Jeremiah 43:4

So Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces, and all the people, obeyed not the voice of the LORD, to dwell in the land of Judah.

So Johanan {H3110} the son {H1121} of Kareah {H7143}, and all the captains {H8269} of the forces {H2428}, and all the people {H5971}, obeyed {H8085} not the voice {H6963} of the LORD {H3068}, to dwell {H3427} in the land {H776} of Judah {H3063}.

So Yochanan the son of Kareach, all the military commanders and all the people did not heed what ADONAI said, to live in the land of Y'hudah.

So Johanan son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces disobeyed the command of the LORD to stay in the land of Judah.

So Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces, and all the people, obeyed not the voice of Jehovah, to dwell in the land of Judah.

Jeremiah 43:4 records a pivotal moment of defiance by the remnant of Judah following the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem. It highlights the tragic human tendency to disregard divine counsel, even after seeking it.

Context of Jeremiah 43:4

This verse takes place shortly after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC and the assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor. The surviving Jewish leaders, including Johanan son of Kareah, and the people, fearful of Babylonian reprisal for Gedaliah's death, considered fleeing to Egypt. They approached the prophet Jeremiah, asking him to inquire of the LORD for them regarding their future. In Jeremiah chapter 42, the LORD explicitly commanded them through Jeremiah to remain in the land of Judah, promising His protection and blessing if they stayed, and warning of severe judgment, including death by sword, famine, and pestilence, if they went to Egypt. Jeremiah 43:4 reveals their direct and immediate rejection of this clear divine instruction.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Disobedience to Divine Will: The central theme is the outright refusal to obey God's command. Despite having sought God's "voice" through Jeremiah, their actions demonstrate a heart unwilling to submit when God's will conflicted with their own fears and plans. This illustrates a profound human rebellion against God's authority.
  • Trust vs. Fear: The people chose to trust in their own perceived safety in Egypt rather than God's promise of protection in Judah. Their fear of the Babylonians overshadowed their faith in the Almighty, leading them away from the path of blessing.
  • Consequences of Ignoring Prophetic Warnings: This act of disobedience set the stage for further judgment upon this remnant, as detailed in subsequent chapters of Jeremiah. Their flight to Egypt ultimately did not bring them the safety they sought but rather led to their demise there (Jeremiah 44:12-14).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "obeyed not the voice of the LORD" (Hebrew: לֹא שָׁמְעוּ בְּקוֹל יְהוָה - lo sham'u b'kol YHWH) is a strong declaration of intentional refusal. The verb "obeyed" (shama') in Hebrew often carries the dual meaning of "to hear" and "to obey." In this context, it clearly implies that they heard the command but deliberately chose not to act upon it, highlighting their willful rebellion.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 43:4 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today. How often do we seek God's guidance through prayer, scripture, or wise counsel, only to disregard it when His answer challenges our comfort zones or goes against our preconceived notions? This verse urges us to:

  • Seek God's Will Sincerely: Ensure that when we seek God's direction, our true intent is to obey, not just to confirm our own desires.
  • Trust God Over Our Fears: Learn to place our confidence in God's promises and provision, even when circumstances seem daunting or His path appears counter-intuitive. As Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding."
  • Heed Divine Warnings: Recognize that God's warnings are for our protection and ultimate good. Disregarding them often leads to unforeseen and undesirable consequences.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Jeremiah 42:5

    Then they said to Jeremiah, The LORD be a true and faithful witness between us, if we do not even according to all things for the which the LORD thy God shall send thee to us.

  • Jeremiah 42:6

    Whether [it be] good, or whether [it be] evil, we will obey the voice of the LORD our God, to whom we send thee; that it may be well with us, when we obey the voice of the LORD our God.

  • 2 Chronicles 25:16

    And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that [the king] said unto him, Art thou made of the king's counsel? forbear; why shouldest thou be smitten? Then the prophet forbare, and said, I know that God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel.

  • Psalms 37:3

    Trust in the LORD, and do good; [so] shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

  • Jeremiah 44:5

    But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear to turn from their wickedness, to burn no incense unto other gods.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:16

    Then said I, Wisdom [is] better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom [is] despised, and his words are not heard.

  • Jeremiah 42:10

    If ye will still abide in this land, then will I build you, and not pull [you] down, and I will plant you, and not pluck [you] up: for I repent me of the evil that I have done unto you.

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