Easy Bible・Jeremiah 43

Jeremiah Warns Against Going to Egypt

Key Passages

About this Chapter

In this chapter, Jeremiah warns the people of Judah against going to Egypt. After the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem, some of the people who were left in Judah decided to go to Egypt, thinking that they would be safe there. But Jeremiah, speaking on behalf of the Lord, tells them that they will not escape the judgment of God by going to Egypt. He tells them that God will send the Babylonians to conquer Egypt, and those who go to Egypt will not survive. Jeremiah then gives a specific sign to the people to confirm that his words are from the Lord. He tells them that Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, will come to Egypt and set up his throne at Migdol, a city in Egypt. He will also break the sacred pillars of the temple of the sun in Heliopolis, and burn the temples of the gods of Egypt. This sign is meant to show the people that God's judgment will come upon Egypt, and those who trust in Egypt will be disappointed. Despite Jeremiah's warning, the people of Judah refuse to listen to him. They accuse him of lying and say that Baruch, Jeremiah's scribe, is manipulating him. They stubbornly decide to go to Egypt, taking Jeremiah and Baruch with them. In Egypt, Jeremiah continues to speak God's words to the people, warning them of the judgment that is coming upon them. He tells them that the Babylonians will conquer Egypt, and those who trust in Egypt will be taken captive or killed.