Treason?

Jeremiah 27-29 foretells of the coming rule of Babylon over Judah and the surrounding nations and Jeremiah urges his countrymen to accept Nebuchadnezzar's rule over them and not resist. He writes to the exiles, encouraging them to make their place of exile their home for the time being.

Jeremiah's message appears to be treason against his native land. He explicitly asks his people to serve a foreign king, something that is rare in the Old Testament. The people of Judah were asked to believe a hard thing: how could a prophet be sent from the LORD and encourage submission to a pagan nation, one that Jeremiah himself condemns? The answer is in the sovreignty of God. God is using the Babylonians to humble His people, who are too proud to obey Him or worship Him. In doing this, God is giving His people one final test before He brings His awesome judgment upon Jerusalem.

Promised Return

Jeremiah 30-33 is about the promise of the captives' return from the nations where they live in exile. While at the time Jeremiah delivered his message, this may have seemed impossible, as Babylon was so powerful in his day. But God pulls the strings, even of mighty nations, and the captives would again be returning home one day.

We may not think of ourselves as exiles, but Earth is not our permanent home. God has prepared a better place for us, if He rules in our lives. This may be beyond our comprehension, but God has assured us of this too.