Jeremiah 43:10

KJV

And say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will send and take Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will set his throne upon these stones that I have hid; and he shall spread his royal pavilion over them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And say {H559} unto them, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}; Behold, I will send {H7971} and take {H3947} Nebuchadrezzar {H5019} the king {H4428} of Babylon {H894}, my servant {H5650}, and will set {H7760} his throne {H3678} upon {H4605} these stones {H68} that I have hid {H2934}; and he shall spread {H5186} his royal pavilion {H8237} over them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Tell them: 'This is what ADONAI-Tzva'ot, the God of Isra'el, says: "I will summon N'vukhadretzar the king of Bavel, my servant, take him and set his throne on these stones I laid here; he will come and spread his royal canopy over them.

Berean Standard Bible

Then tell them that this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘I will send for My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and I will set his throne over these stones that I have embedded, and he will spread his royal pavilion over them.

American Standard Version

and say unto them, Thus saith Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel: Behold, I will send and take Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will set his throne upon these stones that I have hid; and he shall spread his royal pavilion over them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 43:10 delivers a stark prophetic declaration from the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, revealing His absolute sovereignty over nations and His unwavering purpose to execute judgment. Through His prophet Jeremiah, God announces that He will personally summon Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, whom He astonishingly calls "my servant," to invade Egypt. This invasion will culminate in Nebuchadnezzar establishing his royal authority directly upon the very stones Jeremiah had symbolically buried, signifying a complete and humiliating conquest of the land where the disobedient Jewish remnant had sought refuge from divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct divine utterance that immediately follows a significant symbolic act performed by Jeremiah in Jeremiah 43:8-9. In those verses, Jeremiah, under God's command, buried large stones in the brick pavement at the entrance of Pharaoh's house in Tahpanhes, Egypt. This act was not merely a ritual but a visual prophecy, and Jeremiah 43:10 provides its explicit interpretation. The broader narrative context is crucial: despite God's clear warnings through Jeremiah to remain in Judah and trust in His protection (see [Jeremiah 42:7-17](/jeremiah/42-7 "Jeremiah's Counsel to the Remnant")), the surviving Jewish remnant, fearing the Babylonians and seeking safety, defiantly migrated to Egypt, compelling Jeremiah and Baruch to accompany them (as detailed in [Jeremiah 43:1-7](/jeremiah/43-1 "The Remnant Goes to Egypt")). Thus, Jeremiah 43:10 serves as God's unequivocal response to their disobedience, declaring that even in their chosen place of refuge, His judgment would find them.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically, this prophecy is set after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC and the subsequent Babylonian exile, a period of immense upheaval for Judah. The Jewish remnant, having survived the siege, chose to flee to Egypt, a traditional place of refuge, but also a land that had historically enticed Israel away from God. Culturally, the act of a prophet burying stones or performing other symbolic actions was a common and powerful means of communicating divine messages in the ancient Near East, making the prophecy tangible and memorable. The mention of Nebuchadnezzar as "my servant" is a profound theological statement, highlighting God's use of powerful pagan rulers as instruments of His will, a concept that would have been shocking yet understandable within a worldview where deities were believed to influence earthly kings. The "royal pavilion" (or tent) signifies a temporary, yet authoritative, headquarters, often used by conquering kings to establish their presence and dominion over newly subdued territory.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 43:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah and the Old Testament. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty over Nations**, emphasizing that God is not merely the God of Israel but the supreme ruler over all peoples and empires. He orchestrates global events, raising and bringing down kingdoms, as seen in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "God Changes Times and Seasons"). Another central theme is **Unavoidable Judgment for Disobedience**. The remnant's flight to Egypt was an act of defiance against God's explicit command, and this verse underscores that there is no escaping God's judgment when one willfully disobeys. Their chosen place of safety becomes the very scene of their defeat. The remarkable designation of Nebuchadnezzar as God's **"Servant"** highlights God's ability to use even those who do not acknowledge Him to accomplish His divine purposes, a concept also articulated in [Jeremiah 27:6](/jeremiah/27-6 "Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant"). Finally, the verse reinforces the **Reliability and Specificity of Prophetic Fulfillment**, as it foretells a precise historical event—Babylon's invasion of Egypt—which indeed transpired, demonstrating the truthfulness of God's word (compare [Jeremiah 46:13-26](/jeremiah/46-13 "Prophecy Against Egypt")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Yᵉhôvâh (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often translated as "LORD" (in all caps) in English Bibles. Derived from "to be," it signifies the self-existent, eternal, and unchanging God. Its use here, in conjunction with "of hosts" and "the God of Israel," powerfully asserts His absolute authority, omnipotence, and His particular relationship with His chosen people, despite their rebellion. It underscores that the impending judgment is not random but is orchestrated by the sovereign, covenant-keeping God.
* **ʻebed (Hebrew, _ʻebed'_):** Translated as "servant," this term is profoundly significant. While typically used for faithful individuals like Abraham or David, its application to Nebuchadnezzar, a pagan king and oppressor of Israel, highlights God's complete control over all humanity, even those hostile to Him. It signifies that Nebuchadnezzar, despite his own ambitions, is merely an instrument in God's hands, carrying out divine judgment. This designation strips Nebuchadnezzar of any independent glory and firmly places him under the divine will.
* **ṭâman (Hebrew, _ṭâman'_):** Meaning "to hide (by covering over)," this verb refers to Jeremiah's action of burying the stones in Jeremiah 43:9. The act of hiding these stones was not to conceal them permanently, but to mark a specific, divinely designated spot. The passive voice ("that I have hid") emphasizes that Jeremiah's action was a direct command from God, making the hidden stones a tangible marker for the future fulfillment of God's judgment.
* **shaphrûwr (Hebrew, _shaphrûwr'_):** Translated as "royal pavilion," this word refers to a splendid canopy or tapestry, typically a tent or temporary structure used by a monarch. Its spreading over the stones signifies not just a temporary encampment, but a complete and authoritative occupation. It represents the establishment of Nebuchadnezzar's royal presence and dominion, symbolizing the full conquest and subjugation of Egypt, right at the very entrance of Pharaoh's palace where the Jewish remnant had sought false security.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel;":** This opening establishes the divine authority and origin of the message. Jeremiah is merely the messenger; the words are directly from the sovereign God, Yahweh, who commands heavenly armies and is the covenant God of Israel. This emphasizes the gravity and certainty of the prophecy.
* **"Behold, I will send and take Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant,":** This clause highlights God's active, intentional intervention. He is not merely allowing events to unfold but is directly orchestrating them. The phrase "I will send and take" conveys a decisive, purposeful action. The identification of Nebuchadnezzar as "my servant" is a shocking yet central theological statement, asserting God's absolute control over even pagan rulers, using them as instruments for His divine will and judgment.
* **"and will set his throne upon these stones that I have hid;":** This is the direct interpretation of the symbolic act from Jeremiah 43:8-9. The "stones that I have hid" refer to the large stones Jeremiah buried. "Set his throne upon" signifies the establishment of royal authority, a seat of power. This means Nebuchadnezzar would not just invade, but would establish his dominion precisely in the place where the Jewish remnant had sought refuge, making their flight to Egypt utterly futile and demonstrating God's inescapable judgment.
* **"and he shall spread his royal pavilion over them.":** This final clause further emphasizes the completeness of the conquest and occupation. The "royal pavilion" is a symbol of a king's presence, authority, and military headquarters. Spreading it "over them" (the stones) implies a full, public, and undeniable display of Babylonian supremacy and control over Egypt, directly at the seat of Egyptian power, and thus over the disobedient remnant.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 43:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Symbolism** is central, with the buried stones serving as a tangible prophecy of Nebuchadnezzar's future throne. This act transforms ordinary objects into powerful signs of divine judgment and sovereignty. The "royal pavilion" is also **symbolic**, representing the full extent of Nebuchadnezzar's dominion and the humiliation of Egypt. There is profound **Irony** in the Jewish remnant seeking refuge in Egypt to escape Babylonian power, only for God to declare that the very king they fled would establish his authority in their chosen sanctuary. This underscores the futility of human attempts to thwart divine will. The direct address, "Thus saith the LORD of hosts," is an example of **Divine Address** or **Prophetic Oracle Formula**, lending ultimate authority and certainty to the message. Furthermore, the designation of Nebuchadnezzar as "my servant" functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, portraying the pagan king not as an independent conqueror but as a tool in the hand of the Almighty, highlighting God's absolute control over all earthly powers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 43:10 is a powerful testament to the absolute sovereignty of God over all nations and human affairs. It underscores that no human plan or refuge can ultimately thwart the divine will, especially when that will involves judgment for disobedience. The astonishing declaration of Nebuchadnezzar, a pagan king, as "my servant" reveals a profound theological truth: God uses whomever He chooses, whether they acknowledge Him or not, to accomplish His purposes. This challenges human notions of power and control, asserting that all earthly authority is ultimately subservient to the Creator. The prophecy also highlights the inescapable nature of divine judgment for those who willfully rebel against God's clear commands, demonstrating that true security is found only in obedience and trust in Him, not in worldly strategies or alliances.

* [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5 "Assyria as the Rod of God's Anger")
* [Romans 9:17-18](/romans/9-17 "God's Sovereignty Over Pharaoh")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "The King's Heart in the Hand of the LORD")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 43:10 offers profound lessons for believers today, reminding us that God's sovereignty extends over all aspects of life, including the rise and fall of nations and leaders. Just as the Jewish remnant sought safety in Egypt, we often look to worldly solutions, political systems, or financial security to escape our fears or avoid difficult circumstances, rather than trusting in God's explicit guidance. This verse challenges us to re-evaluate where we place our ultimate trust and refuge. True peace and security are not found in human strategies or earthly sanctuaries, but in humble obedience to God's word and unwavering faith in His sovereign control, even when His path seems counterintuitive or difficult. It encourages us to trust that God is always at work, even through seemingly adverse circumstances or unlikely instruments, to accomplish His perfect will. Our call is to remain faithful and obedient, knowing that He is the ultimate orchestrator of history.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I tend to seek refuge or security when facing difficult circumstances, and how does this compare to seeking God's will?**
* **How does the concept of God using a pagan king like Nebuchadnezzar as "my servant" challenge or affirm my understanding of God's sovereignty in the world today?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be resisting God's clear commands, believing I can find a "safer" or easier path?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's ultimate control over all world events and leaders, even when circumstances seem chaotic or unjust?**

### FAQ

**Why did God call Nebuchadnezzar, a pagan king, "my servant"?**

Answer: God called Nebuchadnezzar "my servant" not because Nebuchadnezzar worshipped Him or was a faithful follower, but because he was an instrument in God's hand to accomplish His divine purposes. This designation highlights God's absolute sovereignty over all rulers and nations, demonstrating that He can use anyone, even those who do not acknowledge Him, to fulfill His will and execute His judgments. It underscores that Nebuchadnezzar's power and conquests were ultimately under God's control, serving God's plan for Israel and the surrounding nations, as also seen in [Jeremiah 27:6](/jeremiah/27-6 "Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant").

**What was the significance of the "stones that I have hid" in this prophecy?**

Answer: The "stones that I have hid" refer to the large stones that Jeremiah, under God's direct command, buried in the brick pavement at the entrance of Pharaoh's house in Tahpanhes, Egypt, as described in [Jeremiah 43:8-9](/jeremiah/43-8 "Jeremiah Buries Stones"). This act was a symbolic prophecy. By declaring that Nebuchadnezzar would set his throne upon these very stones and spread his royal pavilion over them, God was making it clear that the Babylonian conquest would extend even to Egypt, specifically to the seat of Pharaoh's power. It signified that the Jewish remnant's flight to Egypt for safety was futile, as God's judgment would find them even there, demonstrating His inescapable sovereignty.

**Did this prophecy of Nebuchadnezzar invading Egypt actually come true?**

Answer: Yes, historical evidence confirms that Nebuchadnezzar did invade Egypt. While the precise details of his campaign and the exact location of his "throne" or "royal pavilion" are not fully documented outside of biblical texts, historical records and archaeological findings corroborate Babylonian military campaigns into Egypt during Nebuchadnezzar's reign. The Jewish historian Josephus (Antiquities X, 9.7) records Nebuchadnezzar's invasion of Egypt five years after the destruction of Jerusalem. This fulfillment reinforces the reliability and accuracy of God's prophetic word, as also prophesied in [Ezekiel 29:19-20](/ezekiel/29-19 "Nebuchadnezzar's Reward for Egypt").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 43:10 speaks of God's sovereignty exercised through a pagan king for judgment, it ultimately points forward to the ultimate demonstration of God's sovereign will and redemptive purpose in Jesus Christ. Nebuchadnezzar was God's "servant" for judgment, but Christ is the **perfect and obedient Servant** of the Lord, who came not to condemn the world, but to save it ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "For God Did Not Send His Son to Condemn the World")). The judgment brought by Nebuchadnezzar was temporal and physical, but the judgment on sin that Christ bore on the cross was eternal and spiritual, offering true liberation from the bondage of sin and death ([Romans 8:1-4](/romans/8-1 "No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). Just as Nebuchadnezzar established his throne and pavilion over the stones, symbolizing his earthly dominion, Christ's resurrection and ascension established His eternal and universal **throne** over all creation ([Ephesians 1:20-23](/ephesians/1-20 "Christ Seated at God's Right Hand")). He is the true King who reigns over all nations, not through conquest and destruction, but through sacrificial love and spiritual transformation ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord")). The ultimate refuge is not in fleeing to a physical location, but in finding shelter under the **sovereign grace and protection** of Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world and offers eternal security to all who trust in Him ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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 1:15

For, lo, I will call all the families of the kingdoms of the north, saith the LORD; and they shall come, and they shall set every one his throne at the entering of the gates of Jerusalem, and against all the walls thereof round about, and against all the cities of Judah.

Isaiah 44:28

That saith of Cyrus, [He is] my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.

Isaiah 45:1

¶ Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;

Psalms 18:11

He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him [were] dark waters [and] thick clouds of the skies.

Psalms 27:5

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

Psalms 31:20

Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.

Jeremiah 25:6

And go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands; and I will do you no hurt.