Jeremiah 44:1-6
The cities listed are major cities in Northeaster Egypt, the cities the Jews fled to escape Babylon. Jeremiah reminds them of the great disaster that fell on Judah and Jerusalem. He directly attests this to the burning incense and worshiping other gods. The long suffering is seen in the 'again and again' as the Lord continued to plea with His people to change their ways. It was because of this that judgment came, Jerusalem was destroyed and Judah fell. This was why Judah existed at that time only as a pile of rubble. The ruins of the city resembled and reflected the ruination of their spiritual life and covenant relationship. It was a covenantal train wreck.
Jeremiah 44:7-10
Jeremiah asked why they would want to do such a thing; they brought disaster on themselves, threatened the existence of the remnant and aroused the anger of God. What was wrong with them that they would provoke God's wrath in this way? Had they forgotten the sins of the past? Had they forgotten the idolatry they committed in Judah because God hadn't. Had they forgotten they, in essence, thumbed their nose at God and did as they pleased? Had it slipped their mind that when they ran off to Egypt they had done so in direct violation of God's command?
Jeremiah 44:11-14
The 'therefore' is ominous and indicative that God had not lost sight that His judgment on the people of Judah was not yet complete. They could not hide from the indictment they were under. There was no extradition involved, the Lord would bring the punishment to them. It would be complete, but for a few scattered fugitives who will return to the land. These folks will serve as messengers to deliver the message of judgment and call to repentance to others (Ez 12:15; 14:22).
Jeremiah 44:15-19
In response to Jeremiah's prophecy and the burden of the indictment that caught up with them, the men respond. They simply rejected this prophecy and this truth. They had a different understanding of the situation. They had made vows to the Queen of Heaven and intended to keep them.
The worship of the Queen of Heaven (probably Ishtar or Astarte) was a family affair; the mother would kneed the dough while the children gathered wood and the father kindled the fire to make cakes for the Queen of Heaven. They remember that while they were doing these detestable things that they had plenty of food and they were safe and well off. When they stopped is when all the trouble began. They had concluded that the Queen of Heaven was angry with them. What an offense to God! He was being patient with them and they were revering and fearing the false goddess.
Jeremiah 44:20-23
Jeremiah sets the record straight that the indictment they are under is from the hand of Yahweh because of their idolatry. All the destruction of their land and cities and lives was brought on by them because of idolatry, not because a false goddess was angry.
Jeremiah 44:24-28
Jeremiah gives this prophecy with a note that it was for the women also. They were certainly free to do as they pleased; their rejection would served as proof the indictment and coming judgment was just and right. The prophecies brings several specific prophecies against them:
- No one in Egypt would ever again invoke the name of Yahweh.
- The Lord was facilitating their harm, not their protection or care.
- Everyone would know whose word would stand.
Jeremiah notes a few would escape back to Judah. These are the messengers, historians and recorders to speak of what was done there.
Jeremiah 44:29-30
A sign was given for them so they would know the Lord's word was true. When they saw the Pharaoh fall to his enemies they would know they would die in the land by the Lord's decree. Hophra was killed in a coup in 570B.C. after reigning 19 years (Ezek 29:2).
©2019 Doug Ford
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