Jeremiah 43:5

KJV

But Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces, took all the remnant of Judah, that were returned from all nations, whither they had been driven, to dwell in the land of Judah;

KJV (with Strong's)

But Johanan {H3110} the son {H1121} of Kareah {H7143}, and all the captains {H8269} of the forces {H2428}, took {H3947} all the remnant {H7611} of Judah {H3063}, that were returned {H7725} from all nations {H1471}, whither they had been driven {H5080}, to dwell {H1481} in the land {H776} of Judah {H3063};

Complete Jewish Bible

Instead, Yochanan the son of Kareach and all the military commanders took all the remnant of Y'hudah who had returned from all the nations where they had been driven to live in the land of Y'hudah -

Berean Standard Bible

Instead, Johanan son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces took the whole remnant of Judah, those who had returned to the land of Judah from all the nations to which they had been scattered,

American Standard Version

But Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces, took all the remnant of Judah, that were returned from all the nations whither they had been driven, to sojourn in the land of Judah;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 43:5 records the pivotal moment when Johanan, son of Kareah, and the other military captains, in direct defiance of God's explicit command through Jeremiah, gathered the remaining Judean population. This remnant, comprised of those who had returned to the land of Judah after being scattered among various nations, were forcibly taken by these leaders, not to remain in their homeland as God had instructed, but to be led into Egypt, driven by fear rather than faith. This act of corporate disobedience sets the stage for the tragic consequences that unfold, highlighting a profound rejection of divine authority and a reliance on human wisdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 43:5 is situated immediately after God's clear and emphatic command to the remnant of Judah to remain in the land, promising protection and blessing, and sternly warning them against going to Egypt (see [Jeremiah 42:7-19](/jeremiah/42-7 "Jeremiah 42:7-19 - God's Command to Remain in Judah")). The people had initially requested Jeremiah to inquire of the Lord on their behalf, pledging to obey whatever God commanded (see [Jeremiah 42:5-6](/jeremiah/42-5 "Jeremiah 42:5-6 - The People's Pledge of Obedience")). However, Jeremiah 43:1-4 reveals their immediate rejection of Jeremiah's prophetic word, accusing him of speaking falsely. Thus, verse 5 marks the decisive act of rebellion, where their words of submission are replaced by actions of direct opposition, moving from internal dissent to active disobedience by gathering the people for the forbidden journey. This verse serves as the bridge between the divine command and its subsequent, tragic violation, leading directly into their arrival in Egypt in [Jeremiah 43:6-7](/jeremiah/43-6 "Jeremiah 43:6-7 - The Remnant Enters Egypt").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This event unfolds in the immediate aftermath of the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by Babylon in 586 BC, and the subsequent assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor (recounted in [Jeremiah 41](/jeremiah/41 "Jeremiah 41 - Gedaliah's Assassination")). The remaining Judean population, fearing Babylonian reprisal for Gedaliah's death, sought refuge. Egypt, a traditional place of asylum and alliance for Judah, seemed a logical choice from a human perspective, despite its long history of leading Israel astray (cf. [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt")). Culturally, the people were accustomed to seeking political and military alliances, often disregarding prophetic warnings against such reliance on foreign powers. The "remnant" mentioned here includes those who had fled to surrounding nations during the Babylonian invasion and had since returned to Judah, only to find themselves in a state of extreme vulnerability and fear, making them susceptible to the leadership of Johanan and the captains who promised safety in Egypt.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. The most prominent is **Disobedience to Divine Command**, as Johanan and the captains directly contradict God's explicit instruction to remain in Judah, choosing human fear and strategic thinking over divine revelation. This highlights the recurring pattern of Israel's rebellion against God's covenant. Another crucial theme is the **Nature of the Remnant**. While often a term of hope signifying God's preservation of a faithful few (e.g., [Isaiah 10:20-22](/isaiah/10-20 "Isaiah 10:20-22 - The Remnant Will Return")), here the "remnant of Judah" refers to the physical survivors who, despite being preserved, act in spiritual rebellion, demonstrating that physical survival does not equate to spiritual faithfulness. Finally, the narrative underscores the theme of **Fear Versus Faith**. The decision to flee to Egypt was driven by a deep-seated fear of Babylonian retribution rather than a trusting faith in God's promise of protection if they remained in the land (as articulated in [Jeremiah 42:10-12](/jeremiah/42-10 "Jeremiah 42:10-12 - God's Promise of Protection in Judah")). This starkly contrasts human reliance on self-preservation with the call to radical trust in God's sovereign care.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Remnant (Hebrew, _shᵉʼêrîyth'_):** This term refers to a "remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion." In this context, it denotes the survivors of the Babylonian conquest and deportations—those few Judeans left in the land or who had returned after fleeing to neighboring territories. The term carries significant theological weight in the Old Testament, often referring to a faithful core preserved by God. However, in Jeremiah 43:5, it describes a group that, despite being divinely preserved, chooses to act in direct defiance of God’s will, highlighting that physical survival does not guarantee spiritual obedience or faithfulness.
* **Took (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to take (in the widest variety of applications)," this verb signifies the action of Johanan and the captains. It implies a decisive, active seizure or appropriation. While it can mean to "receive" or "accept," here it denotes a forceful or determined act of gathering and leading. This "taking" is not presented as a gentle persuasion but as an authoritative and perhaps coercive act, underscoring the leaders' determination to implement their own plan, contrary to God's command.
* **To dwell (Hebrew, _gûwr'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to turn aside from the road... to sojourn (as a guest)," this word describes the intended state or action of the remnant. The phrase "to dwell in the land of Judah" refers to their current state or the divine instruction for their continued residence. The irony lies in the fact that while they were physically "to dwell in the land of Judah" as God commanded, Johanan *took* them *from* that very land, preventing them from fulfilling God's will to "sojourn" securely there. This highlights the tragic subversion of God's intended dwelling for them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces,"**: This clause identifies the key human actors responsible for the impending act of disobedience. Johanan, a prominent military leader mentioned previously (e.g., [Jeremiah 40:8](/jeremiah/40-8 "Jeremiah 40:8 - Johanan's Warning to Gedaliah")), is presented as the ringleader, supported by other military commanders. Their collective authority and military strength enabled them to carry out their plan, overriding both the prophet's counsel and the will of the people who had initially sought God's guidance.
* **"took all the remnant of Judah,"**: This specifies the object of their action: the remaining survivors of the Judean population. The verb "took" implies a decisive, perhaps forceful, act of appropriation and removal. This "remnant," though small and vulnerable, represented the last vestiges of the covenant people in the land, making their forced relocation a profound tragedy.
* **"that were returned from all nations, whither they had been driven,"**: This descriptive phrase clarifies the composition of the remnant. These were not merely those who had survived the initial siege in Judah, but also those who had fled to surrounding countries (like Moab, Ammon, Edom, and other nations, as alluded to in [Jeremiah 40:11-12](/jeremiah/40-11 "Jeremiah 40:11-12 - Jews Returning to Judah")) and had subsequently returned to their homeland. This detail emphasizes their recent experience of displacement and their desire to re-establish themselves in Judah, only to be uprooted once more by their own leaders.
* **"to dwell in the land of Judah;"**: This final clause describes the state or purpose of the remnant *before* Johanan took them. They had returned with the intention, or at least the opportunity, to "dwell" or "sojourn" in the land of Judah, which was precisely where God had commanded them to remain for their safety and blessing (cf. [Jeremiah 42:10](/jeremiah/42-10 "Jeremiah 42:10 - God's Promise to Build Up Judah")). The irony is profound: Johanan *took* them from the very place they were meant to dwell, leading them away from God's promised protection in Judah into a forbidden land.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 43:5 employs several significant literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the phrase "to dwell in the land of Judah" describes the very situation the leaders are actively dismantling. The remnant had returned to Judah with the intent to re-establish themselves, and God had commanded them to remain there, yet Johanan "took" them precisely from this divinely appointed dwelling place. This creates a tragic contrast between God's will for their peaceful settlement and the human decision to abandon it. The passage also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as this act of corporate disobedience foreshadows the further judgments and hardships that will befall the remnant in Egypt, confirming Jeremiah's earlier warnings. Furthermore, there is a clear **Contrast** established between divine wisdom and human folly. God's clear, protective command (Jeremiah 42) stands in stark contrast to the fear-driven, disobedient actions of Johanan and the captains, highlighting the persistent human tendency to trust in perceived safety rather than divine promise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 43:5 is a stark theological statement on the nature of human rebellion against divine authority. It underscores the profound spiritual blindness that can afflict even those who have witnessed God's judgment and experienced His preservation. The "remnant" here is not a faithful remnant in the prophetic sense, but a physically surviving group whose leaders choose self-reliance and fear over the explicit word of God. This act demonstrates that God's grace in preserving a remnant does not negate human free will or the consequences of disobedience. It highlights the persistent challenge of faith: trusting God's word even when it seems counter-intuitive or demands a difficult path. The leaders' choice to "take" the people into Egypt, a symbol of past bondage and a forbidden alliance, represents a return to a pattern of distrusting God's provision and seeking security in human strength or foreign powers, ultimately leading to further spiritual and physical peril.

* [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Rebellion as the Sin of Witchcraft")
* [Proverbs 14:12](/proverbs/14-12 "Proverbs 14:12 - The Way That Seems Right")
* [Hebrews 3:12-19](/hebrews/3-12 "Hebrews 3:12-19 - The Danger of Unbelief")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 43:5 serves as a powerful and sobering reminder that even in the face of clear divine revelation, human fear, self-will, and a lack of faith can lead to profound disobedience. This ancient narrative resonates deeply in contemporary life, challenging us to honestly examine our own responses when God's commands or principles seem to contradict our perceived safety or logical solutions. Are we truly committed to obeying God's word, even when it requires us to step out of our comfort zones, trust in His unseen hand, or forgo what appears to be the most expedient path? The actions of Johanan and the captains warn against the dangers of allowing fear to dictate our decisions, for what seems like a prudent escape can often lead us further away from God's intended blessings and into deeper trouble. It compels us to cultivate a spirit of humble submission to God's revealed will, seeking His guidance above all else, and trusting in His protective care, rather than relying on our own limited understanding or the counsel of those who reject divine authority.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When faced with fear or uncertainty, what is your first inclination: to seek God's guidance, or to rely on your own reasoning and resources?**
* **How do you discern between genuine divine guidance and what might merely be your own desires or fears masquerading as wisdom?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to "take" yourself or others away from God's clear commands, believing you know a better or safer path?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the importance of discerning and heeding the voices God has appointed to speak His truth, even when it is unpopular or challenging?**

### FAQ
**Why did Johanan and the captains choose to go to Egypt despite God's clear command not to?**

Answer: Johanan and the captains chose to go to Egypt primarily out of fear of Babylonian retribution following the assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor (see [Jeremiah 41](/jeremiah/41 "Jeremiah 41 - Gedaliah's Assassination")). They believed that by fleeing to Egypt, they would escape further punishment from Nebuchadnezzar. They had sought Jeremiah's counsel, promising to obey God's word (as seen in [Jeremiah 42:5-6](/jeremiah/42-5 "Jeremiah 42:5-6 - The People's Vow to Obey")), but when God's answer through Jeremiah explicitly commanded them to remain in Judah and warned against going to Egypt (see [Jeremiah 42:19](/jeremiah/42-19 "Jeremiah 42:19 - God's Warning Against Egypt")), they rejected it. They accused Jeremiah of lying and being influenced by Baruch (see [Jeremiah 43:2-3](/jeremiah/43-2 "Jeremiah 43:2-3 - Accusations Against Jeremiah")), demonstrating a profound lack of faith in God's protective promises and a preference for human strategy over divine revelation.

**What happened to Johanan and the remnant of Judah after they went to Egypt?**

Answer: After taking the remnant of Judah to Egypt, Johanan and the captains settled in Tahpanhes (see [Jeremiah 43:7](/jeremiah/43-7 "Jeremiah 43:7 - Arrival in Egypt")). However, their disobedience did not bring them the safety they sought. Jeremiah continued to prophesy against them in Egypt, declaring that Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, would extend his conquest even to Egypt, setting his throne there and bringing destruction upon the land (see [Jeremiah 43:8-13](/jeremiah/43-8 "Jeremiah 43:8-13 - Jeremiah's Prophecy Against Egypt")). This prophecy was fulfilled, as historical records confirm Babylonian campaigns into Egypt. Ultimately, those who went to Egypt, including Johanan and the remnant, perished there by sword, famine, and pestilence, just as God had warned (see [Jeremiah 44:11-14](/jeremiah/44-11 "Jeremiah 44:11-14 - The Fate of Those in Egypt")). Their flight to Egypt, intended as an escape from judgment, instead led them directly into the path of further divine judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 43:5, with its narrative of a remnant led astray by disobedient leaders, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. Unlike Johanan and the captains who "took" the remnant away from God's promised land and protection, Jesus is the ultimate Shepherd who gathers His flock, not to lead them into danger, but to bring them into eternal life and true security (see [John 10:11-18](/john/10-11 "John 10:11-18 - Jesus the Good Shepherd")). The Judean remnant in Jeremiah's time chose human wisdom and fear over divine command, leading to their demise. In stark contrast, Jesus perfectly embodied obedience to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross (see [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). He is the true and faithful "remnant" of Israel, the one righteous Son who fully trusts and obeys God, thereby securing salvation for all who believe. His journey, including a temporary flight to Egypt as a child (see [Matthew 2:13-15](/matthew/2-13 "Matthew 2:13-15 - The Flight to Egypt")), was not an act of disobedience but a fulfillment of prophecy, demonstrating God's sovereign hand even in seemingly contradictory circumstances. Through Christ, the ultimate act of "taking" was not a forced exile into judgment, but His taking upon Himself the sins of the world, leading His people into the true promised land of eternal fellowship with God, a dwelling place secured by His perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice (see [Hebrews 9:24](/hebrews/9-24 "Hebrews 9:24 - Christ's Heavenly Sanctuary")).

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 40:11

Likewise when all the Jews that [were] in Moab, and among the Ammonites, and in Edom, and that [were] in all the countries, heard that the king of Babylon had left a remnant of Judah, and that he had set over them Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan;

Jeremiah 40:12

Even all the Jews returned out of all places whither they were driven, and came to the land of Judah, to Gedaliah, unto Mizpah, and gathered wine and summer fruits very much.

1 Samuel 26:19

Now therefore, I pray thee, let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If the LORD have stirred thee up against me, let him accept an offering: but if [they be] the children of men, cursed [be] they before the LORD; for they have driven me out this day from abiding in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, Go, serve other gods.

Jeremiah 41:15

But Ishmael the son of Nethaniah escaped from Johanan with eight men, and went to the Ammonites.

Jeremiah 41:16

Then took Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces that [were] with him, all the remnant of the people whom he had recovered from Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, from Mizpah, after [that] he had slain Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, [even] mighty men of war, and the women, and the children, and the eunuchs, whom he had brought again from Gibeon: