◄ Jeremiah 43 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
Jeremiah Taken to Egypt 1When Jeremiah had finished telling all the people all the words of the LORD their God—everything that the LORD had sent him to say— 2Azariah son of Hoshaiah, Johanan son of Kareah, and all the arrogant men said to Jeremiah, “You are lying! The LORD our God has not sent you to say, ‘You must not go to Egypt to reside there.’ 3Rather, Baruch son of Neriah is inciting you against us to deliver us into the hands of the Chaldeans,a so that they may put us to death or exile us to Babylon!” 4So Johanan son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces disobeyed the command of the LORD to stay in the land of Judah. 5Instead, Johanan son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces took the whole remnant of Judah, those who had returned to the land of Judah from all the nations to which they had been scattered, 6the men, the women, the children, the king’s daughters, and everyone whom Nebuzaradan captain of the guard had allowed to remain with Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, as well as Jeremiah the prophet and Baruch son of Neriah. 7So they entered the land of Egypt because they did not obey the voice of the LORD, and they went as far as Tahpanhes. 8Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah at Tahpanhes: 9“In the sight of the Jews, pick up some large stones and bury them in the clay of the brick pavement at the entrance to Pharaoh’s palace at Tahpanhes. 10Then tell them that this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘I will send for My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and I will set his throne over these stones that I have embedded, and he will spread his royal pavilion over them. 11He will come and strike down the land of Egypt, bringing death to those destined for death, captivity to those destined for captivity, and the sword to those destined for the sword. 12I will kindle a fire in the temples of the gods of Egypt, and Nebuchadnezzar will burn those temples and take their gods as captives.b So he will wrap himself with the land of Egypt as a shepherd wraps himself in his garment, and he will depart from there unscathed. 13He will demolish the sacred pillars of the temple of the sun in the land of Egypt,c and he will burn down the temples of the gods of Egypt.’” Footnotes: 3 a That is, the Babylonians 12 b Literally and he will burn them and take them captive 13 c LXX He will demolish the pillars of Heliopolis in On or He will demolish the pillars of Heliopolis in Egypt; Hebrew He will demolish the pillars of Beth-shemesh in the land of Egypt Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Jeremiah 43 Summary Jeremiah Taken to Egypt Verses 1–3 – The Accusation The moment Jeremiah finishes relaying the Lord’s message, Johanan, Azariah, and the proud men flatly declare, “You are telling a lie!” They charge that Baruch has coaxed Jeremiah into announcing a death sentence—staying in Judah so the Babylonians can slaughter or exile them. Verses 4–7 – Flight into Egypt Ignoring the word of the Lord, the entire remnant—soldiers, women, children, the king’s daughters, even Jeremiah and Baruch—sets out for Egypt. Fear of Babylon outweighs trust in God, so they settle in Tahpanhes on the Nile Delta. Verses 8–9 – The Stone Sign In Egypt the Lord speaks again: Jeremiah must bury large stones in the mortar of the brick pavement at Pharaoh’s palace gate in full view of the Judeans. The hidden stones become a silent witness. Verses 10–13 – Nebuchadnezzar’s Throne in Egypt Standing over those stones, Jeremiah foretells that Nebuchadnezzar will spread his royal canopy right there, defeat Egypt, smash its temples, and carry its gods away like shepherds brushing lice from a cloak. The people who fled to escape Babylon will meet Babylon in the land they chose for safety. Jeremiah 43, a chapter filled with defiance, false security, and prophetic judgement, is a continuation of the account in Jeremiah 42. It is a dramatic depiction of the struggle between faith in God's word and the pursuit of self-determined security, revealing the implications of disobedience and disbelief. Historical Backdrop: A Remnant on the Run • 586 BC: Jerusalem falls (Jeremiah 39). • Gedaliah becomes governor at Mizpah but is murdered (Jeremiah 41). • Survivors ask Jeremiah for guidance (Jeremiah 42); he says, “Stay in Judah; I will save you.” • Out of fear they bolt south. Jeremiah 43 records the crossing into Egypt—an act Scripture had long forbidden (Deuteronomy 17:16; Isaiah 30:1-3). Key People • Jeremiah – still God’s spokesman, now dragged into exile. • Johanan son of Kareah – military leader turned defiant refugee. • Azariah son of Hoshaiah – vocal opponent of Jeremiah. • Baruch – Jeremiah’s scribe, accused of conspiracy. • Nebuchadnezzar – “My servant” (Jeremiah 25:9) whom God will use even against Egypt. Why Egypt Was Off-Limits Israel’s identity was forged by God’s rescue from Egypt (Exodus 13:3). Returning symbolized reversing salvation, trusting human power, and embracing idolatry. Deuteronomy 17:16 warned kings not to “cause the people to return to Egypt,” and Isaiah 31:1 cautioned, “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help.” Jeremiah 43 shows the tragic result of ignoring those commands. Geography Spotlight: Tahpanhes (Daphnae) Located on the eastern Delta along the Pelusiac branch of the Nile, Tahpanhes was a fortified city on Egypt’s frontier road. Flinders Petrie’s 1886 dig uncovered a brick platform matching Jeremiah’s description—called “Pharaoh’s house in Tahpanhes” (Jeremiah 43:9). The pavement of sun-dried bricks, still visible, provides tangible evidence of the prophet’s object lesson. Prophetic Symbolism: Stones Under the Pavement Jeremiah’s buried stones picture an invisible foundation beneath events: God’s sovereignty. Even in a foreign palace court, the Lord plants markers announcing Babylon’s arrival. The act echoes earlier sign-dramas (Jeremiah 13:1-11; 19:1-13) and anticipates Ezekiel lying on his side or Hosea naming his children—prophets living the message they speak. Connections to Other Scriptures • Nebuchadnezzar’s domination of Egypt fulfills Jeremiah 25:19 and echoes Ezekiel 29–30. • The smashing of temples mirrors God’s judgment on Dagon (1 Samuel 5). • Carrying gods away recalls Laban’s stolen idols (Genesis 31:34) and highlights idols’ impotence (Isaiah 46:1-2). • The remnant’s disbelief parallels Israel’s wilderness grumbling (Numbers 14). • Jeremiah himself becomes a type of Christ, rejected by his own (John 1:11) yet still interceding. Archaeological Note: Babylon in Egypt Cuneiform texts record Nebuchadnezzar’s campaign to Egypt in 568/567 BC, matching Jeremiah’s forecast. Greek historians mention Babylonian control over the Delta. Combined with the Tahpanhes pavement, the evidence supports the chapter’s historical reliability. Themes for Today 1. Trusting God over visible security: fear drove the remnant; faith would have preserved them (Psalm 20:7). 2. The danger of accusing God’s messengers: labeling truth a lie does not cancel its fulfillment (Proverbs 19:3). 3. Divine oversight of nations: God moves empires like pieces on a board (Daniel 2:21). 4. Idolatry’s emptiness: when temples fall, only the living God stands (Jeremiah 10:10-11). 5. Obedience in hardship: God’s path may look risky, yet His promise carries us through (Romans 8:28). Practical Insights • When fear and faith collide, the louder voice is not always right. • A change of scenery cannot escape God’s plan; running without repentance only relocates the problem. • Physical objects—the pavement stones—can anchor spiritual lessons, reminding us to ground decisions in God’s word. Jeremiah 43 in the Flow of the Book Chapters 40–44 form a narrative block: warning (42), rebellion (43), consequence (44). The chapter bridges prophetic word and historical outcome, underscoring that God’s promises—blessing or judgment—always land where He sends them (Isaiah 55:10-11). Closing Thought The refugees carried Jeremiah to Egypt against his will, yet they could not hush the Lord he served. Their account urges every generation to weigh whose voice it will follow—the fear-shaped counsel of the crowd or the faithful word of God. Connections to Additional Scriptures Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Isaiah 30:1-3 A warning against seeking refuge in Egypt and relying on human strength instead of God's guidance. Hebrews 3:12-13 An exhortation to remain faithful and not harden our hearts against God's voice. Teaching Points Rejection of God's Word The remnant of Judah, led by Johanan and other leaders, accuses Jeremiah of lying and refuses to heed God's command to stay in Judah (Jeremiah 43:2-3). Flight to Egypt Despite God's warning, the people decide to flee to Egypt, seeking safety and security in their own understanding rather than trusting in God's protection (Jeremiah 43:4-7). Prophetic Symbolism Jeremiah, in obedience to God, hides large stones in the brick pavement at the entrance of Pharaoh's palace in Tahpanhes, symbolizing the coming of Nebuchadnezzar to Egypt (Jeremiah 43:8-10). Inevitable Judgment God declares through Jeremiah that Nebuchadnezzar will conquer Egypt, demonstrating that disobedience to God's word leads to inevitable judgment (Jeremiah 43:11-13). Practical Applications Trust in God's Plan Even when God's instructions seem counterintuitive, we must trust His wisdom over our own understanding. Heed Godly Counsel Seek and value the counsel of those who speak God's truth, even when it challenges our desires. Avoiding False Security Recognize that true security is found in obedience to God, not in our own plans or worldly solutions. Consequences of Disobedience Understand that ignoring God's commands can lead to dire consequences, both spiritually and physically. People 1. Jeremiah The prophet who delivers God's messages to the people. In this chapter, he warns the remnant of Judah not to go to Egypt, as it is against God's command. 2. Azariah son of Hoshaiah One of the leaders of the remnant of Judah. He is mentioned as opposing Jeremiah's message, accusing him of lying about God's command. 3. Johanan son of Kareah Another leader of the remnant of Judah. Like Azariah, he rejects Jeremiah's warning and leads the people to Egypt. 4. All the arrogant men This group includes those who refuse to listen to Jeremiah's prophecy and choose to go to Egypt, defying God's instructions. 5. Baruch son of Neriah Jeremiah's scribe, who is accused by the leaders of having influenced Jeremiah to deliver the message against going to Egypt. Places 1. Tahpanhes Tahpanhes is an ancient city in Egypt where the remnant of Judah, against the advice of Jeremiah, fled to escape the Babylonian threat. In Jeremiah 43:7, it is mentioned: "So they entered the land of Egypt in disobedience to the LORD and went as far as Tahpanhes." The Hebrew root for Tahpanhes is תַּחְפַּנְחֵס (Tachpanches), which refers to a location in the northeastern part of the Nile Delta. 2. Egypt Egypt is the country to which the remnant of Judah fled, seeking refuge from the Babylonians. In Jeremiah 43:7, it is stated: "So they entered the land of Egypt in disobedience to the LORD and went as far as Tahpanhes." The Hebrew word for Egypt is מִצְרַיִם (Mitzrayim), a term often used in the Old Testament to denote the land of the Pharaohs. Events 1. Rejection of Jeremiah's Prophecy The leaders and people accuse Jeremiah of lying. They claim that Baruch son of Neriah is inciting him against them to deliver them into the hands of the Babylonians. This reflects a deep mistrust and rebellion against God's message delivered through Jeremiah. The Hebrew root for "lie" (שֶׁקֶר, sheker) indicates a deliberate falsehood, highlighting their accusation against Jeremiah's integrity. 2. Decision to Go to Egypt Despite Jeremiah's warning, Johanan son of Kareah and the other leaders decide to lead the remnant of Judah to Egypt. This decision is made in direct disobedience to God's command, showcasing a lack of faith and trust in God's protection. The Hebrew term for "remnant" (שְׁאֵרִית, she'erit) emphasizes the small, surviving group of Israelites. 3. The Journey to Egypt The remnant, including men, women, children, and the king's daughters, along with Jeremiah and Baruch, travel to Egypt. This event marks a significant moment of disobedience as they settle in Tahpanhes, an Egyptian city. The Hebrew name "Tahpanhes" (תַּחְפַּנְחֵס) is associated with a location in the northeastern part of the Nile Delta. 4. Prophecy of Nebuchadnezzar's Invasion In Egypt, God instructs Jeremiah to perform a symbolic act by hiding large stones in the mortar of the brick pavement at the entrance to Pharaoh's palace in Tahpanhes. This act symbolizes Nebuchadnezzar's future invasion of Egypt. The Hebrew word for "stones" (אֲבָנִים, avanim) signifies the foundation of the prophecy, indicating the certainty of its fulfillment. 5. Warning of Destruction Jeremiah prophesies that Nebuchadnezzar will set his throne over these stones and spread his royal pavilion over them. This prophecy serves as a warning of the impending destruction and subjugation of Egypt by Babylon. The Hebrew term for "throne" (כִּסֵּא, kise) underscores the authority and dominion that Nebuchadnezzar will exercise over Egypt. Lessons from Jeremiah 43 1. Trust in God's Guidance In Jeremiah 43, we see the Israelites struggling with trust. They were warned by God through Jeremiah not to go to Egypt, but they chose to rely on their own understanding instead. This reminds us of Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Trusting God means believing that His plans are better than ours, even when we can't see the full picture. 2. Obedience Over Convenience The Israelites found it more convenient to flee to Egypt than to stay in the land God had promised to protect. This teaches us that obedience to God should always take precedence over what seems easier or more comfortable. As Jesus said in John 14:15, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." True love for God is demonstrated through our willingness to follow His commands, even when it's challenging. 3. The Consequences of Disobedience Jeremiah 43 highlights the serious consequences of disobedience. The Israelites' decision to ignore God's warning led to their downfall. This serves as a powerful reminder that our choices have consequences, and disobedience can lead us away from God's blessings. As Galatians 6:7 warns, "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return." 4. The Importance of Seeking God's Will Before making decisions, it's crucial to seek God's will through prayer and Scripture. The Israelites failed to do this, relying instead on their own judgment. James 1:5 encourages us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him." Seeking God's guidance ensures that our paths align with His divine plan. 5. The Role of Prophets and Leaders Jeremiah's role as a prophet was to deliver God's message, even when it was unpopular. This underscores the importance of listening to godly leaders and prophets who speak truth into our lives. Hebrews 13:17 reminds us, "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who must give an account." God places leaders in our lives to guide us according to His will. 6. The Danger of Hardening Our Hearts The Israelites' refusal to listen to Jeremiah's warning is a cautionary tale about hardening our hearts. Hebrews 3:15 warns, "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion." A hardened heart can prevent us from hearing God's voice and experiencing His grace. We must remain open and receptive to His guidance. 7. God's Sovereignty Over Nations Jeremiah 43 demonstrates God's sovereignty over all nations. Despite the Israelites' plans, God had already determined the outcome. This reassures us that God is in control, even when the world seems chaotic. As Daniel 2:21 states, "He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them." Trusting in God's sovereignty brings peace amidst uncertainty. 8. The Power of God's Word Jeremiah's prophecies were fulfilled because God's word is powerful and true. Isaiah 55:11 affirms, "So My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it." God's word is a reliable foundation for our lives, guiding us with truth and wisdom. 9. The Necessity of Repentance The Israelites' story in Jeremiah 43 highlights the need for repentance. Ignoring God's warnings led to their downfall, but repentance could have changed their course. Acts 3:19 urges us, "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away." Repentance restores our relationship with God and aligns us with His will. 10. Hope in God's Faithfulness Despite the Israelites' disobedience, God's faithfulness remains. He continues to offer hope and redemption to those who turn back to Him. Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us, "Because of the LORD's loving devotion we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!" No matter our past mistakes, God's faithfulness offers us a fresh start and a hopeful future. Topics 1. Rejection of Jeremiah's Prophecy The chapter begins with the leaders and people rejecting the prophecy given by Jeremiah. They accuse him of lying and claim that Baruch is inciting him against them. This reflects a common theme in the Hebrew Bible where prophets are often met with disbelief and opposition. The Hebrew root for "lie" (שקר, sheker) emphasizes the falsehood they attribute to Jeremiah's message. 2. Flight to Egypt Despite God's warning through Jeremiah, the remnant of Judah decides to flee to Egypt for safety. This decision is significant as it represents a lack of trust in God's protection and a return to a place symbolically associated with bondage. The Hebrew word for Egypt, "Mitzrayim" (מצרים), often symbolizes a place of oppression and reliance on human strength rather than divine guidance. 3. Prophecy of Judgment in Egypt Jeremiah delivers a prophecy that the very place they seek for refuge will become a place of judgment. God declares that Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, will invade Egypt and bring destruction. This prophecy underscores the futility of seeking security outside of God's will. The Hebrew term for "judgment" (משפט, mishpat) is often used to denote divine justice. 4. Symbolic Action with Stones Jeremiah performs a symbolic act by hiding large stones in the mortar of the brick pavement at the entrance to Pharaoh's palace in Tahpanhes. This act signifies that Nebuchadnezzar will set his throne over these stones, indicating his future conquest of Egypt. Symbolic actions are a common prophetic tool in the Hebrew Bible, used to visually convey God's message. 5. Assurance of God's Sovereignty The chapter concludes with an assurance of God's sovereignty over nations. Despite the political and military might of Egypt, God's plans will prevail. This theme is consistent with the broader biblical narrative that emphasizes God's ultimate control over the affairs of the world. The Hebrew word for "sovereignty" (מלכות, malchut) reflects God's kingly authority. Themes 1. Disobedience to God's Command In Jeremiah 43, the people of Judah, led by Johanan and other leaders, refuse to obey God's command delivered through the prophet Jeremiah. Despite being warned not to go to Egypt, they choose to disobey. This theme highlights the human tendency to resist divine guidance, as seen in Jeremiah 43:2, where the leaders accuse Jeremiah of lying: "You are telling a lie! The LORD our God has not sent you to say, ‘You must not go to Egypt to reside there.’" 2. Rejection of Prophetic Authority The chapter illustrates the rejection of Jeremiah's prophetic authority. The people dismiss his message, accusing him of being influenced by Baruch. This reflects a broader theme of skepticism towards God's messengers, as seen in Jeremiah 43:3: "But Baruch son of Neriah is inciting you against us to hand us over to the Chaldeans, so that they may put us to death or exile us to Babylon." 3. Consequences of Disobedience The theme of consequences is evident as Jeremiah prophesies the calamities that will befall those who flee to Egypt. This underscores the biblical principle that disobedience to God leads to judgment, as stated in Jeremiah 43:11: "He will come and strike the land of Egypt—bringing death to those destined for death, captivity to those destined for captivity, and the sword to those destined for the sword." 4. Divine Sovereignty and Judgment God's sovereignty and His ability to execute judgment are emphasized. Despite the people's plans, God declares that He will bring Nebuchadnezzar to Egypt, demonstrating His control over nations and events. This is captured in Jeremiah 43:10: "I will send for My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and I will set his throne over these stones that I have hidden, and he will spread his royal pavilion over them." 5. Symbolic Actions as Prophetic Messages Jeremiah's act of hiding stones at the entrance of Pharaoh’s palace serves as a symbolic prophecy of Nebuchadnezzar's future conquest of Egypt. This theme highlights the use of symbolic actions in conveying God's messages, as seen in Jeremiah 43:9: "Take some large stones in your hands and bury them in the clay in the brick pavement at the entrance to Pharaoh’s palace in Tahpanhes." Prayer Points Pray for a heart that is open and obedient to God's word, even when it challenges our desires. Ask for discernment to recognize and heed godly counsel in our lives. Seek God's strength to trust in His plans and resist the temptation to rely on our own understanding. Pray for protection from the consequences of disobedience and for the grace to walk in alignment with God's will. Answering Tough Questions 1. Does historical or archaeological evidence verify Nebuchadnezzar’s invasion of Egypt (Jer 43:8–13)? 2. Why don’t extrabiblical sources corroborate the destruction of the Egyptian temples or pillars (Jer 43:13)? 3. How can we reconcile Jeremiah’s presence in Egypt with traditions that he remained in Judah (Jer 43:6–7)? 4. Do the promises in Jer 42 about the safety of the remnant conflict with the calamities in Jer 43? 5. Is there any credible record of Johanan and others forcing Jeremiah and Baruch into Egypt (Jer 43:1–7)? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the reaction of Johanan and the leaders to Jeremiah's prophecy reflect the common responses to God's messages today? 2. How does this chapter illustrate the danger of hardening one's heart against God's message? 3. Discuss the implications of the statement "the remnant of Judah...entered Egypt". What does this signify in terms of their obedience to God's command? 4. Why do you think the people of Judah chose Egypt for their refuge? What does this tell us about their trust in God's promise? 5. In what ways do people today seek their own "Egypts", places of false security? 6. Discuss the role of Baruch as mentioned by the arrogant men. How is this relevant in today's context? 7. How did the prophecy of Nebuchadnezzar's invasion of Egypt come true in the lives of the disobedient Israelites? 8. Reflect on Jeremiah’s action of marking the entrance of Pharaoh's palace. What does this act represent? 9. What lessons can modern believers learn from the disobedience of Johanan and the remnant of Judah? 10. In what areas of your life are you seeking security outside God’s will? How can you refocus your trust onto God's promise? 11. How does this chapter help us understand the seriousness of disobedience to God’s commands? 12. How does this story apply to the principle of "reaping what you sow"? 13. What strategies can you employ to avoid the temptation of disbelief when God's instructions seem difficult or counterintuitive? 14. How should we respond when we don't agree with or understand God's plan? 15. Discuss the importance of seeking and obeying God's will, even in the face of fear or uncertainty. 16. How can we identify and resist the "false securities" in our lives today? 17. How does the prophecy and its fulfilment in this chapter affirm the sovereignty of God? 18. How does the journey of the remnant of Judah relate to the concept of the consequences of free will? 19. Reflect on a time when disobedience led to undesired consequences in your life. How did that experience shape your understanding of obedience to God? 20. How does Jeremiah 43 challenge you to rethink your understanding of trust and obedience to God? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions