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Jeremiah 43

13 verses

TL;DR

Jeremiah delivers a prophetic message to the exiles in Egypt, instructing them to use hidden stones to symbolize Babylon's impending rule over Egypt.

Summary

Jeremiah has spoken all the words of the LORD to the people of Judah. Some leaders, including Azariah and Johanan, reject him, accusing him of lying about going into Egypt. The exiles return to Judah, then flee to Egypt after the Chaldeans threaten them. While in Tahpanhes, the LORD gives Jeremiah a vision: he must take great stones and hide them in a brick kiln at Pharaoh’s house. He will then proclaim that Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, will sit on those stones and that he will smite Egypt, burn its temples, and take its captives. Jeremiah’s words forecast Babylon’s domination and Egypt’s downfall, while warning the exiles of the consequences of disobedience.

Outline
  1. Rejection of Jeremiah by Judah’s leaders
  2. Return of exiles to Judah and subsequent flight to Egypt
  3. Jeremiah’s prophetic instruction in Tahpanhes
  4. The stone symbolism and prophecy of Babylon’s rule over Egypt
Themes
God’s sovereignty over nationsObedience versus rebellionProphecy as warning and promise
Keywords
prophecyexileobediencestonefireNebuchadnezzarEgyptJudah
People
JeremiahAzariah son of HoshaiahJohanan son of KareahBaruch son of NeriahNebuzaradanGedaliah son of Ahikam son of ShaphanNebuchadnezzarPharaoh
Places
JudahEgyptTahpanhesPharaoh’s housebrick kilnBethshemesh
Things
great stonesbrick kilnfireroyal pavilionimages of gods
Key Verses
  • Jeremiah 43:9: Jeremiah’s directive to use stones symbolizes the hidden authority of Babylon over Egypt.
  • Jeremiah 43:11: Highlights the destruction of Egypt and the use of fire as divine judgment.
Questions
  • What does the use of hidden stones signify in the context of prophetic authority?
  • How does Jeremiah’s message reflect the political realities of Babylon’s rise?
  • In what ways does the refusal to obey the LORD lead to exile and suffering?
  • What can modern readers learn about faith and obedience from this passage?
Sentiment

neutral
The passage records prophetic warning and divine decree without overt moral judgment.