Jeremiah 43:6

Jeremiah 43:6 KJV meticulously lists the diverse group of people forcibly taken to Egypt, directly defying God's clear instructions. This verse marks a poignant moment in the post-exilic period for the remnant left in Judah, highlighting their desperate flight.

Context

Following the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by the Babylonians in 586 BC, a small Jewish remnant was left in the land under the governorship of Gedaliah, appointed by Babylon. After Gedaliah's assassination (see Jeremiah 41:2), the surviving Jews, gripped by fear of Babylonian retaliation, decided to flee to Egypt. Despite the prophet Jeremiah's earnest warnings from the Lord not to go (as recorded in Jeremiah 42), they stubbornly refused to obey. This verse identifies those who were part of this defiant exodus, including Jeremiah himself and his scribe Baruch, who were compelled to go against their will. The mention of Nebuzaradan, the Babylonian captain of the guard, serves as a reminder of the earlier Babylonian conquest and the authority that had initially established Gedaliah.

Key Themes

• Disobedience and Distrust: The core theme is the profound disobedience of the remnant. Despite having a prophet of God among them, they chose to trust their own fearful judgment over divine command, illustrating a recurring pattern of human rebellion against God's will.
• The Fate of the Remnant: This verse details the unfortunate trajectory of those who remained in Judah. Instead of finding safety by staying in the land as God commanded, their flight to Egypt ultimately led to further judgment (as prophesied in Jeremiah 44).
• Jeremiah's Unwavering Witness: Even though his warnings were ignored and he was forced into exile, Jeremiah remained faithful to his prophetic calling. His presence among them highlights his continued commitment to God's word, even in adverse circumstances.
• Inclusion of All Strata: The explicit mention of "men, and women, and children, and the king's daughters" emphasizes that people from all social classes and ages were part of this forced migration, signifying the complete disruption of life for this group.

Linguistic Insights

While Jeremiah 43:6 does not contain complex Hebrew terms requiring deep linguistic analysis for general understanding, the strength of the verse lies in its precise enumeration. The phrase "every person that Nebuzaradan... had left with Gedaliah" underscores the specific group God had *intended* to remain in the land, making their subsequent departure to Egypt all the more a direct act of defiance against God's established order following the Babylonian invasion.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of choosing human wisdom and fear over divine guidance. In our own lives, we often face decisions where the path of perceived safety or logic seems appealing, even when it contradicts what we know God has revealed. The story of this remnant encourages us to:

• Trust God's Word Above All: Even when circumstances are frightening or uncertain, God's commands are for our ultimate good and safety.
• Beware of Fear-Driven Decisions: Fear can lead us away from God's perfect will and into greater peril.
• Discern True Safety: True security is found not in geographical location or human strategies, but in obedience and reliance upon the Lord. This echoes the sentiment found in Proverbs 3:5-6, which advises us to trust in the Lord with all our heart.