Jeremiah 43:2

Azariah 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.'

Study Bible

Azariah son of Hoshaiah
Azariah is mentioned here as a leader among the remnant of Judah. His name means "Yahweh has helped," which is ironic given his opposition to Jeremiah's message. The mention of his father, Hoshaiah, provides a genealogical context, emphasizing the importance of lineage in Jewish culture. This highlights the tension between those who should be leading the people in faithfulness to God and their actual rebellion.

Johanan son of Kareah
Johanan is another leader of the remnant, previously seen as a protector of the people (Jeremiah 40:13-16). His name means "Yahweh is gracious," yet his actions contradict this, as he rejects God's guidance through Jeremiah. The mention of his father, Kareah, again underscores the importance of family heritage and the expectation of faithfulness to God's covenant.

and all the arrogant men
The term "arrogant" indicates a prideful and rebellious attitude, which is a recurring theme in the Bible regarding those who oppose God's prophets. This pride leads to a refusal to listen to divine instruction, a common issue among the Israelites that often resulted in judgment (Proverbs 16:18).

said to Jeremiah
Jeremiah, known as the "weeping prophet," faced significant opposition throughout his ministry. His role as a prophet was to deliver God's messages, often met with resistance. This interaction is part of a larger narrative where Jeremiah's warnings are consistently ignored, reflecting the broader theme of prophetic rejection.

“You are lying!
Accusing Jeremiah of lying is a serious charge, as it implies that he is falsely claiming to speak for God. This accusation reflects a deep mistrust and unwillingness to accept God's message, reminiscent of other instances where prophets were doubted or persecuted (1 Kings 22:8).

The LORD our God has not sent you
This statement challenges Jeremiah's prophetic authority and divine commission. It reflects a broader biblical theme where true prophets are often doubted, while false prophets are readily accepted (Jeremiah 14:14). The use of "our God" indicates a superficial acknowledgment of God, contrasting with their disobedience.

to say, ‘You must not go to Egypt to reside there.’
The command not to go to Egypt is significant, as Egypt represents a place of past bondage and a temptation to rely on human strength rather than God. Historically, Egypt was seen as a powerful nation, but God warned against seeking refuge there (Isaiah 30:1-3). This command is a test of faith, echoing the Israelites' past struggles with trust in God during the Exodus.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Azariah son of Hoshaiah
A leader among the remnant of Judah, who opposed Jeremiah's prophecy.

2. Johanan son of Kareah
Another leader of the remnant, who also rejected Jeremiah's message.

3. Jeremiah
The prophet of God, delivering a message to the people of Judah.

4. Egypt
The place where the remnant of Judah desired to flee for safety, against God's command.

5. The Remnant of Judah
The remaining people of Judah after the Babylonian conquest, seeking refuge.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Pride
The "arrogant men" rejected God's message through Jeremiah. Pride can blind us to God's truth and lead to disobedience.

The Importance of Obedience
Despite their promise to obey God's word, the remnant chose their own path. True faith requires obedience, even when it's difficult.

Trust in God's Plan
The remnant's desire to flee to Egypt reflects a lack of trust in God's protection. We must trust God's plan, even when it seems counterintuitive.

The Role of Prophets
Jeremiah's role as a prophet was to deliver God's message, regardless of its reception. We should respect and heed godly counsel.

Consequences of Disobedience
The remnant's decision to go to Egypt led to further judgment. Disobedience to God often results in negative consequences.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the response of Azariah and Johanan reflect a common human tendency when confronted with difficult truths?

2. In what ways can pride prevent us from hearing and accepting God's guidance in our own lives?

3. How does the remnant's desire to go to Egypt parallel other instances in the Bible where God's people struggled with trust?

4. What can we learn from Jeremiah's faithfulness in delivering God's message, even when it was unpopular?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Jeremiah 43:2 to ensure we are obedient to God's will in our daily decisions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 42
Provides context where the remnant asks Jeremiah to seek God's guidance, promising to obey whatever God commands.

Exodus 14
Reflects on the Israelites' previous desire to return to Egypt, showing a pattern of disobedience and lack of trust in God.

Isaiah 30:1-2
Warns against seeking refuge in Egypt, highlighting a recurring theme of misplaced trust.

2 Kings 25
Describes the fall of Jerusalem, setting the stage for the remnant's situation.

Proverbs 16:18
Speaks to the dangers of pride, relevant to the "arrogant men" in Jeremiah 43:2.