Jeremiah 27:12

12 Then I repeated this same message to King Zedekiah of Judah. “If you want to live, submit to the yoke of the king of Babylon and his people.

Jeremiah 27:12 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 27:12

I spake also to Zedekiah king of Judah
At the same time that he delivered the above message from the Lord to the ambassadors of several nations, who were then residents in Zedekiah's court, or however in Jerusalem: according to all these words;
the same things, and much in the same language, he said to the king of Judah, as to the messengers of the nations: saying;
as follows: bring your necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon;
you, O king, your nobles, and your people. Zedekiah was set upon the throne by the king of Babylon, was a tributary to him, and had took an oath to be faithful to him; and yet was now meditating rebellion against him; and was consulting and entering into a confederacy with the neighbouring nations to throw off the yoke, and be independent on him: wherefore the sense of this advice must be to bring themselves, he and his people, to a cheerful submission to it, and a patient bearing it, and not attempt to shake it off: and serve him and his people, and live:
the king of Babylon, and the Chaldeans, by faithfully paying the tribute, and acknowledging subjection to him; and so "live" in their own land, enjoying all other civil and religious privileges.

Jeremiah 27:12 In-Context

10 They are all liars, and their lies will lead to your being driven out of your land. I will drive you out and send you far away to die.

11 But the people of any nation that submits to the king of Babylon will be allowed to stay in their own country to farm the land as usual. I, the LORD, have spoken!’”

12 Then I repeated this same message to King Zedekiah of Judah. “If you want to live, submit to the yoke of the king of Babylon and his people.

13 Why do you insist on dying—you and your people? Why should you choose war, famine, and disease, which the LORD will bring against every nation that refuses to submit to Babylon’s king?

14 Do not listen to the false prophets who keep telling you, ‘The king of Babylon will not conquer you.’ They are liars.