Chapter 43
Themes, discussion questions, Christ connections, and denomination lenses.
Just read this chapter →Scripture
KJV1And it came to pass, that when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking unto all the people all the words of the LORD their God, for which the LORD their God had sent him to them, even all these words,
2Then spake Azariah the son of Hoshaiah, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the proud men, saying unto Jeremiah, Thou speakest falsely: the LORD our God hath not sent thee to say, Go not into Egypt to sojourn there:
3But Baruch the son of Neriah setteth thee on against us, for to deliver us into the hand of the Chaldeans, that they might put us to death, and carry us away captives into Babylon.
4So Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces, and all the people, obeyed not the voice of the LORD, to dwell in the land of Judah.
5But Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces, took all the remnant of Judah, that were returned from all nations, whither they had been driven, to dwell in the land of Judah;
6Even men, and women, and children, and the king’s daughters, and every person that Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had left with Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Jeremiah the prophet, and Baruch the son of Neriah.
7So they came into the land of Egypt: for they obeyed not the voice of the LORD: thus came they even to Tahpanhes.
8Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah in Tahpanhes, saying,
9Take great stones in thine hand, and hide them in the clay in the brickkiln, which is at the entry of Pharaoh’s house in Tahpanhes, in the sight of the men of Judah;
10And say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will send and take Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will set his throne upon these stones that I have hid; and he shall spread his royal pavilion over them.
11And when he cometh, he shall smite the land of Egypt, and deliver such as are for death to death; and such as are for captivity to captivity; and such as are for the sword to the sword.
12And I will kindle a fire in the houses of the gods of Egypt; and he shall burn them, and carry them away captives: and he shall array himself with the land of Egypt, as a shepherd putteth on his garment; and he shall go forth from thence in peace.
13He shall break also the images of Bethshemesh, that is in the land of Egypt; and the houses of the gods of the Egyptians shall he burn with fire.
“Then spake Azariah the son of Hoshaiah, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the proud men, saying unto Jeremiah, Thou speakest falsely: the LORD our God hath not sent thee to say, Go not into Egypt to sojourn there.”
Overview
Despite God's clear command to remain in Judah, the leaders accuse Jeremiah and Baruch of lying and take the entire remnant — including Jeremiah — down to Egypt. At Tahpanhes in Egypt, God instructs Jeremiah to bury stones in the clay of the brick kiln and prophesy that Nebuchadnezzar will set his throne over that very spot. Egypt, their refuge, will become the scene of their judgment.
Key Themes
Defiance Disguised as Discernment
The leaders claim Jeremiah is lying rather than admitting they reject God's word — reframing disobedience as a dispute about the messenger's credibility.
Dragging the Prophet Into Disobedience
Jeremiah is forced to go to Egypt against his will, showing that the faithful sometimes suffer the consequences of others' rebellion.
No Safe Harbor Outside God's Will
Nebuchadnezzar's throne will be set in Egypt itself — the place of refuge becomes the place of judgment, proving there is no escape from God's purposes.
Study Questions
Why do the leaders accuse Baruch of influencing Jeremiah (v. 3) rather than accept God's word?
What does it mean that Jeremiah is forced into Egypt against God's explicit command to the people?
How does the prophecy about Nebuchadnezzar's throne in Egypt (vv. 8-13) demonstrate God's global sovereignty?
What patterns of rationalization do people use to justify disobeying clear divine direction?
How does this chapter illustrate the tragic consequences of following fearful leaders rather than God?
Connection to Christ
Just as Israel fled to Egypt in rebellion, the holy family fled to Egypt for safety (Matthew 2:13-15), reversing the pattern — Christ goes to Egypt not in disobedience but in fulfillment of prophecy, and returns to redeem what Israel could not.
Personal Reflection
Take time to journal or meditate on what God is teaching you through Jeremiah 43. How can these truths transform your thinking and actions today?