Jeremiah 27–28

The Yoke of Babylon

Jeremiah 27–28 is one story. As directed by the Lord, Jeremiah made a yoke and put it on his neck. A yoke is something put on the neck for the purpose of carrying burdens. The yoke symbolized captivity or slavery. Jeremiah taught the people that Judah and her surrounding nations would be under the “yoke” of Babylon. He warned that false prophets might teach otherwise, but the captivity would certainly happen. Jeremiah told King Zedekiah that if he and the people would humbly submit to the “yoke” of Babylon, they would not be destroyed. As a sign that his words would be fulfilled, he prophesied that Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, would carry away the rest of the treasures and holy articles from the temple. The prophecy was fulfilled.

Jeremiah 28 tells of another man, Hananiah, who also claimed to be a prophet. He prophesied that God would break the yoke of Babylon within two years. Jeremiah said that time would prove whether he was right or wrong. The Lord, however, inspired Jeremiah to tell Hananiah that his prophecies were not true and that he would shortly die. Hananiah died just as Jeremiah said.

Studying the Scriptures

Do activity A as you study Jeremiah 27–28.

1. How Can You Tell?

   Jeremiah 27–28 gives an example of a true prophet and a false one. Read Deuteronomy 18:20–22; Doctrine and Covenants 42:11–12; 46:7; and Articles of Faith 1:5. Then tell how we can know whether a person is truly sent from God to preach.