Jeremiah 40:1 – 45:5 (Continued)

December 05, 2011

Even though Jeremiah repeatedly warned them not to go and not to disobey what the LORD was saying, the remaining people of Judah went to Egypt for "safety" anyways, directly disobeying God's words. In Jeremiah 44 God sends another message to Jeremiah. It was a message for all the Jews living in Egypt. It all boils down to—Why? Why did you do this? Why? After all you've seen and heard, why would you continue to disobey me? Why?

• You saw what happened to Jerusalem. It is totally ruined. It is desolate. No one is living there.  
• You know why that happened.  
• You know I did that because of the disobedience of the people living there.  
• You know they did evil and put their faith in other gods.
• You know I sent my servants—the prophets—to them (you) over and over again.  
• You know I said—Don't!  Don't do these evil things I hate.
• You know they (you) did not listen or pay any attention to the things I said.
• You know I poured out my anger on Jerusalem just like I said I would.

So—why? "Why are you doing such great harm to yourselves?" Why? Why are you doing this to yourself and your family? Why do you want to make me angry? Why are you relying on yourself, others, and things to save you? Why? "You will destroy yourselves." Have you forgotten? Have you forgotten the evil your ancestors did? Have you forgotten the evil your leaders did? Have you forgotten the evil you have done? Have you forgotten? Even to this day, "You are still too proud. (You) have not obeyed the laws I gave you and your ancestors."

So this is what the LORD All-Powerful, the God of Israel says:

• I am determined to bring disasters on you.
• I will destroy the whole family of Judah.
• You were determined to go to Egypt and settle there, but you will all die there from war or hunger.
• People will be shocked by what happens to them.
• I will punish them as I punished Jerusalem—with war, hunger, and terrible diseases.
• None will escape my punishment.

"They want to return to Judah and live there, but none of them will live to return to Judah, except a few people who will escape."

Why? Why do you insist on disobeying me? The irony of it all is a statement made in Jeremiah 44:17. There was a large group of the people from Judah living in the southern part of Egypt. They were meeting together. The wives were actively pursuing the worship of other gods. Their husbands knew all about it but did nothing to stop it. God sent a message through Jeremiah to them again. The irony is in their response.


Next Entry: Jeremiah 40:1 – 45:5 (Continued)