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You asked

who were these 'false prophets' jeremiah was contradicting, and what were they promising the exiles?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Jeremiah 29:8-9

For Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, says: Don't let your prophets who are among you and your diviners deceive you; neither listen to your dreams which you cause to be dreamed. For they prophesy falsely to you in my name. I have not sent them, says Yahweh.

Jeremiah, a prophet active during Judah's decline and eventual exile, is writing a letter to the first group of exiles deported to Babylon around 597 BCE. He's addressing their spiritual state and the conflicting messages they're hearing from other prophets also living among them in exile.

How do we discern between voices that offer comfort and those that offer truth, especially when they contradict?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

  • Deuteronomy 13:1-5

    This passage outlines tests for identifying a true prophet versus a false one in ancient Israel.

  • Matthew 7:15-20

    Jesus warns about false prophets, advising followers to recognize them by their 'fruits' or actions.

  • 2 Peter 2:1-3

    This letter warns against false teachers who will secretly introduce destructive heresies.

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