Jeremiah 43:3

Rather, Baruch son of Neriah is inciting you against us to deliver us into the hands of the Chaldeans, so that they may put us to death or exile us to Babylon!"

Study Bible

Rather, Baruch son of Neriah
Baruch was the scribe and close associate of the prophet Jeremiah. His role was significant in documenting Jeremiah's prophecies and messages. Baruch's presence in this narrative highlights the tension between the prophet's message and the people's response. Historically, Baruch was from a notable family, which may have added to the suspicion and distrust among the people. His loyalty to Jeremiah and God’s message made him a target for blame.

is inciting you against us
The accusation of incitement reflects the people's resistance to Jeremiah's prophecies. They believed Baruch was manipulating Jeremiah to speak against them. This reflects a common biblical theme where messengers of God are often accused of having ulterior motives. The people's refusal to accept divine guidance is a recurring issue in the Old Testament, illustrating the struggle between human will and divine instruction.

to deliver us into the hands of the Chaldeans
The Chaldeans, synonymous with the Babylonians, were the dominant power at the time. The fear of being delivered into their hands was real and justified, given the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem. This phrase underscores the people's fear of political and military subjugation. Historically, the Chaldeans were known for their military prowess and harsh treatment of conquered peoples, which fueled the Israelites' dread.

so that they may put us to death
The fear of death at the hands of the Chaldeans was a legitimate concern. The Babylonians were known for their brutal tactics, including executions of those who resisted their rule. This reflects the dire situation the Israelites found themselves in, where they perceived any alliance or submission as potentially fatal. The fear of death is a powerful motivator and often leads to irrational decisions, as seen in the Israelites' rejection of Jeremiah's counsel.

or exile us to Babylon!
Exile was a common practice for the Babylonians, used to control and assimilate conquered peoples. The fear of exile reflects the loss of identity and homeland, a significant theme in the Bible. The Babylonian exile is a pivotal event in Jewish history, leading to profound theological and cultural shifts. This phrase also connects to the broader biblical narrative of exile and return, a cycle seen throughout the scriptures, symbolizing spiritual estrangement and redemption.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah.

2. Baruch son of Neriah
Jeremiah's scribe and faithful companion, often seen as a supporter and recorder of Jeremiah's prophecies.

3. Chaldeans
Another name for the Babylonians, who were the dominant power in the region and responsible for the conquest and exile of Judah.

4. Exile to Babylon
A significant event in Jewish history where many inhabitants of Judah were taken captive to Babylon, fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecies.

5. Johanan and the Remnant of Judah
Leaders and people left in Judah after the Babylonian conquest, who sought guidance from Jeremiah but doubted his message.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Misplaced Blame
The remnant of Judah wrongly accuses Baruch of inciting Jeremiah, illustrating how fear and distrust can lead to false accusations and rejection of God's message.

The Importance of Trusting God's Word
Despite their request for guidance, the people of Judah fail to trust the message delivered by Jeremiah, reminding us of the importance of faith in God's promises.

Consequences of Disobedience
The refusal to heed God's warning through Jeremiah leads to dire consequences, serving as a cautionary tale about the cost of disobedience.

The Role of Faithful Companions
Baruch's loyalty to Jeremiah highlights the value of having faithful companions who support and uphold God's truth in challenging times.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment and Mercy
The events surrounding Jeremiah 43 demonstrate God's control over nations and His willingness to guide and protect those who seek Him sincerely.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the accusation against Baruch reflect the people's attitude towards God's message through Jeremiah?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are truly seeking and following God's guidance in our lives, as opposed to our own desires?

3. How does the account of the remnant in Jeremiah 43 compare to other biblical accounts of disobedience and its consequences?

4. What role do faithful companions play in our spiritual journey, and how can we be such companions to others?

5. How can we apply the lessons of trust and obedience from Jeremiah 43 to our current circumstances and decisions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 42
The context of Jeremiah 43:3 is found in the previous chapter, where the remnant of Judah seeks God's guidance through Jeremiah but ultimately rejects it.

2 Kings 25
Provides historical background on the fall of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile, which is the backdrop for Jeremiah's prophecies.

Isaiah 30:1-2
Similar themes of seeking counsel but not from God, highlighting the people's tendency to rely on their own understanding rather than divine guidance.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Encourages trust in the Lord rather than leaning on one's own understanding, contrasting the actions of the remnant in Jeremiah 43.