Jeremiah 43:9

KJV

Take great stones in thine hand, and hide them in the clay in the brickkiln, which [is] at the entry of Pharaoh's house in Tahpanhes, in the sight of the men of Judah;

KJV (with Strong's)

Take {H3947} great {H1419} stones {H68} in thine hand {H3027}, and hide {H2934} them in the clay {H4423} in the brickkiln {H4404}, which is at the entry {H6607} of Pharaoh's {H6547} house {H1004} in Tahpanhes {H8471}, in the sight {H5869} of the men {H582} of Judah {H3064};

Complete Jewish Bible

"With the men of Y'hudah watching, take some big stones, and set them with mortar in the pavement at the entry to Pharaoh's palace in Tachpanches.

Berean Standard Bible

“In the sight of the Jews, pick up some large stones and bury them in the clay of the brick pavement at the entrance to Pharaoh’s palace at Tahpanhes.

American Standard Version

Take great stones in thy hand, and hide them in mortar in the brickwork, which is at the entry of Pharaoh’s house in Tahpanhes, in the sight of the men of Judah;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 43:9 records a powerful symbolic act commanded by God to the prophet Jeremiah in Tahpanhes, Egypt. This dramatic visual prophecy served as a stark warning to the disobedient remnant of Judah who had fled to Egypt, seeking refuge from the Babylonians. By publicly burying great stones in the clay of the brickkiln at the entrance of Pharaoh's house, Jeremiah was demonstrating God's impending judgment upon Egypt, signifying that Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, would establish his throne there, thus extending his dominion even over the place where the Judeans sought false security.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 43:9 is situated within a crucial turning point in the book of Jeremiah, immediately following the assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor over Judah. The remaining Judean leaders and people, fearing Babylonian reprisal and seeking an alternative to God's command to remain in the land, consulted Jeremiah for divine guidance. Despite Jeremiah's clear prophecy from the Lord forbidding them to go to Egypt and promising judgment if they did ([Jeremiah 42:19-22](/jeremiah/42-19 "Jeremiah 42:19-22 - God's Warning Against Going to Egypt")), they defiantly chose to migrate there, taking Jeremiah and Baruch with them ([Jeremiah 43:1-7](/jeremiah/43-1 "Jeremiah 43:1-7 - The Remnant Goes to Egypt")). This verse, therefore, marks the beginning of God's prophetic word to them *in Egypt*, demonstrating that their disobedience would not lead to safety but rather to the extension of Babylonian judgment into their supposed refuge. It sets the stage for the detailed prophecies against Egypt that follow in [Jeremiah 43:10-13](/jeremiah/43-10 "Jeremiah 43:10-13 - Prophecy of Nebuchadnezzar's Invasion of Egypt") and later in [Jeremiah 46](/jeremiah/46 "Jeremiah 46 - Prophecies Against Egypt").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, the Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar was the dominant world power. The Judean remnant, having witnessed the devastating fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecies against Jerusalem, still struggled with true faith and obedience. Tahpanhes (also known as Daphnae by the Greeks) was a significant Egyptian border fortress and administrative center in the eastern Nile Delta, a common entry point for those traveling from Palestine. It was likely a strategic military and trade hub, and the presence of a "Pharaoh's house" suggests a royal residence or administrative palace, indicating its importance. Brick-making was a foundational industry in ancient Egypt, reminiscent of Israel's bondage there centuries earlier ([Exodus 1:14](/exodus/1-14 "Exodus 1:14 - Israel's Bondage in Egypt")). The act of hiding stones in a "brickkiln" (Hebrew: *malben*, a place for brick-making or a brick pavement) would have been highly visible and culturally resonant, especially at the entrance of a prominent building, ensuring the "men of Judah" witnessed this public sign-act.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 43:9 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **Consequences of Disobedience**, demonstrating that defying God's explicit commands, even when motivated by fear or a desire for security, leads not to safety but to intensified judgment. The remnant's flight to Egypt, a place God forbade them to go, paradoxically brings them directly into the path of the very judgment they sought to escape. Secondly, the verse highlights **God's Sovereignty Over Nations**. Even pagan kings like Nebuchadnezzar are revealed as instruments in God's hand, used to execute His divine purposes and judgments across the earth ([Jeremiah 27:6](/jeremiah/27-6 "Jeremiah 27:6 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant")). This act foreshadows the **Divine Judgment on Egypt**, a significant theme expanded upon in subsequent chapters ([Jeremiah 43:10-13](/jeremiah/43-10 "Jeremiah 43:10-13 - Prophecy of Nebuchadnezzar's Invasion of Egypt"); [Jeremiah 46:13-26](/jeremiah/46-13 "Jeremiah 46:13-26 - Nebuchadnezzar's Conquest of Egypt"); [Ezekiel 29:19-20](/ezekiel/29-19 "Ezekiel 29:19-20 - Ezekiel's Prophecy of Egypt's Conquest")). Finally, it exemplifies the **Prophetic Sign-Act**, a common feature of Old Testament prophecy where prophets perform symbolic actions to make their messages tangible and memorable, much like Jeremiah's broken pottery ([Jeremiah 19:1-11](/jeremiah/19-1 "Jeremiah 19:1-11 - The Broken Jar")) or his linen girdle ([Jeremiah 13:1-11](/jeremiah/13-1 "Jeremiah 13:1-11 - The Linen Girdle")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Take (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** This primitive root signifies to take in the widest variety of applications, including to accept, bring, buy, carry away, fetch, get, receive, or seize. In this context, it denotes a deliberate, divinely commanded action by Jeremiah to physically acquire and transport the stones, emphasizing the intentionality and divine authority behind the prophetic sign-act. It's not a casual picking up, but an act of appropriation for a specific purpose.
* **hide (Hebrew, _ṭâman'_):** This primitive root means to hide by covering over, to lay privily, or in secret. The act of "hiding" the stones is crucial, as it implies a foundational placement, not merely a superficial covering. They are concealed within the clay, suggesting a hidden, yet firm, establishment of something significant, which the subsequent verse reveals to be Nebuchadnezzar's throne. This hiddenness also adds to the mystery and power of the prophecy, as the full meaning is revealed only after the act.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** This primitive word refers to the open hand, indicating power, means, direction, or agency. When Jeremiah is commanded to take the stones "in thine hand," it emphasizes his direct involvement and the personal nature of the divine instruction. The "hand" here is the instrument through which God's will is performed, signifying the prophet's obedient action and the tangible reality of the prophetic message. It also implies the human effort and physical exertion required for this symbolic act.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Take great stones in thine hand,"**: This is the initial command, highlighting the prophet's direct physical involvement. The "great stones" are significant, not just any stones, indicating the weight and importance of what they represent—the foundation of a powerful, invading kingdom. The emphasis on "thine hand" underscores Jeremiah's personal agency in performing this divinely ordained sign-act.
* **"and hide them in the clay in the brickkiln,"**: This specifies the precise location and method of concealment. "Clay" and "brickkiln" are highly symbolic. Clay is malleable and forms the base for construction, while a brickkiln is a place of foundational building materials. Hiding the stones *in* the clay suggests embedding them firmly as a foundation, not just covering them. This act foreshadows the establishment of Nebuchadnezzar's authority in Egypt.
* **"which [is] at the entry of Pharaoh's house in Tahpanhes,"**: This provides the exact geographical and political context, making the prophecy concrete and undeniable. Tahpanhes was a known Egyptian city, and "Pharaoh's house" signifies the seat of Egyptian power. Placing the stones at its "entry" implies a direct challenge and impending overthrow of that power, signifying that the foreign king's dominion would begin at the very threshold of Egypt's sovereignty.
* **"in the sight of the men of Judah;"**: This crucial phrase emphasizes the public nature of the sign-act. The purpose of the prophecy was not for Jeremiah alone, but for the disobedient Judean remnant who had fled to Egypt. God ensured they were direct witnesses to this dramatic demonstration, leaving them without excuse regarding the impending judgment and the futility of their chosen refuge.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 43:9 is rich in **Symbolism**. The "great stones" symbolize the solid, unyielding foundation of Nebuchadnezzar's throne and dominion, which would be established in Egypt. The "clay" and "brickkiln" evoke images of construction and foundational work, ironically tying back to Israel's past bondage in Egypt, but now signifying Egypt's impending subjugation. The "entry of Pharaoh's house" is a powerful symbol of national sovereignty and royal authority; placing the stones there signifies the direct challenge and eventual overthrow of Egyptian power by Babylon. The entire scene functions as a **Prophetic Sign-Act**, a characteristic feature of Jeremiah's ministry, where a physical, public performance communicates a divine message more powerfully than words alone. This **Visual Prophecy** ensures the message is tangible and memorable for the "men of Judah." There is also a strong element of **Dramatic Irony**, as the Judeans sought refuge in Egypt to escape Babylon, yet God declares that Babylon will pursue them even there, establishing its power at the very heart of their supposed sanctuary.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 43:9 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His word and His absolute sovereignty over all nations, even those seemingly beyond Israel's direct sphere of influence. It serves as a powerful testament to the futility of human plans when they contradict divine commands, demonstrating that true security is found only in obedience to God. The act of burying stones at the entrance of Pharaoh's house symbolically lays the foundation for God's judgment, revealing that no nation, however powerful, can thwart His purposes or provide a safe haven from His righteous wrath when His people are disobedient. This prophecy underscores that God uses even pagan rulers as instruments to accomplish His will, ensuring that His plan unfolds regardless of human resistance.

* [Jeremiah 46:13-26](/jeremiah/46-13 "Jeremiah 46:13-26 - Prophecy of Nebuchadnezzar's Conquest of Egypt")
* [Ezekiel 29:19-20](/ezekiel/29-19 "Ezekiel 29:19-20 - Nebuchadnezzar's Reward for Conquering Egypt")
* [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to Rebellious Children")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 43:9 offers a timeless lesson on the deceptive nature of perceived security apart from God's will. The Judean remnant, driven by fear and a desire for self-preservation, chose a path explicitly forbidden by God, believing Egypt would offer them safety. Yet, God's prophetic act through Jeremiah demonstrated that their chosen refuge would become the very stage for their continued judgment. For believers today, this passage serves as a profound reminder that true security and peace are found not in external circumstances, human strategies, or geographical locations, but solely in obedient alignment with God's revealed will. When we attempt to outrun or circumvent God's plan, we often run headlong into greater peril. It calls us to examine where we place our trust and whether our decisions are rooted in faith and obedience, or in fear and self-reliance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Egypts" or perceived safe havens do I seek in my life when I am afraid or facing difficult circumstances, instead of trusting God's clear guidance?**
* **How does this passage challenge my understanding of God's sovereignty over nations and my own life?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to disobey God's known will, believing I know a better or safer path?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's perfect plan, even when it seems counter-intuitive or difficult?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Judean remnant go to Egypt despite God's warning?**

Answer: The Judean remnant went to Egypt primarily out of fear and a lack of faith. Following the assassination of Gedaliah, the governor appointed by Babylon, they feared further Babylonian retribution. Despite Jeremiah's clear prophecy from God that remaining in Judah would lead to safety and prosperity, while going to Egypt would lead to their demise by sword, famine, and plague ([Jeremiah 42:19-22](/jeremiah/42-19 "Jeremiah 42:19-22 - God's Warning Against Going to Egypt")), they chose to rely on their own understanding and the perceived security of Egypt, a powerful nation historically seen as a protector. They accused Jeremiah of lying and defiantly carried him and Baruch to Egypt ([Jeremiah 43:1-7](/jeremiah/43-1 "Jeremiah 43:1-7 - The Remnant Defies God's Command and Goes to Egypt")).

**What was the significance of the "brickkiln" and "Pharaoh's house" in this prophecy?**

Answer: The "brickkiln" (Hebrew: *malben*) was a place where bricks were made or a brick pavement, a common construction site. Its significance lies in its association with foundational building and, for the Israelites, a poignant reminder of their ancestral bondage in Egypt, where they were forced to make bricks ([Exodus 1:14](/exodus/1-14 "Exodus 1:14 - Israel's Forced Labor in Egypt")). In this prophecy, it symbolizes the very ground upon which Nebuchadnezzar would lay the "foundation" of his dominion. "Pharaoh's house" represented the pinnacle of Egyptian royal power and sovereignty. Placing the symbolic stones at its "entry" meant that Nebuchadnezzar's invasion and conquest would begin at the very heart of Egypt's authority, directly challenging and ultimately subduing the nation that the Judeans believed would protect them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 43:9 directly concerns God's judgment on Egypt through Nebuchadnezzar, its deeper theological currents point to the ultimate sovereignty of God, a truth perfectly embodied and fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The act of God using a pagan king to execute His judgment foreshadows the broader biblical narrative where God's purposes are accomplished through unexpected means and even through the actions of those who do not know Him. Christ, as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), became the ultimate foundation stone, rejected by human builders but chosen by God ([Psalm 118:22](/psalm/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Stone the Builders Rejected"); [Matthew 21:42](/matthew/21-42 "Matthew 21:42 - The Cornerstone Parable")). Just as God established Nebuchadnezzar's authority over Egypt, He has established Christ as [King of Kings and Lord of Lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), whose dominion is not limited to a single nation but extends over all creation ([Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20 "Ephesians 1:20-22 - Christ's Supremacy")). The futility of seeking refuge in human strength or worldly havens, as demonstrated by the Judean remnant, finds its ultimate answer in Christ, who is our true and eternal refuge, the [Rock of our Salvation](/psalm/62-7 "Psalm 62:7 - God is My Rock and Salvation"). He alone offers perfect security and fulfillment of God's promises, inviting all to build their lives upon Him, the [only sure foundation](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ the Only Foundation"), rather than on the shifting sands of human wisdom or fear.

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 18:2

Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words.

Jeremiah 18:12

And they said, There is no hope: but we will walk after our own devices, and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart.

Jeremiah 51:63

And it shall be, when thou hast made an end of reading this book, [that] thou shalt bind a stone to it, and cast it into the midst of Euphrates:

Jeremiah 51:64

And thou shalt say, Thus shall Babylon sink, and shall not rise from the evil that I will bring upon her: and they shall be weary. Thus far [are] the words of Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 19:1

¶ Thus saith the LORD, Go and get a potter's earthen bottle, and [take] of the ancients of the people, and of the ancients of the priests;

Jeremiah 19:15

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon this city and upon all her towns all the evil that I have pronounced against it, because they have hardened their necks, that they might not hear my words.

Isaiah 20:1

¶ In the year that Tartan came unto Ashdod, (when Sargon the king of Assyria sent him,) and fought against Ashdod, and took it;