Jeremiah 43:7
And they came into the land of Egypt, for they did not obey the voice of the LORD. And they arrived at Tahpanhes.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse highlights that their journey into Egypt was a direct consequence of their disobedience, not just a simple move. It emphasizes that reaching Tahpanhes, a significant royal residence, wasn't an accidental stop but the destination of their willful defiance against God's word.
After the prophet Jeremiah faithfully delivered God's final warnings to the remnants of Judah, these leaders defiantly rejected his message, choosing instead to flee to Egypt. Despite the prophet and his scribe Baruch being forcibly taken along, they arrived in Egypt, specifically at Tahpanhes, a significant royal residence, because they refused to obey the LORD.
Why did the people of Judah flee to Egypt despite God's clear warnings through Jeremiah? This verse cuts straight to the heart of their fatal choice.
The people's migration to Egypt wasn't just a geographical move; it was a direct act of rebellion against God's voice.
The destination of their flight was a specific city: Tahpanhes. What significance did this place hold? This location becomes a symbol of their misplaced trust.
Tahpanhes wasn't just any Egyptian city; it was a strategic royal residence and a frontier town, but its association with God's judgment makes their choice to go there even more poignant.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenant name of the Creator, Redeemer, and Sovereign God of Israel. It emphasizes His personal relationship with His people and His faithfulness to His promises.
šāmaʿ · Hebrew Verb
The act of hearing and responding to divine authority. Biblically, obedience is more than just listening; it implies active compliance with the revealed commands of God.
This flight to Egypt wasn't just a physical relocation; it was a rejection of God's command given through Jeremiah, a desperate move driven by fear rather than faith, leading them to a place where judgment eventually found them.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar deports elites and skilled workers from Jerusalem to Babylon, including some from royal families. Daniel is among this group.
589-587 BC
Siege and Fall of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar besieges Jerusalem for an extended period. The city walls are breached, and Jerusalem is sacked and destroyed.
587-586 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Following the fall of Jerusalem, Nebuchadnezzar deports more Judeans to Babylon, leaving only the poorest to till the land.
c. 586 BC
Assassination of Gedaliah
Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor of Judah, is assassinated by Jewish rebels. This act creates immense fear and instability.
c. 586 BC
This passage immediately precedes Jeremiah 43:7 and shows the people explicitly rejecting God's word delivered through Jeremiah, setting the stage for their disobedience and flight to Egypt.
Jeremiah 2:16This earlier mention of Tahpanhes describes it as a place where Judah sought refuge, highlighting the long-standing tendency of God's people to seek security in foreign powers rather than in obedience to the LORD.
Ezekiel 30:16Ezekiel prophesies judgment upon Egypt, including the city of Tahpanhes, underscoring that their refuge in Egypt was not a safe haven but ultimately a place of divine reckoning for those who disobeyed God.
1 Kings 11:19This verse mentions an Egyptian queen named Tahpenes, suggesting a historical link or significance to the city of Tahpanhes, potentially indicating a place of Egyptian royal presence where the exiles would present themselves.
Jeremiah 44:30This later passage directly connects Pharaoh Hophra's power in Egypt with the people's continued defiance and judgment, confirming that their presence in Tahpanhes was tied to their rebellion against God's commands.
barnesJeremiah 43:7: "So they came into the land of Egypt: for they obeyed not the voice of the LORD: thus came they even to Tahpanhes."
Tahpanhes - See the Jeremiah 2:16 note.
pooleJeremiah 43:7: "So they came into the land of Egypt: for they obeyed not the voice of the LORD: thus came they even to Tahpanhes."
Egypt at this time, though it was humbled by the king of Babylon, by an inroad he had made into it, of which we read, 2 Kings 24:7 , yet it was a distinct kingdom, and being near to Canaan, the Jews often fled thither for sanctuary, and borrowed assistance against their enemies from them. Of this city we read little but in holy writ. 1 Kings 11:19 , we read of a que…
This verse highlights that their journey into Egypt was a direct consequence of their disobedience, not just a simple move. It emphasizes that reaching Tahpanhes, a significant royal residence, wasn't an accidental stop but the destination of their willful defiance against God's word.
After the prophet Jeremiah faithfully delivered God's final warnings to the remnants of Judah, these leaders defiantly rejected his message, choosing instead to flee to Egypt. Despite the prophet and his scribe Baruch being forcibly taken along, they arrived in Egypt, specifically at Tahpanhes, a significant royal residence, because they refused to obey the LORD.
After the prophet Jeremiah faithfully delivered God's final warnings to the remnants of Judah, these leaders defiantly rejected his message, choosing instead to flee to Egypt. Despite the prophet and his scribe Baruch being forcibly taken along, they arrived in Egypt, specifically at Tahpanhes, a significant royal residence, because they refused to obey the LORD.
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Flight to Egypt
Fearful of Babylonian reprisal after Gedaliah's murder, a large group of Judeans, including the prophet Jeremiah and his scribe Baruch, flee to Egypt, settling in Tahpanhes.
Unknown, but after 586 BC
Jeremiah's Ministry in Egypt
In Egypt, Jeremiah continues to prophesy, denouncing the people's idolatry and warning them of impending judgment from Nebuchadnezzar. Tradition holds he was martyred here.
c. 568 BC
Babylonian Campaign in Egypt
Nebuchadnezzar campaigns in Egypt, potentially as a judgment on the Judean refugees who had fled there and continued their idolatrous practices.
"And they came into the land of Egypt, for they did not obey the voice of the LORD. And they arrived at Tahpanhes." — This verse highlights that their journey into Egypt was a direct consequence of their disobedience, not just a simple move. It emphasizes that reaching Tahpanhes, a significant royal residence, was…
