Jeremiah 43:2

KJV

Then spake Azariah the son of Hoshaiah, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the proud men, saying unto Jeremiah, Thou speakest falsely: the LORD our God hath not sent thee to say, Go not into Egypt to sojourn there:

KJV (with Strong's)

Then spake {H559} Azariah {H5838} the son {H1121} of Hoshaiah {H1955}, and Johanan {H3110} the son {H1121} of Kareah {H7143}, and all the proud {H2086} men {H582}, saying {H559} unto Jeremiah {H3414}, Thou speakest {H1696} falsely {H8267}: the LORD {H3068} our God {H430} hath not sent {H7971} thee to say {H559}, Go {H935} not into Egypt {H4714} to sojourn {H1481} there:

Complete Jewish Bible

then 'Azaryah the son of Hosha'yah, Yochanan the son of Kareach and all the men with him had the effrontery to say to Yirmeyahu, "You are lying! ADONAI our God did not send you to say, 'Don't go to Egypt and live there'!

Berean Standard Bible

Azariah son of Hoshaiah, Johanan son of Kareah, and all the arrogant men said to Jeremiah, “You are lying! The LORD our God has not sent you to say, ‘You must not go to Egypt to reside there.’

American Standard Version

then spake Azariah the son of Hoshaiah, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the proud men, saying unto Jeremiah, Thou speakest falsely: Jehovah our God hath not sent thee to say, Ye shall not go into Egypt to sojourn there;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 43:2 vividly portrays the immediate and defiant rejection of God's explicit command by the Jewish remnant in Judah. Despite having sought Jeremiah's counsel and promised obedience, Azariah, Johanan, and other proud men directly accuse the prophet of falsehood, asserting that the LORD had not forbidden them from seeking refuge in Egypt. This verse marks a pivotal moment of human arrogance and unbelief, setting the stage for their catastrophic disobedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the dramatic climax of a narrative arc beginning in [Jeremiah 42](/jeremiah/42 "Jeremiah 42 - The Remnant Seeks Counsel"). Following the assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor, the remaining Jewish people in Judah, fearing Babylonian reprisal, approached Jeremiah. They earnestly requested him to inquire of the LORD on their behalf, promising absolute obedience to whatever God commanded, whether good or bad (cf. [Jeremiah 42:5-6](/jeremiah/42-5 "Jeremiah 42:5-6 - The Remnant's Vow of Obedience")). After a ten-day wait, Jeremiah delivered God's clear, unambiguous message: they were to remain in the land of Judah, where God promised to build them up and bless them, but under no circumstances were they to go to Egypt (cf. [Jeremiah 42:10-12](/jeremiah/42-10 "Jeremiah 42:10-12 - God's Promise of Blessing in Judah")). God specifically warned them, "Go not into Egypt to sojourn there" ([Jeremiah 42:19](/jeremiah/42-19 "Jeremiah 42:19 - God's Direct Warning Against Egypt")). Jeremiah 43:2 is their immediate, arrogant, and direct contradiction of this divine word, revealing their true intentions and the hypocrisy of their earlier vow.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [Jeremiah 43](/jeremiah/43 "Jeremiah 43 - Flight to Egypt") unfold shortly after the devastating Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 586 BC, and the subsequent assassination of Gedaliah, the governor appointed over the remaining Jewish population. This period was marked by immense trauma, political instability, and a deep sense of fear among the survivors. Egypt, a powerful ancient civilization, had historically been a place of refuge for Israelites during times of famine or political upheaval (e.g., Abraham, Jacob's family, the flight of the Holy Family). However, it was also often associated with idolatry, reliance on human strength over divine providence, and a place from which God had explicitly warned His people to stay away (cf. [Deuteronomy 17:16](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16 - Warning Against Returning to Egypt")). The accusation of "false prophecy" was a grave charge in ancient Israel, punishable by death, and was often leveled against true prophets whose messages were unpopular or contradicted the people's desires (cf. [Deuteronomy 18:20](/deuteronomy/18-20 "Deuteronomy 18:20 - The False Prophet")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the profound theme of **Rejection of Divine Authority**. Despite explicitly seeking God's will, the remnant's leaders demonstrate that they had already decided their course of action, choosing to deny God's clear command rather than submit to it. This illustrates the human tendency to seek divine affirmation for pre-determined plans rather than genuine guidance. Secondly, the phrase "all the proud men" introduces the theme of **Pride and Arrogance** as a root cause of spiritual rebellion. Their haughty spirit prevented them from accepting a divine message that contradicted their self-serving desires, leading them to accuse God's prophet of deceit. This reflects the biblical principle that [pride often precedes destruction](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction"). Thirdly, the accusation of "speaking falsely" underscores the theme of **False Accusation and Slander** against God's messengers. This was a common tactic to discredit inconvenient truths and avoid accountability. Finally, the verse sets the stage for the tragic theme of **Disobedience and its Inevitable Consequences**, as their defiance directly leads to their journey into Egypt and the very calamities God had warned them against (cf. [Jeremiah 44:12-14](/jeremiah/44-12 "Jeremiah 44:12-14 - Consequences of Disobedience in Egypt")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Proud (Hebrew, _zêd'_):** From H2086 זוּד (zûd), meaning arrogant, presumptuous. This term describes individuals who act with insolence and contempt, particularly against divine commands or authority. In this context, "the proud men" are characterized by their haughty self-will and their open defiance of God's clear instruction. Their pride is not merely a personality trait but a spiritual rebellion that blinds them to truth and leads them to accuse God's prophet.
* **Falsely (Hebrew, _sheqer'_):** From H8267 שָׁקַר (shâqar), meaning an untruth, by implication, a sham; referring to deceit, falsehood, or a lie. The accusation "Thou speakest falsely" (literally "you speak a lie") is a direct and severe charge against Jeremiah. It implies that Jeremiah fabricated the divine message, thereby undermining his prophetic authority and, by extension, the authority of the LORD Himself. This was the ultimate rejection of a prophet's word.
* **Sojourn (Hebrew, _gûwr'_):** From H1481 גּוּר (gûwr), a primitive root meaning properly to turn aside from the road for lodging or any other purpose, i.e., to sojourn as a guest. It implies a temporary dwelling in a foreign land. God's command was specifically against even a temporary residence in Egypt ("Go not into Egypt to sojourn there"), emphasizing His desire for His people to rely solely on Him for protection and provision within their designated land, rather than seeking security in foreign alliances or territories.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then spake Azariah the son of Hoshaiah, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the proud men":** This opening clause identifies the key leaders of the opposition to Jeremiah's prophecy. Azariah and Johanan, prominent figures among the remnant, are named specifically, indicating their leadership in this act of defiance. The collective phrase "all the proud men" characterizes the spiritual disposition of the group, highlighting their arrogance and self-will as the driving force behind their rejection of God's word.
* **"saying unto Jeremiah, Thou speakest falsely":** This is a direct and severe accusation leveled against Jeremiah. It is a charge of deceit, implying that Jeremiah is not speaking on behalf of God but is fabricating his message. This accusation not only discredits Jeremiah personally but also directly challenges the divine origin and truthfulness of the message he just delivered.
* **"the LORD our God hath not sent thee to say, Go not into Egypt to sojourn there":** This final clause explicitly states the content of their denial. They directly contradict the specific command God had given through Jeremiah, which was to remain in Judah and not to go to Egypt. This reveals that their minds were already made up, and they were unwilling to accept any divine word that ran contrary to their preconceived plans for seeking safety in Egypt. Their use of "the LORD our God" is ironic, as they claim allegiance to God while simultaneously rejecting His clear instruction.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 43:2 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Irony** is prominent, as the very men who had earnestly sought God's counsel and vowed absolute obedience (cf. [Jeremiah 42:5-6](/jeremiah/42-5 "Jeremiah 42:5-6 - The Remnant's Promise")) immediately reject that counsel when it contradicts their desires. This highlights the hypocrisy of their initial plea. The use of **Direct Speech** ("Thou speakest falsely: the LORD our God hath not sent thee...") makes the defiance stark and immediate, allowing the reader to experience the raw confrontation between divine truth and human rebellion. The phrase "all the proud men" serves as a powerful **Characterization**, immediately labeling the opposition and providing insight into their spiritual state, emphasizing that their rejection stemmed from arrogance rather than genuine misunderstanding. Finally, there is a clear **Antithesis** between the divine truth spoken by Jeremiah and the human lie and defiance articulated by the remnant, underscoring the fundamental conflict between God's will and man's stubborn self-will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 43:2 stands as a stark theological commentary on the nature of human rebellion against divine authority. It illustrates the perilous state of a heart that seeks God's will with a preconceived outcome, ultimately choosing self-will over divine instruction. This act of accusing God's prophet of falsehood is not merely a personal attack on Jeremiah but a direct affront to the LORD Himself, whose word Jeremiah faithfully delivered. It underscores the profound spiritual blindness that pride engenders, leading individuals to deny undeniable truth and embrace self-deception, even when their very survival is at stake. The refusal to "sojourn" in their divinely appointed land, opting instead for a worldly refuge, demonstrates a fundamental lack of trust in God's providence and protection.

* [Jeremiah 42:5-6](/jeremiah/42-5 "Jeremiah 42:5-6 - The Remnant's Vow of Obedience")
* [Jeremiah 42:19](/jeremiah/42-19 "Jeremiah 42:19 - God's Explicit Command Against Going to Egypt")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 43:2 offers timeless lessons for believers today, serving as a powerful warning against the dangers of seeking God's will with a pre-determined agenda. It challenges us to examine the sincerity of our prayers and inquiries when facing difficult decisions. Do we genuinely come before God with an open heart, ready to obey whatever He commands, even if it contradicts our desires, comfort, or logical human plans? Or do we, like Azariah and Johanan, secretly harbor a preferred outcome, only seeking God's affirmation for our own intentions? This verse highlights how easily pride can masquerade as piety, leading to self-deception and ultimately, disobedience. True humility is demonstrated not just in asking for God's word, but in humbly submitting to it, even when it is inconvenient or unpopular. It reminds us that God's truth is not always palatable, and genuine faith requires trusting His wisdom above our own perceived security or understanding.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When I seek God's guidance, do I truly come with an open heart ready to obey, or do I secretly hope He will affirm my pre-existing desires?**
* **How might pride manifest in my own life, leading me to reject or rationalize away truths that challenge my comfort or plans?**
* **Am I willing to trust God's commands and promises, even when the world offers seemingly more secure or logical alternatives, like the decision to "sojourn" in Egypt?**

### FAQ

**Why did the remnant accuse Jeremiah of speaking falsely?**

Answer: The remnant accused Jeremiah of speaking falsely because his message directly contradicted their pre-determined plan to flee to Egypt for safety. Despite having explicitly asked Jeremiah to inquire of the LORD and promising to obey whatever God said (cf. [Jeremiah 42:5-6](/jeremiah/42-5 "Jeremiah 42:5-6 - The Remnant's Vow of Obedience")), they found God's actual command—to remain in Judah—unacceptable. Their accusation was a desperate attempt to discredit Jeremiah and justify their own disobedience, effectively denying that the message came from God because it was not what they wanted to hear. This was a common tactic against prophets who delivered inconvenient truths (cf. [Deuteronomy 18:20](/deuteronomy/18-20 "Deuteronomy 18:20 - The False Prophet")).

**What was the significance of God's command not to "sojourn" in Egypt?**

Answer: God's command not to "sojourn" (temporarily dwell) in Egypt was profoundly significant. Historically, Egypt represented a place of bondage and a symbol of reliance on human power and idolatry, from which God had miraculously delivered Israel during the Exodus. By forbidding them to go to Egypt, God was calling His people to radical trust in His protection and provision within their own land, despite its devastation. It was a test of their faith, challenging them to depend solely on Him rather than seeking refuge in a foreign land that had often led them astray. Their disobedience to this specific command in [Jeremiah 43](/jeremiah/43 "Jeremiah 43 - Flight to Egypt") ultimately led to further judgment and suffering, demonstrating the consequences of choosing worldly security over divine obedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The defiant rejection of Jeremiah's prophetic word in [Jeremiah 43:2](/jeremiah/43-2 "Jeremiah 43:2 - The Remnant's Defiance") foreshadows the ultimate rejection of God's perfect Prophet, Jesus Christ. Just as the proud men accused Jeremiah of speaking falsely, so too did the religious leaders of Israel accuse Jesus of blasphemy and deceit, refusing to acknowledge His divine authority and the truth of His message (cf. [Matthew 26:65-66](/matthew/26-65 "Matthew 26:65-66 - Jesus Accused of Blasphemy")). The remnant's desire to "sojourn" in Egypt, seeking worldly security over God's promised presence in Judah, contrasts sharply with Christ's perfect obedience and His call for His followers to place their trust solely in God. Jesus, unlike the disobedient remnant, perfectly fulfilled the will of the Father, even to the point of death on a cross (cf. [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). He is the true refuge, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering spiritual security that no earthly "Egypt" can provide. While the remnant sought to escape their immediate troubles by fleeing to a foreign land, Christ teaches us to seek first the [kingdom of God and His righteousness](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom"), trusting in His sovereign care. Ultimately, the pride and unbelief that led to the rejection of Jeremiah's message finds its ultimate remedy in the humble submission and saving faith offered through Christ, who is the [Way, the Truth, and the Life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, Life").

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

2 Chronicles 36:13

And he also rebelled against king Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God: but he stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart from turning unto the LORD God of Israel.

Isaiah 7:9

And the head of Ephraim [is] Samaria, and the head of Samaria [is] Remaliah's son. If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established.

Jeremiah 13:15

Hear ye, and give ear; be not proud: for the LORD hath spoken.

James 4:6

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Habakkuk 2:4

Behold, his soul [which] is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

Habakkuk 2:5

¶ Yea also, because he transgresseth by wine, [he is] a proud man, neither keepeth at home, who enlargeth his desire as hell, and [is] as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathereth unto him all nations, and heapeth unto him all people:

Proverbs 16:5

¶ Every one [that is] proud in heart [is] an abomination to the LORD: [though] hand [join] in hand, he shall not be unpunished.