Jeremiah 43:7

So they came into the land of Egypt: for they obeyed not the voice of the LORD: thus came they [even] to Tahpanhes.

So they came {H935} into the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}: for they obeyed {H8085} not the voice {H6963} of the LORD {H3068}: thus came {H935} they even to Tahpanhes {H8471}.

and went to the land of Egypt; for they did not heed what ADONAI had said; and they arrived in Tachpanches.

So they entered the land of Egypt because they did not obey the voice of the LORD, and they went as far as Tahpanhes.

And they came into the land of Egypt; for they obeyed not the voice of Jehovah: and they came unto Tahpanhes.

Commentary

Jeremiah 43:7 records a pivotal moment in the aftermath of Jerusalem's destruction, highlighting the tragic consequences of disobedience to God's explicit commands. This verse details the remnant of Judah's arrival in Egypt, specifically at Tahpanhes, in direct defiance of the Lord's clear instructions given through the prophet Jeremiah.

Context

Following the fall of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile of most of its inhabitants, a small remnant of Judah, along with some officials like Johanan, remained in the land. Fearing further Babylonian reprisals and seeking perceived safety, they contemplated fleeing to Egypt. They approached the prophet Jeremiah, requesting him to inquire of the Lord on their behalf regarding their future. After ten days, Jeremiah delivered God's unequivocal message: they were to remain in the land of Judah, and if they did so, God would protect and bless them. However, if they insisted on going to Egypt, they would face the very sword, famine, and pestilence they sought to escape (Jeremiah 42:15-18). Despite this clear warning, the people, led by proud men, accused Jeremiah of speaking falsely and proceeded with their plan.

Meaning and Key Themes

  • Disobedience to God's Voice: The core message of this verse is the outright rejection of divine counsel. The phrase "they obeyed not the voice of the LORD" underscores their deliberate choice to disregard God's word delivered through His prophet. This was not an act of ignorance but of willful defiance.
  • Seeking False Security: The remnant sought refuge in Egypt, a symbol of worldly strength and a traditional enemy of Israel, rather than trusting in God's promised protection within the land of Judah. Their fear of Babylon outweighed their faith in Yahweh.
  • Consequences of Rebellion: Their journey to Tahpanhes was not a path to safety but a direct route into the very dangers God had warned them about. This illustrates a recurring biblical principle: disobedience leads to undesirable and often severe consequences, even if the immediate outcome appears to be what one desired.
  • Prophetic Fulfillment: Jeremiah's earlier prophecies regarding judgment upon those who fled to Egypt begin to unfold, setting the stage for further divine pronouncements against them within Egypt itself.

Geographical Significance: Tahpanhes

Tahpanhes (also spelled Tehaphnehes or Hanes) was an important Egyptian frontier city in the eastern Nile Delta, likely a strategic military outpost or administrative center. For the Judean exiles, it represented a place of supposed safety and refuge. However, it was also a place where God's judgment would eventually reach them, as later prophecies indicate (Jeremiah 44:1).

Practical Application

Jeremiah 43:7 serves as a timeless warning about the perils of choosing human wisdom and fear over divine guidance. It challenges believers today to:

  • Prioritize Obedience: Are we truly listening to and obeying God's Word, even when it contradicts our natural inclinations or seems counter-intuitive?
  • Trust God's Protection: Do we seek refuge in worldly solutions or human strength when facing fear or uncertainty, or do we place our trust in God's sovereign care and provision?
  • Heed Warnings: God often provides clear warnings through His Word, wise counsel, or circumstances. This verse reminds us of the importance of heeding such warnings for our own good and spiritual well-being. The path of disobedience, though seemingly offering immediate comfort, ultimately leads away from God's blessing and into greater trouble, as the journey to Tahpanhes illustrates.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 44:1

    ¶ The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the Jews which dwell in the land of Egypt, which dwell at Migdol, and at Tahpanhes, and at Noph, and in the country of Pathros, saying,

  • Jeremiah 2:16

    Also the children of Noph and Tahapanes have broken the crown of thy head.

  • Isaiah 30:4

    For his princes were at Zoan, and his ambassadors came to Hanes.

  • Jeremiah 46:14

    Declare ye in Egypt, and publish in Migdol, and publish in Noph and in Tahpanhes: say ye, Stand fast, and prepare thee; for the sword shall devour round about thee.

  • Ezekiel 30:18

    At Tehaphnehes also the day shall be darkened, when I shall break there the yokes of Egypt: and the pomp of her strength shall cease in her: as for her, a cloud shall cover her, and her daughters shall go into captivity.

  • 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.
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