27:8-11
All the nations had various “mystics” saying Babylon would not conquer them. In the case of Judah it was prophets who were supposedly speaking the word of God. In truth they were doing no such thing. The other nations had their diviners, interpreters of dreams, and sorcerers. They were all speaking nonsense. If the peoples of these nations listened to their mystics then they would be destroyed. They would live only if they surrendered to Babylon. People have a natural inclination to listen to those who tell them “nice things”, tell them what they want to hear. The tendency also exists in us, so we need to be careful, even if the people we are listening to are prophets, preachers or teachers. The word of God is the only absolute test of reliability.
27:12-15
Jeremiah gave the same message to the king, Zedekiah. Everyone was without excuse. True servants of God will be prepared to tell both ordinary people and those in power the truth. Whether they like it or not. Whether it makes us popular or hated. God was judging Judah and the nations, but it was far better to submit to this punishment than to resist it or deny it. The prophets were prophesying lies.
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