Jeremiah 43:13

KJV

He shall break also the images of Bethshemesh, that [is] in the land of Egypt; and the houses of the gods of the Egyptians shall he burn with fire.

KJV (with Strong's)

He shall break {H7665} also the images {H4676} of Bethshemesh {H1053}, that is in the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}; and the houses {H1004} of the gods {H430} of the Egyptians {H4714} shall he burn {H8313} with fire {H784}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He will also break the standing-stones of the temple of the sun in the land of Egypt and burn to the ground the temples of the gods of Egypt."'"

Berean Standard Bible

He will demolish the sacred pillars of the temple of the sun in the land of Egypt, and he will burn down the temples of the gods of Egypt.’”

American Standard Version

He shall also break the pillars of Beth-shemesh, that is in the land of Egypt; and the houses of the gods of Egypt shall he burn with fire.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 43:13 delivers a stark prophecy of divine judgment against Egypt, specifically targeting its prominent idolatrous centers. Through Nebuchadnezzar, identified as God's instrument, the Lord declares that the images and temples dedicated to Egyptian deities, particularly those at Bethshemesh (Heliopolis), will be shattered and consumed by fire. This declaration underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering opposition to false worship, serving as a powerful warning to the disobedient Jewish remnant who had sought refuge in Egypt against His command.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a critical turning point in the book of Jeremiah, following the devastating fall of Jerusalem to Babylon in [Jeremiah 39](/jeremiah/39 "Jeremiah 39 - The Fall of Jerusalem"). Chapters [Jeremiah 40-44](/jeremiah/40 "Jeremiah 40-44 - The Remnant in Judah and Egypt") detail the aftermath, focusing on the remnant left in Judah and their subsequent flight to Egypt. Despite the prophet Jeremiah's clear and fervent warnings from the Lord not to go to Egypt, as recorded in [Jeremiah 42](/jeremiah/42 "Jeremiah 42 - The Remnant Seeks Guidance"), the people defiantly chose to seek safety there. [Jeremiah 43](/jeremiah/43 "Jeremiah 43 - Jeremiah Taken to Egypt") describes Jeremiah being forcibly taken by the remnant to Tahpanhes in Egypt ([Jeremiah 43:7](/jeremiah/43-7 "Jeremiah 43:7 - Jeremiah Taken to Tahpanhes")). It is in this context, on Egyptian soil, that God delivers this prophecy through Jeremiah, demonstrating that even in their chosen refuge, they would not escape the reach of His judgment, which would now extend to Egypt itself.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the immediate post-exilic period for Judah, around 586 BCE. After Jerusalem's destruction, a significant portion of the Jewish population was exiled to Babylon. A remnant, however, remained in Judah under Gedaliah, who was later assassinated. Fearing Babylonian reprisal, this remnant, against divine counsel, fled to Egypt. Egypt, at this time, was a powerful regional player, but its influence was waning, and it was increasingly vulnerable to the rising Babylonian empire under Nebuchadnezzar. Culturally, Egypt was deeply polytheistic, with a pantheon of gods worshipped across various cities. Bethshemesh, known to the Greeks as Heliopolis ("City of the Sun"), was a particularly significant religious center dedicated to the worship of Ra, the sun god, and other deities. Its "images" would have included obelisks, statues, and sacred pillars, central to their idolatrous practices. The prophecy's specificity about Bethshemesh highlights the direct assault on the heart of Egyptian paganism.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 43:13 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **God's absolute sovereignty over all nations**, demonstrating that He uses even pagan kings like Nebuchadnezzar as His "servant" ([Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant")) to execute His will, not just over Israel but over global powers like Egypt. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **judgment on idolatry**. The destruction of Egyptian images and temples underscores God's uncompromising opposition to false worship and the utter futility of relying on man-made gods. This aligns with the consistent biblical condemnation of idolatry found from the Ten Commandments ([Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - No Other Gods")) to prophetic denunciations. Finally, for the Jewish remnant, the prophecy reinforces the severe **consequences of disobedience**. By fleeing to Egypt, they sought human refuge over divine instruction, only to find themselves directly in the path of the very judgment God had warned them about, illustrating the danger of trusting in worldly security rather than the Lord's protective hand ([Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Lord")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **images (Hebrew, _matstsêbâh'_):** This term (H4676) refers to something stationed, specifically a column or memorial stone. By extension, it denotes an idol or a standing image used in pagan worship. In the context of Bethshemesh, these would likely have been obelisks or sacred pillars dedicated to the sun god Ra, which were central to Egyptian idolatry. The breaking of these images signifies the utter dismantling and desecration of their religious power and authority.
* **Bethshemesh (Hebrew, _Bêyth Shemesh'_):** Meaning "house of (the) sun" (H1053), this was a prominent city in Egypt, known to the Greeks as Heliopolis. It was a major center for the worship of the Egyptian sun god, Ra. The specific mention of Bethshemesh indicates that God's judgment would target the very heart of Egyptian idolatry, demonstrating His power over their most revered deities and their places of worship.
* **houses (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** This word (H1004) broadly means a house, but in this context, it specifically refers to the temples or shrines dedicated to the Egyptian gods. The destruction of these "houses of the gods" by fire signifies a complete and irreversible desolation of their religious infrastructure, rendering their deities powerless and their worship nullified.
* **gods (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** While often used for the supreme God (H430), in this context, it refers to "gods in the ordinary sense," specifically the pagan deities worshipped by the Egyptians. The burning of their houses underscores the impotence of these false gods against the power of the one true God, Yahweh.
* **burn (Hebrew, _sâraph'_):** This primitive root (H8313) means "to be (causatively, set) on fire." The act of burning with fire (H784) is a powerful symbol of complete destruction, purification, and divine judgment. It indicates a total and irreversible obliteration of the idolatrous structures, leaving nothing but ashes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He shall break also the images of Bethshemesh, that [is] in the land of Egypt;":** This clause declares the initial act of judgment: the breaking of the idolatrous symbols. "He" refers to Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king, whom God uses as His instrument. "Images" (matstsêbâh) points to the sacred pillars, obelisks, and statues prominent in Egyptian sun worship. Bethshemesh (Heliopolis) is singled out as a prime target, being a major center for the worship of the sun god Ra, highlighting the direct assault on the heart of Egyptian paganism within their own land.
* **"and the houses of the gods of the Egyptians shall he burn with fire.":** This second clause specifies the further extent of the judgment: the destruction of the temples themselves. Not only will the images be broken, but the very "houses" (temples) where the Egyptian "gods" (idols) were worshipped will be consumed by "fire." This act signifies a complete and definitive desecration and obliteration of their religious infrastructure, demonstrating the absolute futility and powerlessness of these false deities against the sovereign power of the Lord.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 43:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment. **Prophecy** is the overarching device, as Jeremiah delivers a future event as a direct word from God, asserting divine foreknowledge and control over historical outcomes. The specific mention of "Bethshemesh" and "images" serves as **Synecdoche**, where a part (a specific city and its idols) represents the whole (all of Egypt's idolatry and pagan worship). The act of "breaking" and "burning with fire" functions as powerful **Symbolism** for complete destruction, desecration, and divine wrath. Fire, in particular, is a recurring biblical symbol of judgment and purification. The entire verse is an example of **Hyperbole** in its definitive and totalizing language, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the coming judgment, leaving no doubt about the fate of Egypt's false gods.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 43:13 profoundly underscores the biblical truth of God's uncompromising opposition to idolatry and His absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers. The destruction of the images and temples of Bethshemesh is not merely a political conquest but a theological statement: the gods of the nations are nothing before the one true God. This judgment serves as a stark reminder that any trust placed in created things, whether physical idols, national power, or human wisdom, is ultimately futile and will be exposed as such by the Lord of Hosts. For the Jewish remnant, it was a painful lesson that fleeing to a land steeped in idolatry for security, rather than trusting in God's explicit command, would only lead them into the path of His universal judgment.

* [Deuteronomy 4:28](/deuteronomy/4-28 "Deuteronomy 4:28 - Worship of Idols")
* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalm/115-4 "Psalm 115:4-8 - The Futility of Idols")
* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 43:13 remains profoundly relevant today, challenging us to examine the "images" and "houses of gods" that might subtly or overtly occupy the place of God in our lives. While we may not bow to physical statues, modern idolatry manifests in placing ultimate trust, devotion, and security in wealth, career, relationships, reputation, political ideologies, or even self-reliance. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that anything we elevate to the status of ultimate concern apart from the Creator is a false god, destined for destruction and exposed as powerless in the face of God's sovereignty. True security and flourishing are found only in unwavering obedience and trust in the Lord, recognizing that He alone holds the destiny of individuals and nations. We are called to dismantle our own "Bethshemesh" – those areas where we seek light, life, or security apart from the true Son.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "images" or "houses of gods" (i.e., sources of ultimate trust or security) might I be tempted to rely on instead of God in my life today?**
* **How does the judgment on Egypt's idols challenge my understanding of God's sovereignty over global events and personal circumstances?**
* **In what ways might I be seeking "refuge in Egypt" (i.e., worldly solutions or comforts) rather than obeying God's clear commands, even when they seem difficult or counter-intuitive?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "He" who will break the images and burn the houses of the gods?**

Answer: The "He" refers to Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. Throughout the book of Jeremiah, God frequently refers to Nebuchadnezzar as His "servant" ([Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant")) and instrument of judgment, not only against Judah but also against surrounding nations, including Egypt. This highlights God's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating His ability to use even pagan rulers to accomplish His divine will and execute His judgment on idolatry.

**What was Bethshemesh, and why was it specifically mentioned?**

Answer: Bethshemesh (meaning "House of the Sun") was a major city in Egypt, known to the Greeks as Heliopolis, or the "City of the Sun." It was a prominent center for the worship of Ra, the Egyptian sun god, and other deities. It was known for its temples, obelisks, and sacred pillars dedicated to these gods. Its specific mention in the prophecy signifies that God's judgment would directly target one of the most significant and revered centers of Egyptian idolatry, thereby demonstrating the impotence of their most powerful gods against the one true God.

**Why is Egypt singled out for this judgment?**

Answer: Egypt is singled out for judgment for several reasons. Firstly, it was a powerful nation steeped in polytheism and idolatry, which God consistently condemns. Secondly, it had historically been a source of temptation and false security for Israel, leading them away from trusting in God (e.g., [Isaiah 30:1-3](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-3 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt")). Most immediately, the Jewish remnant had defied God's explicit command through Jeremiah and fled to Egypt for safety ([Jeremiah 42:1-22](/jeremiah/42 "Jeremiah 42 - The Remnant's Disobedience")). By bringing judgment upon Egypt, God demonstrated that there was no safe haven outside of His will, and that His judgment would reach even the place where His disobedient people had sought refuge.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 43:13, with its vivid depiction of the destruction of idols and the overthrow of false gods, finds its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual resonance in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Nebuchadnezzar was God's instrument for physical judgment on Egyptian idolatry, Christ's coming ushered in a far more profound and spiritual dismantling of false worship. He declared that true worship would no longer be confined to physical temples or specific locations but would be "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - True Worship")). Jesus, through His death and resurrection, utterly defeated the spiritual powers of darkness that lie behind all forms of idolatry and false worship ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). He is the true "Sun of Righteousness" ([Malachi 4:2](/malachi/4-2 "Malachi 4:2 - Sun of Righteousness")) whose light exposes the futility of all other gods and false saviors. In Him, believers are called to turn from "idols to serve the living and true God" ([1 Thessalonians 1:9-10](/1_thessalonians/1-9 "1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 - Turning from Idols")), finding their ultimate security, identity, and worship in Him alone, rather than seeking refuge in the "Egypts" of this world. His kingdom, unlike earthly empires, will never be broken, and His reign ensures the final triumph over every false god and every human construct that opposes the glory of God ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")).

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

Isaiah 19:18

¶ In that day shall five cities in the land of Egypt speak the language of Canaan, and swear to the LORD of hosts; one shall be called, The city of destruction.