How does Jeremiah 44:28 illustrate God's sovereignty over human plans and actions? The Context • Judah’s remnant had fled to Egypt to escape Babylon (Jeremiah 43–44). • They defiantly promised to keep worshiping “the queen of heaven” despite God’s clear commands. • Jeremiah warns that Egypt will not save them; only God’s word will prevail. Key Verse Snapshot “Those who escape the sword, few in number, shall return from Egypt to Judah;” (Jeremiah 44:28a) “then the remnant of Judah … shall know whose word shall stand—Mine, or theirs.” (Jeremiah 44:28b) Seeing God’s Sovereignty in Jeremiah 44:28 • God decrees the outcome in advance—He decides who survives and who does not. • Human schemes (fleeing to Egypt, worshiping other gods) cannot override His plan. • The tiny number of survivors underlines that preservation is entirely at His discretion. • The purpose clause—“will know whose word will stand”—shows history is God’s stage for displaying His supremacy. • He contrasts “Mine or theirs,” exposing the futility of every human word set against His. • The verse fulfills earlier prophecies (Jeremiah 42:15–18), proving He governs both prediction and fulfillment. Lessons for Today • Safety is never found in geography or alliances; it is found in obedience to God’s word. • When God speaks, the outcome is certain—no majority vote or popular trend can cancel it. • Even our resistance ends up serving His purposes; He uses it to reveal His glory and vindicate His truth. • Trusting His sovereignty frees us from fear: He rules over swords, exile, and every circumstance. • Repentance remains the only wise response; stubbornness invites discipline but cannot thwart His plan. Supporting Scriptures • Proverbs 19:21—“Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the counsel of the LORD will stand.” • Isaiah 46:10—God declares “My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure.” • Lamentations 3:37—“Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it?” • James 4:13-15—Human plans must bow to “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” |
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