How does Jeremiah 43:3 reveal the people's distrust in God's messenger, Jeremiah? Setting the Scene Jeremiah faithfully relayed God’s answer to the remnant that they must stay in Judah (Jeremiah 42:9-12). Instead, the leaders charged: “‘Rather, Baruch son of Neriah is inciting you against us to deliver us into the hands of the Chaldeans, so that they may kill us or carry us off to exile in Babylon.’” (Jeremiah 43:3) What Their Words Expose • They reject divine authorship. By blaming Baruch, they treat Jeremiah’s prophecy as political sabotage, not God’s word (cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:13). • They question Jeremiah’s motives, not his message. Personal attack replaces honest evaluation (cf. John 8:48). • They invert reality. Babylon had already withdrawn; staying meant safety under God’s protection (Jeremiah 42:10-12). Their fear distorted truth. • They repeat a pattern. Earlier crowds called Jeremiah a traitor (Jeremiah 38:4). History shows the nation “mocked God’s messengers, despised His words” (2 Chronicles 36:16). Roots of Their Distrust 1. Unrepentant hearts – They had not truly turned from idolatry (Jeremiah 44:15-17). 2. Selective obedience – “Whether good or bad” (42:6) lasted only until God’s word contradicted their plan. 3. Fear of earthly powers – The sword of Babylon loomed larger than the promise of God (Matthew 10:28). 4. Pride – Submitting to prophetic authority meant admitting previous rebellion (Jeremiah 42:19-21). Consequences that Followed • They fled to Egypt anyway (Jeremiah 43:7). • Prophecy was fulfilled: sword, famine, and plague overtook them there (Jeremiah 44:11-14). • Their distrust of the messenger became distrust of the Lord Himself, sealing their judgment (Hebrews 3:12-13). Timeless Cautions for Us • Do not ask for guidance if obedience is optional—God knows the heart (Psalm 139:23-24). • Measure the messenger by faithfulness to Scripture, not by popularity or personal comfort (Acts 17:11). • Refuse character assassination; weigh the message itself (Proverbs 18:13). • Trust that every hard command carries God’s protective love (Deuteronomy 10:13; Romans 8:28). |
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