Judgment on the Jews in Egypt 1This is the word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the Jews living in the land of Egypta—in Migdol, Tahpanhes, and Memphisb—and in the land of Pathros:c 2“This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: You have seen all the disaster that I brought against Jerusalem and all the cities of Judah; and behold, they lie today in ruins and desolation 3because of the evil they have done. They provoked Me to anger by continuing to burn incense and to serve other gods that neither they nor you nor your fathers ever knew. 4Yet I sent you all My servants the prophets again and again,d saying: ‘Do not do this detestable thing that I hate.’ 5But they did not listen or incline their ears; they did not turn from their wickedness or stop burning incense to other gods. 6Therefore My wrath and anger poured out and burned in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, so that they have become the desolate ruin they are today. 7So now, this is what the LORD God of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: Why are you doing such great harm to yourselves by cutting off from Judah man and woman, child and infant, leaving yourselves without a remnant? 8Why are you provoking Me to anger by the work of your hands by burning incense to other gods in the land of Egypt, where you have gone to reside? As a result, you will be cut off and will become an object of cursing and reproach among all the nations of the earth. 9Have you forgotten the wickedness of your fathers and of the kings of Judah and their wives, as well as the wickedness that you and your wives committed in the land of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem? 10To this day they have not humbled themselves or shown reverence, nor have they followed My instruction or the statutes that I set before you and your fathers. 11Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: I will set My face to bring disaster and to cut off all Judah. 12And I will take away the remnant of Judah who have resolved to go to the land of Egypt to reside there; they will meet their end. They will all fall by the sword or be consumed by famine. From the least to the greatest, they will die by sword or famine; and they will become an object of cursing and horror, of vilification and reproach. 13I will punish those who live in the land of Egypt, just as I punished Jerusalem, by sword and famine and plague, 14so that none of the remnant of Judah who have gone to reside in Egypt will escape or survive to return to the land of Judah, where they long to return and live; for none will return except a few fugitives.” The Stubbornness of the People 15Then 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,e said to Jeremiah, 16“As for the word you have spoken to us in the name of the LORD, we will not listen to you! 17Instead, we will do everything we vowed to do: We will burn incense to the Queen of Heaven and offer drink offerings to her, just as we, our fathers, our kings, and our officials did in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem. At that time we had plenty of food and good things, and we saw no disaster. 18But from the time we stopped burning incense to the Queen of Heaven and pouring out drink offerings to her, we have lacked everything and have been perishing by sword and famine.” 19“Moreover,” said the women, “when we burned incense to the Queen of Heaven and poured out drink offerings to her, was it without our husbands’ knowledge that we made sacrificial cakes in her image and poured out drink offerings to her?” Calamity for the Jews 20Then Jeremiah said to all the people, both men and women, who were answering him, 21“As for the incense you burned in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem—you, your fathers, your kings, your officials, and the people of the land—did the LORD not remember and bring this to mind? 22So the LORD could no longer endure the evil deeds and detestable acts you committed, and your land became a desolation, a horror, and an object of cursing, without inhabitant, as it is this day. 23Because you burned incense and sinned against the LORD and did not obey the voice of the LORD or walk in His instruction, His statutes, and His testimonies, this disaster has befallen you, as you see today.” 24Then Jeremiah said to all the people, including all the women, “Hear the word of the LORD, all those of Judah who are in the land of Egypt. 25This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: As for you and your wives, you have spoken with your mouths and fulfilled with your hands your words: ‘We will surely perform our vows that we have made to burn incense to the Queen of Heaven and to pour out drink offerings to her.’ Go ahead, then, do what you have promised! Keep your vows! 26Nevertheless, hear the word of the LORD, all you people of Judah living in Egypt: Behold, I have sworn by My great name, says the LORD, that never again will any man of Judah living in the land of Egypt invoke My name or say, ‘As surely as the Lord GOD lives.’ 27I am watching over them for harm and not for good, and every man of Judah who is in the land of Egypt will meet his end by sword or famine, until they are finished off. 28Those who escape the sword will return from Egypt to Judah, few in number, and the whole remnant of Judah who went to dwell in the land of Egypt will know whose word will stand, Mine or theirs! 29This will be a sign to you that I will punish you in this place, declares the LORD, so that you may know that My threats of harm against you will surely stand. 30This is what the LORD says: Behold, I will deliver Pharaoh Hophra king of Egypt into the hands of his enemies who seek his life, just as I delivered Zedekiah king of Judah into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, the enemy who was seeking his life.” Footnotes: 1 a Or Lower Egypt or northern Egypt; also in verse 15 1 b LXX; Hebrew Noph 1 c Or Upper Egypt or southern Egypt; also in verse 15 4 d Literally the prophets, rising up early and sending (them), 15 e That is, in Lower and Upper Egypt; possibly in the land of Egypt at Pathros 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 44 Summary Judgment on the Jews in EgyptVerses 1–10 – The Rebuke in Egypt Verses 11–14 – Coming Sword and Famine Verses 15–19 – The People Defend Idolatry Verses 20–23 – Jeremiah’s Counter-Argument Verses 24–28 – A Sign of Survival and Return Verses 29–30 – The Sign of Pharaoh Hophra’s Fall Jeremiah 44 presents a dire warning from the prophet Jeremiah to the remnants of Judah living in Egypt. Ignoring the consequences of their past idolatry which led to their exile, they continue to worship foreign gods. The chapter reveals God's anger at their unfaithfulness and highlights the impending doom they face unless they return to worshiping only Him. Historical Setting: Flight to Egypt After Jerusalem’s fall in 586 BC, a band led by Johanan son of Kareah fled to Egypt, dragging Jeremiah with them (Jeremiah 42–43). They settled in the Nile Delta—Migdol, Tahpanhes, and Memphis—then pushed south into Pathros (Upper Egypt). They hoped Egypt’s power would shield them from Babylon, even though God had already forbidden the move (Jeremiah 42:19). Archaeological Notes • Tahpanhes (ancient Egyptian Daphnae) has yielded a brick-paved platform that Sir Flinders Petrie identified as the “pavement at the entrance to Pharaoh’s palace” where Jeremiah buried a stone sign (Jeremiah 43:8–10). • Jewish ostraca and papyri from Elephantine (5th century BC) confirm lasting Jewish communities in Pathros, matching the “Jews living in the land of Pathros” (44:1). • Inscriptions of Pharaoh Hophra (Apries, c. 589–570 BC) speak of multiple rebellions. Herodotus records that Apries was captured by his own army, aligning with God’s sign that He would give Hophra “into the hand of his enemies” (44:30). The “Queen of Heaven” Jeremiah identifies the idol as the same female deity worshiped in Judah (Jeremiah 7:18). Most scholars link her to the Mesopotamian goddess Ishtar/Astarte. The worship involved: • “Burning incense” and “pouring out drink offerings” (44:17). • Baking sacrificial “cakes” stamped with her image (Jeremiah 7:18). Scripture repeatedly condemns such rites (Deuteronomy 4:19; 2 Kings 23:13). The people’s claim that prosperity flowed from these rites ignores that true blessing comes from covenant faithfulness (Deuteronomy 28:1–14). Patterns of Judgment: Egypt and Judah Compared 1. Stubborn Idolatry → Prophetic Warning → National Calamity (Judah, 2 Chronicles 36:15–17). 2. Refugees Repeat the Sin → Prophetic Warning → Promise of Calamity (Egypt, Jeremiah 44). God’s dealings stay consistent. Ezekiel delivers a parallel oracle against Egyptian trust (Ezekiel 29:1–16), showing that no land offers escape from divine discipline. Cross-References • 2 Kings 25 describes Jerusalem’s fall, the backdrop for Jeremiah 44. • Jeremiah 42:10–19 warns against going to Egypt; chapter 44 shows the result of ignoring that word. • Isaiah 30:1–3 earlier cautioned Judah not to seek Egypt’s shelter—“Therefore the protection of Pharaoh will become your shame.” • Revelation 18 echoes the pattern: persistent sin → prophetic call → promised downfall of a proud city (Babylon). Key Lessons • Geography cannot outmaneuver God. Flight to Egypt offered no refuge once God’s hand was set (Psalm 139:7–10). • Selective memory twists history; the refugees credited idols for prosperity, forgetting that God’s patience, not pagan worship, had withheld judgment (Romans 2:4). • Head-of-household responsibility matters. Though women voiced the vow, men were accused alongside them (Jeremiah 44:15), underscoring shared culpability. • A remnant principle persists: judgment is severe, yet God preserves a repentant few (Jeremiah 44:28; Romans 11:5). Practical Application Idolatry today often wears modern labels—materialism, nationalism, self-rule—but the pull is identical: trusting something other than God for security. Jeremiah 44 urges believers to check loyalties, heed God’s warnings promptly, and remember His past acts to avoid repeating old mistakes. Timeline Snapshot 586 BC – Jerusalem falls. ~585 BC – Gedaliah assassinated; remnant flees. ~582 BC – Jeremiah delivers oracle in Egypt (Jeremiah 44). 570 BC – Pharaoh Hophra deposed, confirming Jeremiah’s sign. Concluding Echo The chapter closes with a challenge still ringing: “You will know whose word will stand, Mine or yours!” (44:28). History vindicated God’s word then, and it continues to do so now. Connections to Additional Scriptures Exodus 20:3-5You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters beneath. 1 Samuel 15:22 But Samuel declared: 'Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams.' Romans 1:21-23 For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. Teaching Points Rebellion Against GodThe Israelites in Egypt blatantly disregarded God's commands, choosing to worship the Queen of Heaven instead. Jeremiah 44:17 states, Instead, we will do everything we vowed—to burn incense to the Queen of Heaven and to pour out drink offerings to her, just as we, our fathers, our kings, and our officials did in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem. Consequences of Disobedience God, through Jeremiah, warns the people of the dire consequences of their actions. Jeremiah 44:11-12 says, Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘I will set My face against you for harm and to cut off all Judah. And I will take away the remnant of Judah who have set their faces to go into the land of Egypt to reside there, and they will all perish.’ Stubbornness of the People Despite witnessing the destruction of Jerusalem and the fulfillment of previous prophecies, the people remained obstinate. Jeremiah 44:16 reveals their defiance: As for the word you have spoken to us in the name of the LORD, we will not listen to you! God's Faithfulness and Justice Even in His judgment, God remains faithful to His word and just in His actions. Jeremiah 44:28 highlights this: Those who escape the sword and return from the land of Egypt to the land of Judah will be very few. Then the whole remnant of Judah who came to dwell in the land of Egypt will know whose word will stand, Mine or theirs. Practical Applications Evaluate Your AllegiancesReflect on areas in your life where you might be prioritizing other gods or idols over your relationship with God. Heed God's Warnings Be attentive to the warnings and guidance God provides through His Word and the Holy Spirit. Ignoring them can lead to spiritual and physical consequences. Repentance and Obedience Embrace a heart of repentance and commit to obeying God's commands, trusting in His wisdom and love. Trust in God's Justice Remember that God's justice is perfect. Trust that He will uphold His promises and that His word will always prevail. People 1. JeremiahThe prophet who delivers God's message to the people of Judah in Egypt. He warns them about the consequences of their idolatry and disobedience to God. 2. The People of Judah These are the Jewish exiles living in Egypt. They are addressed collectively as those who have fled to Egypt to escape the Babylonian conquest of Judah. 3. The Men of Judah Specifically mentioned as those who are living in Egypt and are being addressed by Jeremiah regarding their idolatrous practices. 4. The Women of Judah They are highlighted for their role in burning incense to the "Queen of Heaven" and participating in idolatrous worship alongside their husbands. 5. The Queen of Heaven Although not a person, this title refers to a deity that the people of Judah were worshiping. The term "Queen of Heaven" is associated with various ancient Near Eastern goddesses, such as Ishtar or Astarte. 6. Pharaoh The ruler of Egypt, mentioned indirectly as the king under whose protection the people of Judah have sought refuge. The chapter focuses on the collective actions and attitudes of the people of Judah in Egypt rather than individual characters. The Hebrew root words for "men" (אִישׁ, 'ish) and "women" (אִשָּׁה, 'ishah) emphasize the involvement of both genders in the idolatrous practices condemned by Jeremiah. Places 1. EgyptThe overarching location where the events of Jeremiah 44 take place. The Jewish exiles have fled to Egypt to escape the Babylonian conquest of Judah. In the Hebrew text, Egypt is referred to as "מִצְרַיִם" (Mitzrayim). 2. Migdol Mentioned in Jeremiah 44:1, Migdol is a location in Egypt where some of the Jewish exiles have settled. The name "Migdol" means "tower" in Hebrew, indicating a fortified place or a watchtower. 3. Tahpanhes Also mentioned in Jeremiah 44:1, Tahpanhes is another settlement of the Jewish exiles in Egypt. It was an important city in the northeastern part of the Nile Delta. The Hebrew name "תַּחְפַּנְחֵס" (Tachpanches) reflects its Egyptian origin. 4. Memphis This city is referred to in Jeremiah 44:1 as "Noph" in the Hebrew text. Memphis was a major city in ancient Egypt, located near the Nile River, and served as a religious and cultural center. 5. Pathros Mentioned in Jeremiah 44:1, Pathros is a region in Upper Egypt. The Hebrew name "פַּתְרוֹס" (Pathros) indicates the southern part of Egypt, which was known for its distinct cultural and historical identity. Events 1. Jeremiah's Message to the Jews in EgyptJeremiah delivers a message from the LORD to all the Jews living in Egypt, specifically in Migdol, Tahpanhes, and Memphis, warning them of the consequences of their idolatry (Jeremiah 44:1). 2. Recounting Past Judgments The LORD reminds the people of the calamities that befell Jerusalem and Judah due to their wickedness and idolatry, emphasizing that these events occurred because they provoked Him to anger by burning incense to other gods (Jeremiah 44:2-6). 3. Warning Against Continued Idolatry God warns the remnant in Egypt not to continue in their idolatrous practices, specifically mentioning the burning of incense to the "queen of heaven" (Jeremiah 44:7-10). The Hebrew term for "queen of heaven" is "מְלֶכֶת הַשָּׁמַיִם" (melekhet ha-shamayim). 4. Declaration of Judgment The LORD declares that He will set His face against the Jews in Egypt for harm, not for good, and that they will be consumed by sword and famine until they are no more (Jeremiah 44:11-14). 5. The People's Defiant Response The people respond defiantly to Jeremiah, stating that they will continue to burn incense to the queen of heaven as they did in Jerusalem, claiming that they had plenty and no harm when they did so (Jeremiah 44:15-19). 6. Jeremiah's Rebuttal and Prophecy Jeremiah rebukes the people, reminding them that their idolatry was the reason for their calamities. He prophesies that the LORD will punish them in Egypt just as He did in Jerusalem (Jeremiah 44:20-23). 7. Sign of Pharaoh Hophra's Defeat As a sign of the impending judgment, Jeremiah prophesies that Pharaoh Hophra, king of Egypt, will be delivered into the hands of his enemies, just as Zedekiah was delivered into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar (Jeremiah 44:24-30). Topics 1. Warning Against Idolatry (Jeremiah 44:1-6)God speaks through Jeremiah to the Jews living in Egypt, reminding them of the calamities that befell Jerusalem and Judah due to their idolatry. The Hebrew root for "idolatry" (עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה, avodah zarah) emphasizes foreign or strange worship, which is strictly forbidden. 2. Rebuke for Continued Disobedience (Jeremiah 44:7-10) The Lord questions why the people continue to provoke Him with their actions, despite witnessing the destruction of their homeland. The Hebrew word for "provoke" (כָּעַס, ka'as) indicates a deep-seated anger or irritation caused by their persistent rebellion. 3. Judgment Pronounced (Jeremiah 44:11-14) God declares that He will set His face against the remnant of Judah in Egypt, ensuring that they will face destruction. The phrase "set My face against" (שִׂים פָּנַי עַל, sim panai al) in Hebrew conveys a deliberate and determined opposition. 4. The People's Defiant Response (Jeremiah 44:15-19) The people, led by their wives, openly reject Jeremiah's message, insisting on continuing their worship of the "Queen of Heaven." The term "Queen of Heaven" (מְלֶכֶת הַשָּׁמַיִם, melekhet hashamayim) refers to a pagan deity, highlighting their syncretism and defiance. 5. Jeremiah's Prophetic Reply (Jeremiah 44:20-23) Jeremiah responds by reminding them that their idolatry is the reason for their suffering. The Hebrew word for "remind" (זָכַר, zakar) implies bringing to mind or making them remember their past actions and their consequences. 6. The Consequences of Idolatry (Jeremiah 44:24-28) Jeremiah prophesies that only a small remnant will escape the sword and return to Judah, serving as a testament to the truth of God's word. The Hebrew root for "remnant" (שְׁאֵרִית, she'erit) signifies those who survive or are left over, emphasizing God's mercy even in judgment. 7. Sign of Judgment (Jeremiah 44:29-30) As a sign of the impending judgment, God declares that Pharaoh Hophra will be handed over to his enemies, just as Zedekiah was. The Hebrew word for "sign" (אוֹת, ot) indicates a token or proof of God's sovereign will and power. Themes 1. Idolatry and ApostasyJeremiah 44 addresses the persistent idolatry and apostasy of the people of Judah living in Egypt. Despite previous warnings, they continue to worship the "Queen of Heaven" (Jeremiah 44:17). The Hebrew term for "Queen of Heaven" is "מְלֶכֶת הַשָּׁמַיִם" (melekhet ha-shamayim), indicating a celestial deity, which highlights their departure from worshiping Yahweh. 2. Divine Judgment The chapter emphasizes the certainty of divine judgment due to the people's disobedience. God declares, "I will set My face against you for disaster and not for good" (Jeremiah 44:11). The Hebrew word for "disaster" is "רָעָה" (ra'ah), underscoring the severity of the consequences for their actions. 3. Stubbornness and Rebellion The people's stubbornness and rebellion are evident as they refuse to heed God's warnings. They boldly state, "We will not listen to the message you have spoken to us in the name of the LORD!" (Jeremiah 44:16). This reflects a hardened heart and a willful rejection of divine authority. 4. Remembrance of Past Judgments God reminds the people of past judgments that came upon Jerusalem and Judah due to similar sins. "Have you forgotten the wickedness of your fathers...?" (Jeremiah 44:9). This serves as a historical lesson, emphasizing the consequences of ignoring God's commands. 5. False Security in Idolatry The people express a false sense of security in their idolatrous practices, believing that their offerings to the "Queen of Heaven" brought them prosperity (Jeremiah 44:17-18). This illustrates the deception of idolatry and the misplaced trust in false gods. 6. Call to Repentance Despite the pronouncement of judgment, there is an implicit call to repentance. God's warnings serve as an opportunity for the people to turn back to Him, though they choose not to. This theme highlights God's desire for His people to return to righteousness. 7. Consequences of Disobedience The chapter concludes with a clear statement of the consequences for disobedience: "None of the remnant of Judah who have gone to live in the land of Egypt will escape or survive" (Jeremiah 44:14). This underscores the inevitable outcome of persistent rebellion against God. Answering Tough Questions 1. If Jeremiah 44:13–14 foretells complete destruction of the Judeans in Egypt, how do we reconcile evidence that some Jews thrived there historically? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What does the persistent idolatry of the Judeans in Egypt symbolize in our modern life? 2. How does God's reaction to the people's disobedience in Jeremiah 44 reflect His character? 3. How did the people's perspective on their own suffering differ from God's perspective, and how might we sometimes view our own hardships similarly? 4. What are some modern forms of idolatry we need to be cautious of? 5. How does Jeremiah's role as a messenger in this chapter speak to our own roles as Christians today? 6. How does the defiant response of the women reflect society's perspective on obedience to God? 7. How do the consequences of disobedience outlined in this chapter apply to our lives today? 8. What lessons can we learn from the Judahite's failure to heed Jeremiah’s warnings? 9. How might you react if you were among the remnants of Judah in Egypt hearing Jeremiah's prophecy? 10. How do you identify "prophets" or messages from God in your own life and how do you respond to them? 11. What does the chapter reveal about God's feelings towards stubbornness and disobedience? 12. In what ways might we be blind to our own sins, much like the people of Judah? 13. How does the downfall of Egypt serve as a symbol for the eventual failure of worldly powers? 14. How can you apply the lesson of repentance and return to God in your personal life? 15. How does this chapter reveal the gravity of sin and its consequences? 16. How does Jeremiah 44 highlight the role of women in religious practices during biblical times? 17. In what ways does the chapter show the people's misunderstanding of God's intentions and blessings? 18. What parallels can you draw between the cultural and spiritual struggles of the ancient Judahites and those of Christians today? 19. How do the themes of disobedience, repentance, and divine judgment resonate with the overall narrative of the Bible? 20. If God were to speak to our society as He did through Jeremiah, what might He say and how should we respond? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
    |