Jeremiah - Chapter 43

Jeremiah 43.1 And it came to pass, that when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking unto all the people all the words of the LORD their God, for which the LORD their God had sent him to them, even all these words, Jeremiah 43.2 Then spake Azariah the son of Hoshaiah, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the proud men, saying unto Jeremiah, Thou speakest falsely: the LORD our God hath not sent thee to say, Go not into Egypt to sojourn there: Jeremiah 43.3 But Baruch the son of Neriah setteth thee on against us, for to deliver us into the hand of the Chaldeans, that they might put us to death, and carry us away captives into Babylon. Jeremiah 43.4 So Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces, and all the people, obeyed not the voice of the LORD, to dwell in the land of Judah. Jeremiah 43.5 But Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces, took all the remnant of Judah, that were returned from all nations, whither they had been driven, to dwell in the land of Judah; Jeremiah 43.6 Even men, and women, and children, and the king’s daughters, and every person that Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had left with Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Jeremiah the prophet, and Baruch the son of Neriah. Jeremiah 43.7 So they came into the land of Egypt: for they obeyed not the voice of the LORD: thus came they even to Tahpanhes. Jeremiah 43.8 Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah in Tahpanhes, saying, Jeremiah 43.9 Take great stones in thine hand, and hide them in the clay in the brickkiln, which is at the entry of Pharaoh’s house in Tahpanhes, in the sight of the men of Judah; Jeremiah 43.10 And say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will send and take Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will set his throne upon these stones that I have hid; and he shall spread his royal pavilion over them. Jeremiah 43.11 And when he cometh, he shall smite the land of Egypt, and deliver such as are for death to death; and such as are for captivity to captivity; and such as are for the sword to the sword. Jeremiah 43.12 And I will kindle a fire in the houses of the gods of Egypt; and he shall burn them, and carry them away captives: and he shall array himself with the land of Egypt, as a shepherd putteth on his garment; and he shall go forth from thence in peace. Jeremiah 43.13 He shall break also the images of Bethshemesh, that is in the land of Egypt; and the houses of the gods of the Egyptians shall he burn with fire.

Jeremiah : Chapter 43

The Rebellion and the Teachings of Jeremiah 43

Chapter 43 of the book of Jeremiah highlights the people's persistent rejection of God's word. How did the remnant of Israel react to God's guidance? This poignant text recounts the accusation against Jeremiah, the people's flight to Egypt, and the prophecy foretelling Nebuchadnezzar's conquest of Egypt. It addresses crucial themes such as persistent unbelief, the consequences of disobedience, and the futility of seeking security outside of God's will. Jeremiah 43 thus illustrates the tragic cycle of rebellion against God.

A Call to Examine the Scriptures

We invite you to examine with us five biblical passages that resonate with the major themes of this revelatory chapter:

1. Exodus 14:11-12

"They said to Moses, 'Is it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have brought us to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us by bringing us up out of Egypt? Isn't this what we said to you in Egypt: 'Leave us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians?' For it would be better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness!'"

This text illustrates the rebellious attitude of the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt, similar to the resistance of the people in Jeremiah 43 to the divine command not to go to Egypt.

2. Isaiah 30:2

"Who go down to Egypt without consulting me, to seek the defense of Pharaoh and to trust in the shadow of Egypt!"

Isaiah condemns those who seek refuge in Egypt without consulting God, a theme also found in Jeremiah 43.

3. Ezekiel 29:6

"Then all the inhabitants of Egypt will know that I am the Lord. You are a staff for the nation of Israel."

This passage, like Jeremiah 43, evokes God's judgment against Egypt and the futility of Israel's trust in this nation.

4. Acts 7:9

"The patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into slavery in Egypt, but God was with him."

This reference to the story of Joseph reminds us that, just as in Jeremiah 43, going to Egypt against God's will leads to painful consequences.

5. Deuteronomy 17:16

"The king must not acquire many horses for himself, nor compel the people to return to Egypt to acquire more horses, for the Lord has said to them, 'You must never return this way.'"

This command illustrates God's warning against returning to Egypt, a central theme of Jeremiah 43.

As we meditate on these passages, we are called to reflect on our own trust in God and to avoid paths that lead us away from His will. May these writings guide us toward greater faithfulness and renewed obedience to our Creator.