Jeremiah 44:1-30

The Word Of YHWH Comes Against All His People Who Have Taken Refuge In Egypt In The Past Because Instead Of Learning Their Lesson From What Has Happened To Jerusalem They Have Turned To Other Gods, Something Which They Brazenly Boast About. Therefore Because Of This YHWH's Judgment Will Come On Egypt And His People Will Be Caught Up In It And Will Suffer Accordingly (Jeremiah 44:1).

This is a new word of YHWH not directly connected with what has gone before, although clearly coming after the fall of Jerusalem. It was given in the time of Pharaoh Hophra (Jeremiah 44:30), and therefore prior to 570 BC. It commences with the words ‘the word that came to Jeremiah --' and can be divided up into four sections:

1. YHWH's word against His people warning of His coming judgment because they have not heeded what He has done against Jerusalem. The remnant who have escaped to Egypt will be destroyed (2-14).

2. The people's defence to the charge and their response to Jeremiah's words (15-19).

3. Jeremiah's immediate reply reminding them that YHWH had seen what they and their fathers had done and had acted in judgment on them by desolating their land and making it a spectacle to the world (20-23).

4. A further word confirming YHWH's judgment on all Jews living in Egypt because they have turned to other gods and are trusting in Pharaoh Hophra as their deliverer (24-39).

While not stated in the text we can make a contrast here between the refugees here in Egypt and the exiles over in Babylon. These in Egypt have become involved in the worship of other gods, incorporating YHWH into a syncretistic basically polytheistic religion, and refusing to listen to Jeremiah's pleas, whilst many of those in Babylon will purify their faith, thanks in large measure to Ezekiel, and be ready to return to their land when the time is ripe.