“He said to all the people and to the women, 'Hear the word of the LORD, all you of Judah who are in the land of Egypt.'”
Jeremiah 43:8
Summary
Jeremiah 43 records the continuation of events following the Babylonian conquest, as the remnant of Judah deliberates whether to flee to Egypt against God's instructions conveyed through Jeremiah. Despite Jeremiah's clear warning from God that heading to Egypt would lead to disaster, the leaders, particularly Johanan, ignore the prophet's counsel and accuse him of lying, claiming he is influenced by Baruch to deliver such a message. In a defiant move, they forcibly take Jeremiah, Baruch, and the remnant community, including men, women, and children, to Egypt. When in Egypt, Jeremiah receives another word from God instructing him to demonstrate impending judgment through a symbolic action involving large stones hidden in the pavement at the entrance of Pharaoh's palace. Through this sign-act, God proclaims that Nebuchadnezzar will extend his conquest to Egypt and set his throne over these stones, signaling Egypt's impending downfall.