Jeremiah 43:6

KJV

[Even] men, and women, and children, and the king's daughters, and every person that Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had left with Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Jeremiah the prophet, and Baruch the son of Neriah.

KJV (with Strong's)

Even men {H1397}, and women {H802}, and children {H2945}, and the king's {H4428} daughters {H1323}, and every person {H5315} that Nebuzaradan {H5018} the captain {H7227} of the guard {H2876} had left {H3240} with Gedaliah {H1436} the son {H1121} of Ahikam {H296} the son {H1121} of Shaphan {H8227}, and Jeremiah {H3414} the prophet {H5030}, and Baruch {H1263} the son {H1121} of Neriah {H5374}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the men, the women, the children, the king's daughters, everyone N'vuzar'adan the commander of the guard had committed to G'dalyahu the son of Achikam, the son of Shafan, and Yirmeyahu the prophet and Barukh the son of Neriyah -

Berean Standard Bible

the men, the women, the children, the king’s daughters, and everyone whom Nebuzaradan captain of the guard had allowed to remain with Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, as well as Jeremiah the prophet and Baruch son of Neriah.

American Standard Version

the men, and the women, and the children, and the king’s daughters, and every person that Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had left with Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan; and Jeremiah the prophet, and Baruch the son of Neriah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 43:6 meticulously enumerates the diverse group of people who, in defiance of God's explicit command through Jeremiah, were forcibly taken to Egypt. This group included men, women, children, the king's daughters, and every individual whom Nebuzaradan, the Babylonian captain of the guard, had originally left under the care of Gedaliah. Crucially, the prophet Jeremiah himself and his scribe Baruch were among those compelled to join this exodus, marking a poignant moment of human rebellion against divine instruction and the tragic trajectory of Judah's remnant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 43:6 concludes a critical narrative arc that began with the assassination of Gedaliah (Jeremiah 41) and the subsequent fear-driven decision of the Jewish remnant to flee to Egypt. Chapters 40-42 detail the aftermath of Jerusalem's fall, the appointment of Gedaliah as governor, his murder, and the people's desperate appeal to Jeremiah for divine guidance regarding their future. Despite Jeremiah's clear prophetic word from the Lord, forbidding them to go to Egypt and promising safety in Judah, the people stubbornly refused to obey (Jeremiah 42:19-22). This verse, therefore, serves as the culmination of their disobedience, detailing precisely who comprised this rebellious company, underscoring the tragic fulfillment of God's warnings.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC, Babylon appointed Gedaliah as governor over the remaining Jewish population in Judah. This period was marked by immense political instability, fear, and a desperate search for security. The assassination of Gedaliah by Ishmael (as detailed in [Jeremiah 41:2](/jeremiah/41-2 "Jeremiah 41:2 - Gedaliah's Assassination")) plunged the remnant into panic, fearing Babylonian retaliation. Culturally, Egypt had historically been a place of refuge for Israelites in times of distress (e.g., during famine, as seen in [Genesis 46](/genesis/46 "Genesis 46 - Jacob's Family Goes to Egypt")), but also a source of temptation and idolatry, explicitly forbidden by God as a place of return for His people ([Deuteronomy 17:16](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16 - Prohibition Against Returning to Egypt")). Their flight to Egypt, therefore, was not merely a pragmatic decision but a profound act of distrust in Yahweh's protection within the promised land.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several recurring themes within the book of Jeremiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the persistent **disobedience and distrust** of God's people, who repeatedly prioritize their own perceived safety and human wisdom over divine revelation. Despite the clear word of the Lord delivered by Jeremiah, their fear of Babylon overshadowed their faith, leading them to choose a path explicitly forbidden. Secondly, it underscores the **inescapable consequences of rebellion**, as their flight to Egypt did not bring the promised security but rather led them into further judgment, as later prophesied in [Jeremiah 44:12](/jeremiah/44-12 "Jeremiah 44:12 - Consequences for Those in Egypt"). Thirdly, Jeremiah's forced inclusion emphasizes his **unwavering prophetic witness**; even when his warnings were rejected and he was compelled to join the disobedient, he remained faithful to his calling, continuing to speak God's truth in adverse circumstances. Finally, the comprehensive listing of "men, women, children, and the king's daughters" signifies the **total disruption of society** and the pervasive nature of the people's rebellion, encompassing all strata and ages of the remnant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Men (Hebrew, _geber'_):** This term (H1397) primarily refers to a "valiant man" or "warrior," though it can also denote a person generally. Its use here, alongside "women" and "children," might subtly emphasize that even those who might typically be considered strong or capable were now part of a vulnerable, fleeing group, stripped of their former strength and agency. It highlights the universal nature of the fear and the collective decision to disobey.
* **Children (Hebrew, _ṭaph'_):** The word _ṭaph_ (H2945) specifically refers to "little children" or a "family" used collectively. Its inclusion emphasizes the complete demographic range of the group, from the most vulnerable to the most powerful ("king's daughters"). This detail evokes pathos, as innocent children were swept along in the consequences of their elders' disobedience, highlighting the far-reaching impact of the remnant's choices.
* **Person (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** The term _nephesh_ (H5315) is rich in meaning, referring to a "breathing creature," "soul," "life," or "self." Here, "every person" (literally "every soul") underscores the totality and individuality of those involved. It signifies that no one was exempt from this forced migration, and each individual _nephesh_ was part of this collective act of rebellion against God's explicit command to remain in the land.
* **Left (Hebrew, _yânach'_):** The verb _yânach_ (H3240) means "to deposit," "to allow to stay," or "to leave." The phrase "had left with Gedaliah" is crucial, as it refers to the specific group of people whom Nebuzaradan, representing Babylonian authority, had *permitted* to remain in Judah under Gedaliah's governorship. This highlights the irony and tragedy: God had provided a way for a remnant to stay in the land, but their fear and disobedience led them to abandon the very place where divine protection was promised, effectively "leaving" the land God had "left" them in.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[Even] men, and women, and children, and the king's daughters, ":** This initial clause meticulously lists the diverse composition of the group, emphasizing its comprehensive nature. It includes all ages and social strata, from the most vulnerable (children) to those of royal lineage, indicating a widespread departure from God's will that affected the entire remaining society.
* **"and every person that Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had left with Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, ":** This part precisely identifies the specific remnant group. Nebuzaradan, the Babylonian commander, had deliberately chosen to leave a particular population under Gedaliah's care, intending for them to rebuild in Judah. Their departure, therefore, was a direct rejection of the established order, both human and divine, that had been put in place after the fall of Jerusalem.
* **"and Jeremiah the prophet, and Baruch the son of Neriah.":** The inclusion of Jeremiah and Baruch is profoundly significant. Despite Jeremiah's vehement warnings against going to Egypt, he and his faithful scribe were compelled to join the disobedient multitude. This detail underscores the depth of the people's rebellion and the prophet's unwavering commitment to his calling, even when forced into circumstances against his will, serving as a witness to God's word even among those who rejected it.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 43:6 employs several impactful literary devices. **Enumeration** is prominent, as the verse meticulously lists the various demographic groups ("men, women, children, king's daughters") and key individuals (Jeremiah, Baruch) forced into exile. This detailed listing serves to underscore the comprehensive nature of the disobedience and the widespread impact of the people's choices. There is also a strong element of **Irony** present; Jeremiah, the very prophet who delivered God's command not to go to Egypt and warned of the dire consequences, is himself compelled to join the disobedient exodus. This highlights the people's stubbornness and the prophet's forced proximity to the unfolding judgment. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Tragic Fulfillment**, as the very act of fleeing to Egypt, intended by the people for safety, is presented as the direct consequence of their rejection of God's protective word, leading them further into peril.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse stands as a stark testament to the consequences of human autonomy and distrust in divine providence. The remnant's decision to flee to Egypt, despite God's explicit prohibition, reveals a profound theological failure: they prioritized perceived human safety over the revealed will of God. This act of disobedience was not merely a practical misstep but a spiritual rebellion, demonstrating a lack of faith in God's ability to protect them in the land He had designated. Their fear-driven choice to return to Egypt, a place of past bondage and future judgment for Israel, underscores the cyclical nature of sin and the tragic irony of seeking refuge where God has declared judgment. The prophet Jeremiah's forced inclusion among them highlights the painful reality that even God's faithful messengers can be swept into the immediate consequences of others' sin, though their own righteousness remains untainted.

* [Deuteronomy 28:68](/deuteronomy/28-68 "Deuteronomy 28:68 - Return to Egypt in Ships")
* [Isaiah 30:1-3](/isaiah/30-1-3 "Isaiah 30:1-3 - Woe to Rebellious Children Seeking Help from Egypt")
* [Hosea 11:5](/hosea/11-5 "Hosea 11:5 - Israel's Return to Egypt")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 43:6 offers a sobering lesson on the perils of fear-driven disobedience and the critical importance of trusting God's word above all else. In our own lives, we often face situations where the path of least resistance, or the one that promises immediate safety or comfort, seems most appealing, even if it contradicts what we know to be God's will. This account challenges us to examine the motivations behind our decisions: are we truly seeking God's guidance and trusting His promises, or are we allowing fear, worldly wisdom, or perceived practicalities to dictate our steps? The tragic outcome for the remnant serves as a powerful reminder that true security is found not in geographical location, human strategies, or self-preservation, but in unwavering obedience and reliance upon the Lord, even when His path seems counter-intuitive or difficult.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to prioritize perceived safety or human logic over God's clear commands?**
* **How does fear influence my decision-making process, and how can I cultivate deeper trust in God's provision and protection?**
* **What specific steps can I take to ensure that my actions are rooted in obedience to God's word, even when circumstances are uncertain or challenging?**

### FAQ
**Why did the remnant go to Egypt despite Jeremiah's clear warning from God?**
Answer: The remnant went to Egypt primarily out of fear of Babylonian retaliation following the assassination of Gedaliah, the governor appointed by Babylon. Despite Jeremiah's explicit prophetic word from the Lord in [Jeremiah 42:10-18](/jeremiah/42-10-18 "Jeremiah 42:10-18 - God's Warning Against Going to Egypt") that staying in Judah would ensure their safety and prosperity, while going to Egypt would lead to their demise by sword, famine, and plague, they chose to trust their own fearful judgment. They accused Jeremiah of speaking falsely and stubbornly refused to obey, believing that Egypt offered them a secure refuge from the Babylonians. This decision stemmed from a deep-seated distrust in God's promises and a preference for human reasoning over divine revelation.

**What happened to this group of people who went to Egypt?**
Answer: As prophesied by Jeremiah, the people who went to Egypt did not find the safety they sought. In [Jeremiah 44](/jeremiah/44 "Jeremiah 44 - Judgment on the Jews in Egypt"), God declared through Jeremiah that He would bring disaster upon them in Egypt. They would perish by sword and famine, and none would escape or survive, except for a very small remnant. This judgment came because they continued to practice idolatry in Egypt, worshiping other gods and burning incense to the "queen of heaven," further provoking God's wrath. Their flight to Egypt, intended as an escape from judgment, ultimately led them into a new sphere of divine retribution.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 43:6, with its depiction of a disobedient remnant seeking false security in Egypt, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate need for a perfect deliverer and a true refuge found only in Christ. The failure of this remnant to trust God's word and remain in the promised land highlights humanity's inherent inability to achieve salvation or security through self-reliance or worldly strategies. Their journey to Egypt, a place historically associated with bondage and idolatry, symbolizes humanity's tendency to flee from God's presence into spiritual slavery. In contrast, Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of God's perfect obedience, the one who never deviated from the Father's will, even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). He is the true "safe place," the ultimate refuge from sin and judgment, offering genuine security not bound by geography but by faith in Him ([Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God is Our Refuge and Strength")). The New Testament reveals that true freedom and belonging are found not in fleeing to another land, but in being "in Christ" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), where His perfect obedience covers our disobedience, and His sacrifice provides the ultimate escape from the consequences of sin, leading us to the eternal promised land of God's presence ([Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9-11 "Hebrews 4:9-11 - Entering God's Rest")).

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 39:10

But Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard left of the poor of the people, which had nothing, in the land of Judah, and gave them vineyards and fields at the same time.

Jeremiah 40:7

¶ Now when all the captains of the forces which [were] in the fields, [even] they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam governor in the land, and had committed unto him men, and women, and children, and of the poor of the land, of them that were not carried away captive to Babylon;

Ecclesiastes 9:1

¶ For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, [are] in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred [by] all [that is] before them.

Ecclesiastes 9:2

All [things come] alike to all: [there is] one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as [is] the good, so [is] the sinner; [and] he that sweareth, as [he] that feareth an oath.

Jeremiah 41:10

Then Ishmael carried away captive all the residue of the people that [were] in Mizpah, [even] the king's daughters, and all the people that remained in Mizpah, whom Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had committed to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam: and Ishmael the son of Nethaniah carried them away captive, and departed to go over to the Ammonites.

Lamentations 3:1

¶ I [am] the man [that] hath seen affliction by the rod of his wrath.

Jeremiah 52:10

And the king of Babylon slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes: he slew also all the princes of Judah in Riblah.