Jeremiah 27:1-11
This chapter and those which follow now take us to the final reign of Zedekiah. He seems to have plotted with his five neighbours, the kings of Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyrus and Zidon, to fight against Nebuchadnezzar. No doubt the reason for the delegates of these nations meeting in Jerusalem was to get this alliance off the ground (v. 3). Jeremiah is commanded by the LORD to give to each of these diplomats a gift, entirely original and made specially for them, consisting of bonds and yokes which symbolise perfectly the domination of the king of Babylon from which these people were planning to free themselves. We can imagine how these people felt about receiving such a humiliating present.
Even today, pride in different forms is the main factor which governs modern nations (as well as individuals). However, above their ambitious schemes God is in control of the destiny of the world. It is to Him that the Christian turns and not to the political uncertainties of men (Daniel 4:17).
God who has set Israel to one side henceforth hands over universal power to Nebuchadnezzar whom He calls His servant (v. 6).