Jeremiah 44:19

"Moreover," said the women, "when we burned incense to the Queen of Heaven and poured out drink offerings to her, was it without our husbands' knowledge that we made sacrificial cakes in her image and poured out drink offerings to her?"

Study Bible

Moreover, the women added
This phrase introduces the response of the women to Jeremiah's prophetic rebuke. The Hebrew word for "added" (יֹּאמְרוּ, yomru) implies a continuation or an additional statement, suggesting that the women were not only defending their actions but also attempting to justify them. This reflects a deeper cultural and spiritual defiance against the prophetic message, highlighting the entrenched nature of idolatry among the people.

When we burned incense
The act of burning incense was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern religious rituals, symbolizing prayers or offerings rising to the deity. The Hebrew root קָטַר (qatar) means to burn or offer incense. This practice was explicitly forbidden in the worship of Yahweh when directed towards other gods, indicating a direct violation of the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

to the queen of heaven
This title refers to a pagan deity, likely Astarte or Ishtar, worshipped in the ancient Near East. The "queen of heaven" was associated with fertility, love, and war. The worship of this goddess was a syncretistic practice that had infiltrated Israelite religion, representing a significant departure from monotheistic worship. This highlights the spiritual adultery of the people, as they turned from Yahweh to foreign gods.

and poured out drink offerings to her
Drink offerings, or libations, were part of sacrificial rituals, often involving the pouring out of wine or other liquids. The Hebrew word נָסַךְ (nasak) means to pour out or offer. This act was meant to honor the deity and seek favor. In the context of Israel's covenant with God, such offerings to other deities were acts of unfaithfulness and rebellion.

was it without our husbands’ knowledge
This rhetorical question implies complicity and shared responsibility between the women and their husbands. The Hebrew word for "knowledge" (יָדַע, yada) encompasses understanding, awareness, and consent. This suggests that the idolatrous practices were not isolated acts of the women but were part of a broader familial and communal apostasy.

that we made cakes in her image
The making of cakes, likely small sacrificial bread, in the image of the goddess, was a ritualistic act of devotion. The Hebrew word for "cakes" (כַּוָּנִים, kavvanim) indicates a specific type of offering, possibly shaped or marked with symbols of the deity. This practice underscores the tangible and deliberate nature of their idolatry, as they crafted offerings to honor the "queen of heaven."

and poured out drink offerings to her?
The repetition of the act of pouring out drink offerings emphasizes the seriousness and frequency of their idolatrous worship. It serves as a closing statement in their defense, reinforcing their commitment to these practices despite the prophetic warnings. This highlights the depth of their spiritual blindness and the challenge faced by Jeremiah in calling the people back to exclusive worship of Yahweh.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Women of Judah
These women were involved in idol worship, specifically offering sacrifices to the "queen of heaven," a pagan deity.

2. The Queen of Heaven
A title used for a pagan goddess, likely associated with fertility and celestial bodies, worshiped by some Israelites in defiance of God's commandments.

3. Husbands of the Women
The men who were complicit or at least aware of their wives' idolatrous practices, indicating a family-wide departure from worshiping Yahweh.

4. Jeremiah
The prophet who conveyed God's message of judgment against Judah for their idolatry and disobedience.

5. Egypt
The place where the remnant of Judah had fled, seeking refuge but continuing their idolatrous practices, which Jeremiah condemned.

Teaching Points

Idolatry's Deceptive Appeal
Idolatry often promises immediate benefits or security, but it leads to spiritual decay and separation from God.

Family Influence in Spiritual Matters
The complicity of husbands highlights the importance of spiritual leadership and accountability within the family unit.

Cultural Pressures and Faithfulness
The Israelites' adoption of local deities in Egypt underscores the challenge of maintaining faithfulness to God amidst cultural pressures.

Consequences of Disobedience
Persistent disobedience to God's commands results in judgment and loss of His protection and blessings.

Repentance and Restoration
Despite their rebellion, God's desire for His people is always repentance and restoration, as seen throughout the prophetic messages.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the worship of the "queen of heaven" reflect the broader issue of idolatry in our lives today?

2. In what ways can family dynamics influence our spiritual practices, both positively and negatively?

3. How can we guard against cultural influences that lead us away from God's commandments?

4. What are some modern-day "idols" that can distract us from our relationship with God, and how can we address them?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of disobedience to God. How did you find your way back to Him, and what role did repentance play in that process?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:3-5
The commandment against idolatry, which the people of Judah violated by worshiping the queen of heaven.

1 Kings 11:5
Solomon's idolatry, which included worshiping foreign gods, setting a precedent for later generations.

2 Kings 17:16-18
The fall of Israel due to idolatry, serving as a warning to Judah.

Romans 1:21-23
The New Testament reflection on humanity's tendency to exchange the glory of God for images and idols.