Jeremiah 43:8

KJV

¶ Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah in Tahpanhes, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

Then came the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} unto Jeremiah {H3414} in Tahpanhes {H8471}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

Then this word of ADONAI came to Yirmeyahu in Tachpanches:

Berean Standard Bible

Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah at Tahpanhes:

American Standard Version

Then came the word of Jehovah unto Jeremiah in Tahpanhes, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 43:8 marks a pivotal moment in the prophet's ministry, underscoring the unwavering persistence of God's communication even in the face of profound human disobedience. This verse serves as a divine bridge, initiating a new segment of revelation specifically directed to the Jewish remnant who, against explicit divine command, had sought refuge in Egypt. It powerfully demonstrates that no human choice or geographical location can ever place one beyond the reach of God's sovereign word and His relentless pursuit of His people, setting the stage for further divine pronouncements.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 43:8 immediately follows the defiant migration of the Jewish remnant to Egypt, a move explicitly forbidden by the Lord through Jeremiah in the preceding chapter. Chapter 42 details the people's initial request for divine guidance regarding their future after the fall of Jerusalem, followed by Jeremiah's ten-day wait for God's word and his subsequent delivery of the Lord's clear command not to go to Egypt, promising blessing if they stayed and judgment if they went. Despite this, the proud men, led by Johanan, rejected God's word, accusing Jeremiah of speaking falsely, and proceeded to Egypt, forcibly taking Jeremiah and Baruch with them. Thus, Jeremiah 43:8 signals the continuation of divine communication to a people who have just flagrantly disobeyed God's direct instruction, setting the stage for further pronouncements of judgment against them in their chosen place of refuge, as seen in [Jeremiah 43:9-13 - God's Judgment on Egypt](/jeremiah/43-9-13 "Jeremiah 43:9-13 - God's Judgment on Egypt").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the aftermath of the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, the exile of much of the population, and the subsequent assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor. Fearing Babylonian reprisal and seeking security, a remnant of Jews decided to flee to Egypt, a traditional refuge and a powerful nation, despite God's explicit warning against it. Tahpanhes (also known as Daphnae), where they settled, was a fortified Egyptian border city in the eastern Nile Delta, serving as a significant military and trade outpost. It was a place where foreign populations, including Jewish mercenaries, were known to reside. The people's decision to go to Egypt reflected a deep-seated distrust in God's protection and a reliance on human strength and political alliances, a recurring theme of idolatry and unfaithfulness throughout Israel's history, often seen in their turning to Egypt for help instead of the Lord, as warned in [Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help](/isaiah/30-1-7 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help").

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipresence**, demonstrating that God's authority and reach are not limited by human geographical choices or acts of rebellion; He is present and active even in Tahpanhes. Secondly, it underscores the **Persistence of God's Word**, emphasizing that despite human disobedience and rejection, God continues to speak His truth and reveal His will through His chosen prophets. This unwavering communication reveals God's faithfulness to His covenant, even when His people are unfaithful. Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of **Prophetic Authority**, as Jeremiah, even when taken captive and against his will, remains God's legitimate mouthpiece, delivering divine messages that carry ultimate weight and consequence, regardless of the audience's receptiveness or location, echoing the call to listen to God's prophets found in [Deuteronomy 18:18 - The Lord will raise up a prophet like Moses](/deuteronomy/18-18 "Deuteronomy 18:18 - The Lord will raise up a prophet like Moses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This term (H1697) carries a rich semantic range, extending beyond mere utterance to encompass a matter, thing, act, or decree. In the context of "the word of the LORD," it signifies a direct, authoritative, and often performative divine communication. It is not just a message but a divine reality that carries power and consequence, revealing God's will, purpose, and often His impending action. Here, it underscores the divine origin and inherent authority of the message Jeremiah is about to deliver.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God (H3068), often translated as "Jehovah" or "the Lord." It signifies the self-existent, eternal God who is faithful to His promises and covenant. The use of this specific name emphasizes that the message is not from a generic deity but from the personal, covenant-keeping God of Israel, who holds ultimate authority over His people and all nations, even in a foreign land like Egypt.
* **Saying (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** This primitive root (H559) means "to say," but with great latitude, including to appoint, command, declare, or utter. In this verse, it functions as a direct introduction to God's subsequent pronouncement, indicating that the divine communication is active and immediate. It highlights the direct speech of God, framing the following verses as a divine oracle rather than human commentary or observation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then came the word of the LORD":** This opening phrase signifies a new, divinely initiated revelation. The "word" (_dâbâr'_) is not merely a thought or human insight but a powerful, authoritative message directly from YHWH, the covenant God. Its "coming" implies a dynamic, active intrusion of the divine into human affairs, asserting God's presence and will even in a place of human rebellion.
* **"unto Jeremiah":** This specifies the recipient of the divine word. Despite the people's defiance and their forced relocation of Jeremiah, he remains God's chosen prophet, the conduit through whom the Lord continues to communicate with His people. This reinforces Jeremiah's unwavering prophetic legitimacy and God's commitment to His appointed messenger.
* **"in Tahpanhes, saying,":** This clause pinpoints the exact geographical location where the divine word is received and delivered. Tahpanhes, a city in Egypt where the disobedient remnant sought refuge, becomes the unexpected stage for God's continued revelation. The final "saying" introduces the direct divine pronouncement that follows in the subsequent verses, emphasizing that the message is a direct utterance from God, not an interpretation by Jeremiah.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 43:8 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is the **Prophetic Formula** "Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah," which is a standard and powerful device used throughout prophetic literature to authenticate the divine origin of the message. This formula immediately establishes the authority and divine imperative of what is to follow, signifying that the words are not Jeremiah's own but a direct revelation from God. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Irony** present. The Jewish remnant fled to Tahpanhes, a foreign land, believing they could escape Babylonian retribution and divine judgment, yet it is precisely in this place of their supposed refuge that God's word, carrying judgment, finds them. This highlights the futility of trying to escape God's omnipresence and sovereignty. Finally, **Geographical Significance** plays a crucial role. Tahpanhes is not just a location; it becomes a symbol of human rebellion and the limits of human attempts to evade divine will. The very act of God's word reaching them in this distant, self-chosen place underscores His boundless reach and inescapable justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 43:8 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant and His relentless pursuit of His people, even in their most blatant acts of disobedience. It reveals a God who does not abandon His message or His messenger simply because His people have strayed. This persistence underscores divine faithfulness and sovereignty, demonstrating that God's word is not bound by human will or geographical location. The Lord's continued communication, even in a place of rebellion like Tahpanhes, serves as a powerful reminder that God's grace and truth pursue humanity, always calling for repentance and return. This divine tenacity is a testament to God's character, highlighting His desire for relationship and His ultimate authority over all creation and human choices.

* [Psalm 139:7-10](/psalms/139-7-10 "Psalm 139:7-10 - God's Omnipresence")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - The Power and Efficacy of God's Word")
* [Hosea 11:7-8](/hosea/11-7-8 "Hosea 11:7-8 - God's Reluctance to Give Up on Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 43:8 offers a profound mirror for contemporary believers, revealing that God's word is not confined to sacred spaces or moments of our choosing; it actively pursues us, even into the "Tahpanhes" of our lives—those places where we might have deliberately sought refuge from God's will, comfort in worldly solutions, or escape from accountability. This verse challenges us to consider where we might be resisting God's clear guidance, perhaps clinging to perceived safety or personal desires over divine instruction. It reminds us that God's love is persistent, not passive, and His warnings are born out of a desire for our ultimate good. The call to us is to cultivate a posture of humility and responsiveness, recognizing that true security and flourishing are found not in fleeing from God's word, but in eagerly receiving and obeying it, regardless of our circumstances or location. God's message, though sometimes challenging, is always for our restoration and alignment with His perfect plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "Tahpanhes" of my life might I be intentionally or unintentionally seeking refuge from God's clear word or will?**
* **How does God's persistent pursuit of the disobedient remnant in Jeremiah 43:8 challenge my understanding of His grace and judgment?**
* **What specific steps can I take to cultivate a greater openness and obedience to God's word, even when it demands discomfort or sacrifice?**

### FAQ
**Why did God continue to speak to Jeremiah and the remnant in Tahpanhes, even after their disobedience?**

Answer: God continued to speak to Jeremiah and the remnant in Tahpanhes for several profound reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant and His people, even when they are unfaithful. God's character is consistent; He does not abandon His chosen instruments or His divine message simply because of human rebellion. Secondly, it underscores God's sovereignty and omnipresence; no place, not even a foreign land chosen in defiance, is beyond His reach or authority. His word is not bound by human geography or will. Thirdly, it served as a continued warning and a final opportunity for repentance, though tragically, they largely ignored it. God's communication, even when it brings judgment, is ultimately an act of love, calling His people back to Himself. This persistence highlights God's desire for His people to return to Him, as seen in His lament over Israel's stubbornness in [Hosea 11:7-8 - God's Enduring Love for Israel](/hosea/11-7-8 "Hosea 11:7-8 - God's Enduring Love for Israel").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 43:8, with its emphasis on "the word of the LORD" coming to Jeremiah in a place of human disobedience, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and definitive "Word" of God who came into the world: Jesus Christ. Just as God's persistent word pursued the disobedient remnant to Tahpanhes, so too did God's eternal [Word become flesh and dwell among us](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), entering a world steeped in rebellion and sin. Jeremiah's message, though authoritative, was a partial and preparatory revelation; Christ, however, is the full and final revelation of God, the very [image of the invisible God](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God"). The divine persistence seen in Jeremiah's ministry finds its perfect embodiment in Jesus, who relentlessly [came to seek and to save the lost](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Came to Seek the Lost"), transcending all geographical and spiritual barriers erected by human sin. He is the living "saying" of God, the ultimate communication that brings not only warning but also the promise of redemption and eternal life, fulfilling the divine purpose that no human stubbornness or flight can thwart, as declared in [Hebrews 1:1-3 - God's Final Word in His Son](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God's Final Word in His Son").

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

Psalms 139:7

¶ Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

Jeremiah 2:16

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

2 Timothy 2:9

Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, [even] unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.