Jeremiah 43:1-13
Q.1. Why was it unacceptable for the remnant of Judah to seek refuge in Egypt? – (Jer.43:1-7)
The remnant had sought the Lord’s guidance from Jeremiah. They promised that they would do whatever God required, whether easy or difficult (c.f. Jer.42:3-6). However, they claimed that Jeremiah was lying and giving a false message (Jer.43:1-2). Baruch had previously written the dictated message from Jeremiah and had read it in the Lord’s house (c.f. Jer.36:4-8). The leaders then accused Jeremiah of joining with Baruch, in opposition to the survivors (Jer.43:3). Following that, the leaders then forced Jeremiah and Baruch to flee with – … the men, the women, the children, the king’s daughters, and every person that Nebuzaradan the captain of the bodyguard had left with Gedaliah … together with Jeremiah the prophet and Baruch the son of Neriah – and they entered the land of Egypt (for they did not obey the voice of the Lord) … (Jer.43:6-7). In effect, they were going to trust in Pharaoh, rather than in God.
Q.2. How was Jeremiah instructed to foretell the destruction of Egypt and its gods? –(Jer.43:8-13)
Even in Egypt – the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah in Tahpanhes (Jer.43:8). He was told by God to act out his message, so that it would find a lodging place in their minds. He was instructed to hide some large stones in the terrace of Pharaoh’s palace, in the sight of the Jews (Jer.43:9). This signified that the king of Babylon would set his throne over Pharaoh’s palace and destroy all the false gods in whom they all trusted, including the impressive – obelisks of Heliopolis … and the temples of the gods of Egypt … (Jer.43:13). God’s servant, Nebuchadnezzar – will also come and strike the land of Egypt; those who are meant for death will be given over to death, and those for captivity to captivity, and those for the sword to the sword (Jer.43:11). It never pays to set yourself against God’s purposes.