The most widely known and versatile farming tool of our day is the tractor. But in Jeremiah’s day, wagons and plows were pulled by a team of oxen. So in chapter 27, when God tells him to put straps and yoke-bars around his neck, the prophet is about to share the Word of God by means of a common farm implement. As oxen were ready to work once they were under the yoke, so the prophet is ready to go to work as well. This would be another creative object lesson that his students will not soon forget (v 1-2). Once Jeremiah finished making his yoke, he sent a message to all the foreign diplomats who had gathered in Jerusalem. The purpose of their summit was to organize a military coalition against Babylon. The five neighboring nations could sense that King Nebuchadnezzar was finally vulnerable, and they were plotting his downfall. It was the perfect time for a revolution. With Zedekiah, king of Judah, as their ringleader, these Middle East leaders were ready to throw off the yoke of Babylonian oppression once and for all (v 3). Needless to say, Jeremiah’s message was not what they wanted to hear. With a yoke around his neck, the prophet was recommending an extreme policy: total surrender! Since he was using only half his yoke, in effect, he was inviting the kings of the earth to come beside him and submit to the Babylonian yoke. Any nation’s failure to surrender would bring deadly consequences upon their land. According to the will of God, they must give up the fight or they will perish by sword, famine, or plague. Other world leaders probably did not appreciate being given orders by the God of tiny Israel. But the one true and living God rules over all nations, whether they recognize it or not. The LORD not only made the earth and its inhabitants, He also gives it to whomever He pleases. God rules over all kingdoms and He rules over all kings. The most powerful person on the planet is ultimately God’s “servant.” No matter how wicked, even His enemies cannot help accomplishing His will (v 4-11). Jeremiah’s message was no different for Zedekiah than for his colleagues. The king of Judah is given the same choice: surrender or perish. Just like everyone else, God’s people had to come under the yoke of Babylon, because long ago they had broken off God’s yoke (2:20). Disobedience to God never brings the freedom some anticipate, but only slavery to some harsh taskmaster. False prophets were giving false assurance, but every word of Jeremiah’s prophecy came true. Though Jerusalem would be captured by Babylon, the sufferings of the exile would not last forever. God’s grace will have the last word (v 12-22). For further meditation: