak in His name. The Hebrew word for “prophet” can be used for both true and false prophets, demonstrating that many claimed divine revelation without actually being sent by the LORD. Israel’s covenant relationship with God hinged on obedience to His laws and listening to authentic voices of truth, yet these false prophets were misleading the people into complacency, tempting them to ignore the warnings from Jeremiah about impending consequences. Their ultimate aim, though they did not realize it, fed right into the LORD’s judgment upon those who refused to listen, because He would “drive” His people out of the land alongside the false prophets themselves.In the historical timeline, Jeremiah prophesied in the late seventh to early sixth century BC, pleading with Judah to turn from idolatry. When false prophets countered Jeremiah’s oracles of coming exile, they comforted the people with baseless assurances. By doing so, they placed themselves and their hearers in grave danger, since God never tolerates untruth spoken in His name. Such reckless claims of divine permission stoked the nation’s rebellion, ultimately inviting the very destruction they so doggedly insisted would never befall them. Meanwhile, Jeremiah stood alone among those who urged submission to Babylon as part of God’s disciplinary plan.
Echoes of this prophecy can be seen in the New Testament, where Jesus Himself warns about false teachers who arise under the guise of spiritual authority. The LORD’s warning here in Jeremiah 27:15 highlights the vital need for discernment of genuine divine truth. God’s people are called to humility, trust, and obedience, recognizing that false words lead only to spiritual and sometimes physical ruin—while God’s genuine word, however challenging, leads to life and hope.
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Jeremiah 27:15 meaning
“For I have not sent them,” declares the LORD, “but they prophesy falsely in My name, in order that I may drive you out and that you may perish, you and the prophets who prophesy to you.” (v.15)
This declaration underscores God’s disdain for unauthorized preachers who speak in His name. The Hebrew word for “prophet” can be used for both true and false prophets, demonstrating that many claimed divine revelation without actually being sent by the LORD. Israel’s covenant relationship with God hinged on obedience to His laws and listening to authentic voices of truth, yet these false prophets were misleading the people into complacency, tempting them to ignore the warnings from Jeremiah about impending consequences. Their ultimate aim, though they did not realize it, fed right into the LORD’s judgment upon those who refused to listen, because He would “drive” His people out of the land alongside the false prophets themselves.In the historical timeline, Jeremiah prophesied in the late seventh to early sixth century BC, pleading with Judah to turn from idolatry. When false prophets countered Jeremiah’s oracles of coming exile, they comforted the people with baseless assurances. By doing so, they placed themselves and their hearers in grave danger, since God never tolerates untruth spoken in His name. Such reckless claims of divine permission stoked the nation’s rebellion, ultimately inviting the very destruction they so doggedly insisted would never befall them. Meanwhile, Jeremiah stood alone among those who urged submission to Babylon as part of God’s disciplinary plan.
Echoes of this prophecy can be seen in the New Testament, where Jesus Himself warns about false teachers who arise under the guise of spiritual authority. The LORD’s warning here in Jeremiah 27:15 highlights the vital need for discernment of genuine divine truth. God’s people are called to humility, trust, and obedience, recognizing that false words lead only to spiritual and sometimes physical ruin—while God’s genuine word, however challenging, leads to life and hope.