Jeremiah 42:18

KJV

For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; As mine anger and my fury hath been poured forth upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem; so shall my fury be poured forth upon you, when ye shall enter into Egypt: and ye shall be an execration, and an astonishment, and a curse, and a reproach; and ye shall see this place no more.

KJV (with Strong's)

For thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}; As mine anger {H639} and my fury {H2534} hath been poured forth {H5413} upon the inhabitants {H3427} of Jerusalem {H3389}; so shall my fury {H2534} be poured forth {H5413} upon you, when ye shall enter {H935} into Egypt {H4714}: and ye shall be an execration {H423}, and an astonishment {H8047}, and a curse {H7045}, and a reproach {H2781}; and ye shall see {H7200} this place {H4725} no more.

Complete Jewish Bible

For here is what ADONAI-Tzva'ot, the God of Isra'el, says: 'Just as my anger and fury were poured out on the inhabitants of Yerushalayim, so likewise my fury will be poured out on you if you go to Egypt; so that you will become an object of condemnation, astonishment, cursing and reproach; and you will see this place no more.'

Berean Standard Bible

For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘Just as My anger and wrath were poured out on the residents of Jerusalem, so will My wrath be poured out on you if you go to Egypt. You will become an object of cursing and horror, of vilification and disgrace, and you will never see this place again.’

American Standard Version

For thus saith Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel: As mine anger and my wrath hath been poured forth upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so shall my wrath be poured forth upon you, when ye shall enter into Egypt; and ye shall be an execration, and an astonishment, and a curse, and a reproach; and ye shall see this place no more.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 42:18 delivers a solemn divine warning to the Jewish remnant considering fleeing to Egypt after Jerusalem's fall. The Lord declares that just as His intense wrath was poured out on Jerusalem for its disobedience, so too will His fury pursue them into Egypt if they disregard His command. Their intended refuge will become a place of profound disgrace and irreversible exile, ensuring they never return to their homeland.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The verse is part of a crucial dialogue in [Jeremiah 42](/jeremiah/42 "Jeremiah 42 - The Remnant Seeks Guidance"). Following the assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor, the remaining Judahites, led by Johanan, approached Jeremiah, ostensibly seeking God's will regarding their future. They promised absolute obedience to whatever the Lord commanded, as stated in [Jeremiah 42:5-6](/jeremiah/42-5 "Jeremiah 42:5-6 - The Remnant's Promise to Obey"). However, their true intention was to flee to Egypt, driven by fear of Babylonian retaliation. Jeremiah 42:18 is a direct, unequivocal response from God, delivered after ten days of waiting ([Jeremiah 42:7](/jeremiah/42-7 "Jeremiah 42:7 - Jeremiah Waits for God's Word")). It stands as a stark warning, immediately preceding God's explicit prohibition against going to Egypt ([Jeremiah 42:19](/jeremiah/42-19 "Jeremiah 42:19 - God Forbids Going to Egypt")) and outlining the severe consequences of their anticipated disobedience, which ultimately came to pass in [Jeremiah 43](/jeremiah/43 "Jeremiah 43 - The Flight to Egypt").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the immediate aftermath of Jerusalem's destruction by Babylon in 586 BC, a cataclysmic event for Judah. The temple was razed, the city walls broken, and many survivors were exiled to Babylon. A small remnant was left in the land under Gedaliah's governorship. His assassination plunged the remaining population into chaos and deep fear of Babylonian reprisal. Egypt, a traditional rival of Babylon and a historical place of refuge (and often, spiritual compromise) for Israelites, seemed a logical escape route from a human perspective. Culturally, the people often looked to powerful nations like Egypt for security rather than relying solely on their covenant God, a pattern seen throughout Israel's history (e.g., [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt for Help")). This period was marked by profound national trauma, spiritual confusion, and a desperate search for security outside God's prescribed path.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several overarching themes found throughout the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, emphasizing that God, as the "LORD of hosts, the God of Israel," holds ultimate authority over nations and the destiny of His people. His judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous response to persistent disobedience, as seen in Jerusalem's recent downfall ([Jeremiah 25:8-11](/jeremiah/25-8 "Jeremiah 25:8-11 - Seventy Years of Babylonian Captivity")). Secondly, the theme of **Consequences of Disobedience** is starkly presented; choosing a path contrary to God's revealed will leads to certain and severe divine retribution, turning their perceived refuge into a place of further punishment. The "pouring forth" of fury underscores the inescapable nature of God's wrath. Finally, it speaks to the theme of **Exile and Loss of Land**, a recurring motif in Jeremiah. The pronouncement "ye shall see this place no more" signifies a permanent separation from the promised land for those who defy God's command, a tragic outcome for a people whose identity was deeply tied to their inheritance in Canaan ([Jeremiah 24:8-10](/jeremiah/24-8 "Jeremiah 24:8-10 - The Bad Figs")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fury (Hebrew, _chêmâh'_):** From the root meaning "heat," this word denotes intense, burning anger or wrath. In this context, it describes the overwhelming, righteous indignation of God, which is "poured forth" like a torrent or a scorching fire. It signifies a profound divine displeasure that results in severe judgment, mirroring the destructive power of a fever or poison.
* **Execration (Hebrew, _ʼâlâh'_):** This term refers to an imprecation or a curse. To become an "execration" means to be an object of public detestation, a living embodiment of a curse. It implies that the people would be held up as a dreadful example of divine judgment, a byword for misfortune and an object of scorn among the nations, fulfilling earlier warnings in the Law ([Deuteronomy 28:37](/deuteronomy/28-37 "Deuteronomy 28:37 - Israel Becomes an Object of Horror")).
* **Reproach (Hebrew, _cherpâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to strip bare" or "to expose," this word signifies contumely, disgrace, or shame. It speaks to a public humiliation, where the people would be subjected to scorn, mockery, and derision. Their plight would be a source of shame, not only for themselves but also in the eyes of others, signifying a complete loss of honor and standing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel;"**: This opening formula establishes the divine origin and absolute authority of the message. "The LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) emphasizes God's omnipotence and His command over all heavenly and earthly armies, reinforcing the unchallengeable nature of His decree. "The God of Israel" highlights His covenant relationship with His people, underscoring that this warning comes from their sovereign and faithful God, who has a vested interest in their obedience and well-being.
* **"As mine anger and my fury hath been poured forth upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem;"**: This clause draws a direct parallel to the recent, devastating judgment upon Jerusalem. God's "anger" (_aph_, literally "nose" or "face," signifying intense wrath) and "fury" (_chêmâh_) are depicted as having been forcefully "poured forth," an image of overwhelming, inescapable divine judgment. This serves as a potent reminder of the severity of God's wrath against sin and disobedience, a wrath they had already witnessed firsthand.
* **"so shall my fury be poured forth upon you, when ye shall enter into Egypt:"**: This is the core warning. The same intense divine "fury" that devastated Jerusalem will be "poured forth" upon this remnant if they disobey and flee to Egypt. The act of "entering into Egypt" is explicitly identified as the trigger for this renewed judgment, emphasizing that their chosen path of self-preservation, contrary to God's will, would lead them directly into His righteous indignation.
* **"and ye shall be an execration, and an astonishment, and a curse, and a reproach;"**: This clause describes the comprehensive and public nature of the judgment awaiting them in Egypt. They would become an "execration" (an object of public cursing), an "astonishment" (a shocking example of ruin), a "curse" (a source of misfortune and ill-will), and a "reproach" (an object of public shame and mockery). This quartet of terms paints a vivid picture of utter degradation, social ostracization, and a complete loss of dignity, becoming a byword for divine retribution.
* **"and ye shall see this place no more."**: This final, chilling pronouncement signifies the ultimate consequence: permanent exile and death in a foreign land. "This place" refers to the land of Judah, specifically Jerusalem, their homeland and the place of God's presence. It means they would never return to the promised land, severing their connection to their heritage and the covenant promises associated with the land, a tragic fulfillment of the warnings against disobedience in the Mosaic Law.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 42:18 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent and severe message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically a comparative parallelism, seen in the structure "As X, so Y." The verse explicitly states, "As mine anger and my fury hath been poured forth upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem; so shall my fury be poured forth upon you, when ye shall enter into Egypt." This device starkly contrasts the past judgment upon Jerusalem with the impending judgment upon the remnant, underscoring the certainty and continuity of God's righteous wrath against disobedience. Another key device is **Imagery**, particularly the vivid metaphor of God's "fury" being "poured forth." This evokes the image of an overflowing, inescapable deluge or a molten substance, conveying the overwhelming and destructive nature of divine judgment. Furthermore, the verse uses **Climax** or **Accumulation** in the list of consequences: "an execration, and an astonishment, and a curse, and a reproach." This escalating series of terms intensifies the sense of utter degradation and public shame awaiting the disobedient remnant, painting a comprehensive picture of their future plight. Finally, the entire passage functions as a **Divine Oracle**, introduced by the authoritative formula "Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel," which lends immense weight and finality to the prophetic pronouncement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 42:18 profoundly illustrates the unwavering nature of God's justice and the severe consequences of defying His explicit commands. It underscores that divine judgment is not arbitrary but a consistent response to human rebellion, regardless of perceived good intentions or desperate circumstances. The Lord's "fury" is a manifestation of His holy character, demonstrating that He cannot tolerate sin and will hold His people accountable to the covenant He established with them. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that true security is found only in obedience to God's revealed will, not in human strategies or worldly refuges. It reveals God's faithfulness to His warnings, ensuring that His word, whether of blessing or judgment, will always come to pass. The tragic outcome for the remnant highlights the spiritual danger of a heart divided, seeking God's counsel while secretly clinging to a predetermined, disobedient path.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Isaiah 30:1-3](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-3 - Woe to Rebellious Children Seeking Help from Egypt")
* [Jeremiah 24:8-10](/jeremiah/24-8 "Jeremiah 24:8-10 - The Bad Figs and Their Fate")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 42:18 challenges believers today to confront the true nature of their obedience and trust in God, especially when faced with fear, uncertainty, or the allure of human solutions. In moments of crisis or decision, our natural inclination might be to seek security in what seems logical or safe from a worldly perspective, much like the remnant looked to Egypt. However, this verse powerfully reminds us that genuine faith involves submitting our desires and fears to God's revealed will, even when His path seems counter-intuitive or requires significant sacrifice. It calls us to examine our motives when we seek divine counsel: are we truly open to His answer, or do we merely seek validation for our preconceived plans? The severity of God's warning underscores that His commands are not suggestions but expressions of His perfect wisdom and His desire for our ultimate good. Disregarding them, even with good intentions, leads to tragic consequences, demonstrating that true safety and flourishing are found only within the boundaries of His sovereign plan. This passage urges us to cultivate a heart of authentic submission, trusting that God's way, though sometimes difficult, is always the path to true life and blessing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When facing difficult decisions or fear, do I genuinely seek God's will, or do I tend to lean on my own understanding or worldly solutions?**
* **How might my "Egypts"—the places or strategies I look to for security outside of God's explicit guidance—be leading me away from His best for my life?**
* **What does it mean for me to truly trust in the "LORD of hosts, the God of Israel," even when His commands seem to contradict my immediate desires or perceived safety?**

### FAQ
**Why did the remnant want to go to Egypt, and why was it forbidden?**

Answer: The remnant of Judah wanted to go to Egypt primarily out of fear. After the assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor, they feared further retaliation from Babylon, which had just devastated Jerusalem. They believed that fleeing to Egypt would provide them safety and refuge from the Babylonian threat. However, God explicitly forbade them from going to Egypt because it represented a return to a place of spiritual compromise and idolatry, a historical temptation for Israel (e.g., [Hosea 11:5](/hosea/11-5 "Hosea 11:5 - Israel Shall Not Return to Egypt")). Furthermore, by going to Egypt, they would be defying God's direct command to remain in the land, where He promised to protect and build them up ([Jeremiah 42:10](/jeremiah/42-10 "Jeremiah 42:10 - God Promises Protection if They Remain")). Their desire to go to Egypt demonstrated a lack of trust in God's provision and protection, preferring human strategies over divine instruction, which God viewed as rebellion ([Jeremiah 43:7](/jeremiah/43-7 "Jeremiah 43:7 - The Remnant Enters Egypt")).

**What does "ye shall see this place no more" signify?**

Answer: The phrase "ye shall see this place no more" signifies a permanent and irreversible separation from the land of Judah, their homeland and the promised inheritance given by God to their forefathers. It means that those who disobeyed God's command and went to Egypt would die in exile there, never returning to the land of Israel. This was a severe judgment, as their identity and covenant relationship with God were deeply tied to the land. It underscored the finality of God's judgment for their persistent disobedience and rebellion, fulfilling earlier warnings in the Law regarding the consequences of breaking the covenant ([Deuteronomy 28:64-68](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Deuteronomy 28:64-68 - Dispersion Among All Peoples")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 42:18, with its stark warning of divine fury and irreversible judgment for disobedience, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "fury" of God, which was "poured forth" upon Jerusalem and threatened the disobedient remnant, represents the righteous wrath of a holy God against human sin. Yet, on the cross, Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), voluntarily became the recipient of this very wrath. He bore the full measure of God's righteous indignation, allowing the divine fury against sin to be poured out upon Himself, so that those who believe in Him might be spared ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Justified by His Blood, Saved from Wrath")). Furthermore, the consequences of becoming "an execration, and an astonishment, and a curse, and a reproach" for disobedience are reversed in Christ. He became a [curse for us](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law"), enduring the ultimate reproach and shame of the cross ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus Endured the Cross, Disregarding its Shame")), so that we might receive blessing and honor from God. While the disobedient remnant was told they would "see this place no more," Jesus opens the way to a new, eternal "place"—the [heavenly Jerusalem](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - You Have Come to Mount Zion, the Heavenly Jerusalem") and an eternal inheritance in God's presence ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place for Us")). Through His perfect obedience, Christ secures for His followers true safety and an eternal dwelling, not in an earthly refuge, but in the very presence of God, fulfilling the deepest longings that the remnant sought in vain through their own disobedient efforts.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 7:20

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, mine anger and my fury shall be poured out upon this place, upon man, and upon beast, and upon the trees of the field, and upon the fruit of the ground; and it shall burn, and shall not be quenched.

Jeremiah 18:16

To make their land desolate, [and] a perpetual hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished, and wag his head.

Jeremiah 39:1

¶ In the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, came Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon and all his army against Jerusalem, and they besieged it.

Jeremiah 39:9

Then Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive into Babylon the remnant of the people that remained in the city, and those that fell away, that fell to him, with the rest of the people that remained.

Jeremiah 29:18

And I will persecute them with the sword, with the famine, and with the pestilence, and will deliver them to be removed to all the kingdoms of the earth, to be a curse, and an astonishment, and an hissing, and a reproach, among all the nations whither I have driven them:

Jeremiah 24:9

And I will deliver them to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth for [their] hurt, [to be] a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places whither I shall drive them.

Jeremiah 22:27

But to the land whereunto they desire to return, thither shall they not return.