1 The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the Judeans who lived in the land of Egypt, at Migdol, at Tahpanhes, at Memphis, and in the land of Pathros,
2 “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: You have seen all the disaster that I brought upon Jerusalem and upon all the cities of Judah. Behold, this day they are a desolation, and no one dwells in them,
3 Because of the evil that they committed, provoking me to anger, in that they went to make offerings and serve other gods that they knew not, neither they, nor you, nor your fathers.
4 Yet I persistently sent to you all my servants the prophets, saying, ‘Oh, do not do this abomination that I hate!’
5 But they did not listen or incline their ear, to turn from their evil and make no offerings to other gods.
6 Therefore my wrath and my anger were poured out and kindled in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, and they became a waste and a desolation, as at this day.
7 “Therefore, now thus says the Lord, the God of hosts, the God of Israel: Why do you commit this great evil against yourselves, to cut off from you man and woman, infant and child, from the midst of Judah, leaving you no remnant?”
8 Why do you provoke me to anger with the works of your hands, making offerings to other gods in the land of Egypt where you have come to live, so that you may be cut off and become a curse and a taunt among all the nations of the earth?
9 Have you forgotten the evil of your fathers, the evil of the kings of Judah, the evil of their wives, your own evil, and the evil of your wives, which they committed in the land of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem?
10 They are not humbled even to this day; they have not feared, they have not walked in my law or in my statutes that I set before you and before your fathers.
11 Therefore thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Behold, I will set my face against you for harm, to cut off all Judah.
12 I will take the remnant of Judah who have set their faces to come to the land of Egypt to live, and they shall all be consumed. In the land of Egypt they shall fall; by the sword and by famine they shall be consumed. From the least to the greatest, they shall die by the sword and by famine, and they shall become an oath, a horror, a curse, and a taunt.
13 I will punish those who dwell in the land of Egypt, as I have punished Jerusalem, with the sword, with famine, and with pestilence,
14 so that none of the remnant of Judah who have come to live in the land of Egypt shall escape or survive or return to the land of Judah, to which they desire to return to dwell there. For they shall not return, except some fugitives.”
15 Then all the men who knew that their wives had made offerings to other gods, and all the women who stood by, a great assembly, all the people who lived in Pathros in the land of Egypt, answered Jeremiah:
16 “As for the word that you have spoken to us in the name of the Lord, we will not listen to you.
17 But we will do everything that we have vowed, make offerings to the queen of heaven and pour out drink offerings to her, as we did, both we and our fathers, our kings and our officials, in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem. For then we had plenty of food, and prospered, and saw no disaster.
18 But since we left off making offerings to the queen of heaven and pouring out drink offerings to her, we have lacked everything and have been consumed by the sword and by famine.
19 And the women said, “When we made offerings to the queen of heaven and poured out drink offerings to her, was it without our husbands’ approval that we made cakes for her bearing her image and poured out drink offerings to her?”
20 Then Jeremiah said to all the people, men and women, all the people who had given him this answer:
21 “As for the offerings that you offered in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, you and your fathers, your kings and your officials, and the people of the land, did not the Lord remember them? Did it not come into his mind?
22 The Lord could no longer bear your evil deeds and the abominations that you committed. Therefore your land has become a desolation and a waste, and a curse, without inhabitant, as it is this day.
23 Because you have made offerings and because you have sinned against the Lord and have not obeyed the voice of the Lord or walked in his law and in his statutes and in his testimonies.
24 Moreover, Jeremiah said to all the people and all the women, “Hear the word of the Lord, all you of Judah who are in the land of Egypt.
25 Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: You and your wives have declared with your mouths, and have fulfilled it with your hands, saying, ‘We will surely perform our vows that we have made, to make offerings to the queen of heaven and to pour out drink offerings to her.’ Then confirm your vows and perform your vows!
26 Therefore hear the word of the Lord, all you of Judah who dwell in the land of Egypt: Behold, I have sworn by my great name, says the Lord, that my name shall no more be invoked by the mouth of any man of Judah in all the land of Egypt, saying, ‘As the Lord God lives.’
27 Behold, I am watching over them for disaster and not for good. All the men of Judah who are in the land of Egypt shall be consumed by the sword and by famine, until there is an end of them.
28 And those who escape the sword shall return from the land of Egypt to the land of Judah, few in number; and all the remnant of Judah, who came to the land of Egypt to live, shall know whose word will stand, mine or theirs.
29 This shall be the sign to you, declares the Lord, that I will punish you in this place, in order that you may know that my words will surely stand against you for harm:
30 Thus says the Lord: Behold, I will give Pharaoh Hophra king of Egypt into the hand of his enemies and into the hand of those who seek his life, as I gave Zedekiah king of Judah into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, who was his enemy and sought his life.”
The True Meaning of Jeremiah 44
The book of Jeremiah was written by the prophet Jeremiah, a man called by God to speak His words to the people of Judah during a tumultuous time in their history. Jeremiah witnessed the fall of Jerusalem and the exile of the Israelites to Babylon. Jeremiah addresses the Israelites who had fled to Egypt in this chapter, warning them of the consequences of their disobedience to God.
The chapter begins with Jeremiah delivering a message from God to the Israelites who had settled in Egypt, reminding them of the destruction that befell Jerusalem and Judah due to their idolatry and rejection of God’s commands. Jeremiah then confronts the people, accusing them of continuing their sinful ways even in their exile. He warns them that if they persist in their rebellion, God will bring further judgment upon them, just as He did on their ancestors.
This passage echoes the warnings found in other books of the Bible, such as Deuteronomy, where Moses warned the Israelites of the consequences of disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:15-68). Jeremiah’s message serves as a final plea for the people to repent and return to the Lord, before they face the full weight of His wrath.
Jeremiah 44:1-6
God directed a specific message towards the remnant of Judah who had fled to Egypt after the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon in Jeremiah 44:1-6. The sections within these verses can be broken down as follows:
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Jeremiah’s Message from God: This section opens with the Lord speaking to Jeremiah, instructing him to pass on a message to the Jewish remnant in Egypt. The message is a stern warning from the Lord, reminding the people of Judah of the consequences of their disobedience and idolatry. God is holding them accountable for their actions and is urging them to repent and turn back to Him.
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The People’s Response: Despite the strong warning from God through Jeremiah, the people of Judah in Egypt show a defiant attitude. They had no intention of heeding Jeremiah’s message or abandoning their idolatrous practices. They even go as far as vowing to continue offering sacrifices to the Queen of Heaven, a false deity they had embraced during their time in Egypt.
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God pronounces His judgment upon the people in response to this rebellion and continued idolatry. He declares that disaster will come upon them, and they will be utterly destroyed. This serves as a clear warning of the consequences of persisting in disobedience and turning away from the one true God.
The significance of this passage lies in the continuous theme of God’s faithfulness and the consequences of idolatry throughout the Scriptures. The people of Judah in Egypt were a clear example of those who persisted in their sinful ways despite warnings from the prophets. Their refusal to repent and turn back to God led to their inevitable downfall and destruction.
This passage serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God. It also highlights the patience and long-suffering nature of God, who always gives people a chance to turn back to Him, even in the face of severe judgment. The story of the Jewish remnant in Egypt underscores the timeless message of the Bible that true repentance and obedience are key components of a faithful relationship with God. Idolatry is a recurring theme that is consistently condemned in the broader context of the Bible. Throughout the Old Testament, we see how the worship of false gods led to the downfall of nations and individuals. Verses like Exodus 20:3-5 and Deuteronomy 5:7-9 make it clear that God is a jealous God and demands exclusive worship from His people. The story of the Jewish remnant in Egypt serves as a cautionary tale for all believers, emphasizing the importance of remaining steadfast in the true faith and not allowing anything to come between us and God.
Jeremiah 44:7-10
The verse in Jeremiah 44:7-10 reads, “Now this is what the Lord God Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Why do you bring such great disaster on yourselves by cutting off from Judah the men and women, the children and infants, and so leave yourselves without a remnant? Why arouse my anger with what your hands have made, burning incense to other gods in Egypt, where you have come to live? You will destroy yourselves and make yourselves a curse and an object of reproach among all the nations on earth. Have you forgotten the wickedness committed by your ancestors and by the kings and queens of Judah and the wickedness committed by you and your wives in the land of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem? God is questioning the people of Judah through the prophet Jeremiah in this section. The people had disobeyed God by worshiping false gods, burning incense to idols, and engaging in practices that provoked God’s anger. God is confronting them with the consequences of their actions and reminding them of the sins of their ancestors and their own wrongdoing. They were ensuring that there would be no remnant left to carry on their heritage by cutting off their own people, not sparing even children or infants.
This passage serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of remaining faithful and obedient to God. It emphasizes the principle of generational consequences of sin. The current actions of the people of Judah were leading to their own destruction, just as the sins of the forefathers impacted future generations. This theme of generational consequences is also present in other parts of the Bible, such as Exodus 20:5 where God says He will punish children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Him.
Furthermore, the reference to the wickedness of the kings and queens of Judah points to a recurring theme in the history of Israel and Judah. Throughout the Old Testament, we see examples of kings and leaders who strayed from God’s commandments, leading the nation into idolatry and disobedience. This pattern ultimately led to the downfall of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. The mention of the streets of Jerusalem highlights how even in the holiest city, sin and disobedience had taken hold. Jeremiah 44:7-10 serves as a solemn warning about the consequences of turning away from God and following after idols. It underscores the importance of repentance, obedience, and faithfulness to God’s commandments to avoid bringing disaster upon oneself and future generations. Believers should heed and learn from the timeless message of judgment faced by the people of Judah for their sins in their walk with God.
Jeremiah 44:11-14
The Lord God Almighty, the God of Israel, says in Jeremiah 44:11-14 that He is determined to bring disaster on you and to destroy all Judah. I will take away the remnant of Judah who were determined to go to Egypt to settle there. They will all perish in Egypt; they will fall by the sword or die from famine. From the least to the greatest, they will die by sword or famine. They will become a curse and an object of horror, a curse and an object of reproach. I will punish those who live in Egypt with the sword, famine and plague, as I punished Jerusalem.”
Here, we see a severe warning from the Lord God Almighty to the people of Judah who had stubbornly disobeyed Him by seeking refuge in Egypt despite the warnings and instructions given through the prophet Jeremiah. The consequences of their disobedience were dire, as God declared His determination to bring disaster upon them and to destroy all of Judah.
This passage serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of following God’s commands and the consequences of willful disobedience. Throughout the Bible, we see that God is just and righteous, and He does not take disobedience lightly. God often used prophets like Jeremiah in the Old Testament to communicate His messages to His people. Jeremiah had warned the people against seeking help from Egypt and had urged them to trust in the Lord alone in this particular instance. However, the people chose to ignore his warnings and place their trust in Egypt instead.
The mention of the punishment being similar to that of Jerusalem highlights the consistent pattern in the Bible where disobedience leads to destruction. The city of Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians as a result of the people’s sin and rebellion against God. This historical event serves as a potent example of the consequences of turning away from God’s commands. We can see parallels in the story of the Israelites in the wilderness when relating this passage to other verses in the Bible. Despite God’s miraculous deliverance from Egypt, the Israelites grumbled and disobeyed God repeatedly, which resulted in severe consequences such as wandering in the wilderness for forty years. The principle remains the same – obedience brings blessings, while disobedience leads to destruction. Jeremiah 44:11-14 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of heeding God’s word and the consequences of choosing to walk in disobedience. God’s warnings are not to be taken lightly, and we are called to trust in Him completely, knowing that His ways are higher than ours and His plans are always for our good.
Jeremiah 44:15-19
The remnant of Judah who had fled to Egypt after the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians responded in the passage from Jeremiah 44:15-19. These exiles had vowed to continue their idolatrous practices, even in this foreign land, despite the warnings of the prophet Jeremiah. The women were burning incense, making cakes for the Queen of Heaven, and pouring out drink offerings to her, essentially rejecting the God of Israel and continuing in the worship of false gods.
This passage is significant because it illustrates the stubbornness and disobedience of the people of Judah. Despite all the prophets sent to warn them about the consequences of their idolatry and disobedience, they chose to continue in their sinful ways. It highlights the human tendency to cling to familiar sins rather than turn to God in repentance and obedience.
The reference to the “Queen of Heaven” is a clear example of the idolatry that had taken root among the people of Judah. This false goddess was likely associated with fertility and was worshipped by many ancient cultures in the region. The fact that the women were specifically mentioned as leading this idolatrous practice may indicate a particular influence or role they played in perpetuating these rituals.
Throughout the Bible, we see instances of God’s people being tempted to worship false gods and idols. From the golden calf at Mount Sinai to the worship of Baal in the time of the prophets, the struggle against idolatry is a recurring theme. This passage serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing anything to take the place of God in our lives.
The prophet Jeremiah’s warnings and pleas for the people to turn back to God went unheeded. Despite his faithful proclamation of God’s message, the people continued in their rebellion. This reflects the difficult role of prophets throughout the Bible, who were often tasked with delivering messages of judgment and warning to a stubborn and unrepentant people. The exile to Babylon was a direct consequence of the people’s refusal to repent and turn back to God in the ultimate fulfillment of God’s judgment. The destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of Judah served as a harsh but necessary means for God to discipline His people and bring about their eventual restoration. The passage from Jeremiah 44:15-19 serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience and idolatry. It prompts us to examine our own lives and ensure that we are not allowing anything to take precedence over our worship and devotion to the one true God. It is a call to repentance, obedience, and faithfulness, echoing the timeless message of the Bible that urges us to turn away from sin and turn back to God.
Jeremiah 44:20-23
The passage in Jeremiah 44:20-23 reveals a dialogue between the prophet Jeremiah and the remnant of the people of Judah who had fled to Egypt after the Babylonian invasion of Judah. The people had turned to idolatry, particularly worshiping the “queen of heaven,” which provoked the anger of God. The women defended their actions, stating that when they worshiped the queen of heaven, they had plenty of food and experienced no disaster. This response displays their stubbornness and refusal to acknowledge their sinful behavior.
Jeremiah, as God’s messenger, admonishes the people for their idolatry, pointing out that their suffering was a direct result of turning away from the one true God. The prophet reminds them of the devastation that had befallen Jerusalem and the rest of Judah due to their disobedience and idol worship. He urges them to repent and turn back to the Lord to avoid further destruction.
This passage serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and seeking fulfillment in idols or false gods. Throughout the Bible, idolatry is frequently condemned because it not only displeases God but also leads individuals and nations away from the path of righteousness and blessings. The Israelites’ history is rife with examples of punishment and exile due to their persistent idolatry. God commands His people in Exodus 20:3-6 not to have other gods before Him or make idols, for He is a jealous God. This commandment underscores the importance of worshiping the true God alone and rejecting all forms of idolatry. The story of the people of Judah in Egypt echoes the consequences of disobedience and serves as a cautionary tale for believers to remain faithful and devoted to the Lord. Jeremiah 44:20-23 ultimately highlights the importance of genuine repentance, turning away from sin, and returning to God in humility and obedience. It underscores God’s desire for His people to worship Him alone and trust in His provision and protection. The passage stands as a timeless lesson for all believers to prioritize their relationship with God above all else and to guard against the lure of idolatry and false gods.
Jeremiah 44:24-27
Jeremiah delivers a message from the Lord to the people of Judah who had sought refuge in Egypt after the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in Jeremiah 44:24-27. Let’s break down this verse into important sections to uncover the depth of its meaning.
Verse 24 begins with the Lord commanding Jeremiah to tell the remnant of Judah living in Egypt, “Listen, all you people of Judah who are living in Egypt! This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says.” This sets the stage for the following message, emphasizing the authority and power of God over the situation at hand. The use of the title “Lord of Heaven’s Armies” highlights God’s sovereignty and control over all things. The message from the Lord through Jeremiah condemns the people for their unrepentant idolatry, particularly the worship of the “queen of heaven” in verses 25 and 26.” This idolatrous worship was a recurring issue among the Israelites throughout their history, despite God’s repeated warnings against it. The reference to the “queen of heaven” likely alludes to a pagan deity worshiped by the people, possibly the Assyrian or Babylonian goddess Ishtar or Astarte. This persistent idolatry was a major factor leading to the downfall of Judah and the exile of its people.
The consequences of the people’s disobedience are outlined in verse 27, where the Lord declares that He will watch over them for harm and not for good. This divine judgment reflects the principle of reaping what one sows, as the people’s actions have led to their own downfall. Despite God’s patience and warnings through prophets like Jeremiah, the people’s refusal to turn away from their sinful ways ultimately led to their ruin.
This passage from Jeremiah 44 serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of idolatry and disobedience to God’s commands. Throughout the Bible, we see a pattern of God’s people straying from Him, facing consequences for their actions, but also experiencing the mercy and grace of God when they repent and turn back to Him. The story of the Israelites is a poignant example of God’s enduring love for His people, even in the face of their repeated failures. We reflect on this verse, learn from the mistakes of the past, and strive to always place God at the center of our lives, obeying His Word and trusting in His guidance.
Jeremiah 44:28-30
The verses in Jeremiah 44:28-30 convey a solemn message from the Lord to the inhabitants of Egypt who had escaped the destruction in Jerusalem but continued to engage in idolatry and disobedience. The Lord proclaims, “Yet a small number who escape the sword will return from the land of Egypt to the land of Judah, and all the remnant of Judah who have gone to the land of Egypt to live there will know whose word will stand, Mine or theirs.” This prophecy carries a significant warning and consequence for those who persist in their defiance against God despite the repeated pleas and warnings from the prophets.
One of the crucial elements in these verses is the idea of a “remnant” – a small number who will return to Judah. This concept of the remnant appears frequently in the Bible, symbolizing a group of faithful believers who remain true to God amidst widespread unfaithfulness and disobedience. The remnant in this context represents those who repent and turn back to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and authority. The remnant serves as a testament to the enduring faithfulness of God’s covenant people, highlighting the importance of remaining steadfast in the face of adversity and temptation.
The reference to individuals escaping the sword and eventually returning to Judah echoes themes of redemption and restoration found throughout the Bible. Despite the judgment and exile facing the people of Judah, there is still hope for a future reconciliation with God if they turn away from their sinful ways. This message underscores the mercy and grace of God, emphasizing His desire for repentance and reconciliation rather than judgment and punishment. The assertion serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience and rebellion, as it will show the people in Egypt whose word will stand – whether it be the word of God or their own desires. Throughout the Bible, there are numerous cautionary tales of individuals or nations who chose to ignore God’s commands and faced the repercussions of their actions. The story arc of disobedience leading to judgment and ultimately redemption is a recurring theme that showcases the importance of obedience and faithfulness in one’s relationship with God. A consistent pattern of prophetic warnings, calls for repentance, and declarations of judgment emerges when analyzing these verses in the broader context of Jeremiah. Jeremiah, known as the weeping prophet, tirelessly conveyed God’s messages to a stubborn and rebellious people, urging them to turn back to God and avoid the impending doom. The narrative of Judah’s exile and eventual return serves as a powerful example of the consequences of disobedience and the significance of genuine repentance in restoring a broken relationship with God. Jeremiah 44:28-30 encapsulates the timeless message of God’s faithfulness, mercy, and justice. It highlights the importance of heeding God’s warnings, embracing repentance, and acknowledging His sovereignty in all aspects of our lives. The verses serve as a poignant reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the enduring hope for reconciliation and restoration through genuine repentance and faith in God.
After Jeremiah 44
The people had turned away from the Lord, and their disobedience had led to great suffering. Yet, even in their darkest hour, the Lord’s mercy remained. Jeremiah delivered a solemn warning to the remnant of Judah as the chapter drew to a close. He urged them to return to the Lord, lest they face the same fate as their fallen brethren. The people’s response would determine the course of their future, and the reverend knew that the next chapter would reveal whether they had the courage to heed the Lord’s call.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.