Jeremiah 43:5

Instead, Johanan son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces took the whole remnant of Judah, those who had returned to the land of Judah from all the nations to which they had been scattered,

Study Bible

Instead
This word marks a contrast to the expected or commanded action. In the context of Jeremiah 43, God had instructed the remnant of Judah to remain in the land and not to flee to Egypt. The use of "instead" highlights their disobedience and lack of trust in God's promise of protection. This sets the stage for understanding the consequences of not following divine guidance.

Johanan son of Kareah
Johanan was a military leader among the remnant of Judah. His name means "Yahweh is gracious," which is ironic given his actions that reflect a lack of faith in God's grace and protection. Johanan's leadership in this context is pivotal, as he influences the remnant to act against God's command, showcasing the impact of leadership on communal faith and obedience.

all the commanders of the armies
This phrase indicates a collective decision by the military leaders, not just Johanan. It underscores the unity in their decision to disobey God, reflecting a broader issue of national disobedience and fear. The commanders, who should have been protectors of the people, instead lead them into a path contrary to God's will, highlighting the theme of misplaced trust in human strength over divine guidance.

took the whole remnant of Judah
The "remnant" refers to those who survived the Babylonian conquest and exile. This group was precious in God's sight, representing hope for the future of Israel. The decision to "take" them implies a forceful or authoritative action, suggesting that the people may not have had much choice in the matter. This reflects the tension between human authority and divine sovereignty.

who had returned from all the nations
This phrase emphasizes the gathering of the Jewish people from various places of exile. It signifies a moment of potential restoration and fulfillment of God's promises. However, their return is marred by the decision to flee to Egypt, which symbolizes a return to bondage and a rejection of God's plan for their restoration in the land of Judah.

to which they had been scattered
The scattering of the people was a result of God's judgment due to their disobedience. This scattering was prophesied as a consequence of their idolatry and unfaithfulness. The return from scattering should have been a time of renewal and recommitment to God, yet their actions show a continued pattern of distrust and rebellion.

to dwell for a while in the land of Judah
The phrase "dwell for a while" suggests a temporary situation, indicating that the people did not intend to fully commit to resettling in Judah. This reflects a lack of faith in God's promise to establish them in the land. Their transient mindset reveals a deeper spiritual issue of instability and unwillingness to trust in God's long-term plans for them.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Johanan son of Kareah
A military leader who played a significant role in the events following the fall of Jerusalem. He is depicted as a leader of the remnant of Judah.

2. Commanders of the forces
These were military leaders who, along with Johanan, made decisions for the remnant of Judah. They were responsible for the group's movements and actions.

3. Remnant of Judah
The group of Jewish people who survived the Babylonian conquest and returned to Judah from various nations where they had been scattered.

4. Nations
Refers to the foreign lands where the people of Judah had been exiled or fled during the Babylonian conquest.

5. Land of Judah
The homeland of the Jewish people, which they returned to after being scattered. It holds significant historical and spiritual importance.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God’s Word
The importance of seeking and following God's guidance, as opposed to relying solely on human wisdom and leadership.

Consequences of Disobedience
Understanding that ignoring God's instructions can lead to further hardship and challenges.

Faithfulness of God
Despite human disobedience, God remains faithful to His promises and preserves a remnant.

Community Leadership
The role of leaders in guiding their communities according to God's will and the impact of their decisions.

Trust in Divine Providence
Encouragement to trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem uncertain or challenging.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from Johanan's actions about the importance of aligning leadership decisions with God's will?

2. How does the concept of a "remnant" in Jeremiah 43:5 connect to the broader biblical account of God's faithfulness?

3. In what ways can we apply the lessons of obedience and disobedience from this passage to our personal lives today?

4. How do the events in Jeremiah 43:5 reflect the consequences of ignoring prophetic counsel, and what other biblical examples illustrate this?

5. What steps can we take to ensure that our community or church leadership is seeking and following God's guidance in decision-making?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 42
Provides context for the decision-making process of Johanan and the commanders, where they sought Jeremiah's counsel but ultimately disobeyed God's directive.

2 Kings 25
Describes the fall of Jerusalem and the scattering of the people, setting the stage for the events in Jeremiah 43.

Isaiah 10:20-22
Speaks of a remnant returning, highlighting the theme of a faithful few being preserved by God.

Ezra 1
Chronicles the return of the exiles to Jerusalem, paralleling the theme of return and restoration.