Jeremiah 44:15

Then all the men who knew that their wives were burning incense to other gods, and all the women standing by--a great assembly--along with all the people living in the land of Egypt and in Pathros, said to Jeremiah,

Study Bible

Then all the men who knew
This phrase indicates a collective awareness among the men regarding the actions of their wives. The Hebrew root for "knew" is יָדַע (yada), which implies not just awareness but an intimate understanding or acknowledgment. In the context of ancient Israel, this knowledge suggests a shared responsibility and complicity in the idolatrous practices, highlighting the communal nature of sin and the failure of the men to lead their families in faithfulness to Yahweh.

that their wives were burning incense to other gods
The act of "burning incense" is significant in ancient religious practices, symbolizing worship and devotion. The Hebrew word for "incense" is קְטֹרֶת (qetoreth), often associated with offerings to deities. The phrase "to other gods" underscores the violation of the first commandment, as the Israelites were explicitly forbidden from worshiping any god but Yahweh. This idolatry reflects a deep-seated syncretism, where the Israelites adopted the religious customs of the surrounding nations, leading to spiritual adultery.

along with all the women standing there—a great assembly—
The mention of "all the women standing there" emphasizes the widespread participation in idolatry, not limited to a few but involving a "great assembly." This collective gathering suggests a public and unashamed practice of idolatry, indicating a cultural shift away from the covenantal faithfulness to Yahweh. The Hebrew term for "assembly" is קָהָל (qahal), often used to describe a congregation or gathering, highlighting the organized nature of this rebellion.

and all the people living in Lower and Upper Egypt
The reference to "Lower and Upper Egypt" situates the narrative geographically, indicating the dispersion of the Jewish exiles. Historically, this reflects the migration of Jews to Egypt following the Babylonian conquest of Judah. The presence of the Jewish community in both regions of Egypt suggests a significant population that had settled there, yet continued to struggle with maintaining their distinct religious identity amidst a foreign culture.

said to Jeremiah
The act of speaking "to Jeremiah" signifies a confrontation with the prophet, who served as God's mouthpiece. Jeremiah's role was to call the people back to covenant faithfulness, often facing opposition and hostility. The Hebrew name יִרְמְיָהוּ (Yirmeyahu) means "Yahweh will exalt," reflecting his prophetic mission to uphold God's sovereignty and call the people to repentance. This dialogue sets the stage for a critical moment of decision for the Israelites, as they are confronted with the consequences of their idolatry.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
The prophet of God who is delivering a message to the people of Judah living in Egypt.

2. Men of Judah
These are the husbands who were aware of their wives' idolatrous practices.

3. Women of Judah
The wives who were actively participating in burning incense to other gods.

4. Egypt
The land where the remnant of Judah had fled, seeking refuge from Babylonian conquest.

5. Pathros
A region in Upper Egypt where some of the Judeans had settled.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Idolatry
Idolatry is a recurring sin that leads to separation from God. It is crucial to identify and remove any modern-day idols in our lives, whether they be material possessions, relationships, or personal ambitions.

The Role of Leadership
The men of Judah failed in their leadership by allowing and even participating in idolatry. As leaders in our families and communities, we must guide others in faithfulness to God.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The people of Judah faced dire consequences for their disobedience. We must understand that turning away from God's commandments leads to spiritual and sometimes physical repercussions.

The Importance of Repentance
Despite their sin, the opportunity for repentance was available. We should always be ready to turn back to God, seeking His forgiveness and restoration.

Community Influence
The collective decision of the community to engage in idolatry shows the power of group influence. We must be vigilant about the influences we allow in our lives and communities.

Bible Study Questions

1. What modern-day idols might we be tempted to worship, and how can we guard against them?

2. How can we, as leaders in our families or communities, ensure that we are guiding others towards faithfulness to God?

3. Reflect on a time when you faced consequences for disobedience. How did that experience shape your relationship with God?

4. In what ways can we encourage repentance and restoration within our communities?

5. How can we discern and resist negative influences within our community that lead us away from God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:3-5
This passage connects to the first commandment, which prohibits the worship of other gods, highlighting the sin of idolatry that the people of Judah were committing.

2 Kings 17:7-18
This passage provides historical context on how the Israelites repeatedly fell into idolatry, leading to their eventual exile.

Deuteronomy 28:15-68
These verses outline the curses for disobedience, which the people of Judah were experiencing due to their idolatry.

1 Kings 11:1-13
This passage describes Solomon's downfall due to idolatry, serving as a warning of the consequences of turning away from God.