Jeremiah 44:11

KJV

Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will set my face against you for evil, and to cut off all Judah.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}; Behold, I will set {H7760} my face {H6440} against you for evil {H7451}, and to cut off {H3772} all Judah {H3063}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Therefore here is what ADONAI-Tzva'ot, the God of Isra'el, says: 'I will decree disaster for you and destroy all of Y'hudah.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: I will set My face to bring disaster and to cut off all Judah.

American Standard Version

Therefore thus saith Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel: Behold, I will set my face against you for evil, even to cut off all Judah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 44:11 delivers a stark and unyielding declaration of divine judgment from the LORD of hosts against the remnant of Judah who had defiantly fled to Egypt. Despite repeated warnings, their persistent idolatry and rebellion against God's explicit commands provoke an irreversible divine resolve to bring calamity upon them, ensuring their complete destruction and the cutting off of all who remained in Judah, even in their supposed refuge.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jeremiah's final prophecies, specifically addressing the Jewish remnant who, against God's explicit command through Jeremiah, migrated to Egypt after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC. The preceding chapters detail this defiance: in [Jeremiah 42](/jeremiah/42 "Jeremiah 42 - The Remnant Seeks Counsel from Jeremiah"), the people initially promise to obey whatever the LORD commands through the prophet. However, in [Jeremiah 43](/jeremiah/43 "Jeremiah 43 - The Flight to Egypt"), they accuse Jeremiah of lying and forcibly take him and Baruch to Egypt, rejecting God's clear instruction to remain in the land. [Jeremiah 44](/jeremiah/44 "Jeremiah 44 - Jeremiah's Final Prophecy in Egypt") records Jeremiah's strong rebuke and pronouncements of judgment against their continued idolatry in Egypt, particularly their fervent worship of the "queen of heaven." Verse 11 serves as a direct, authoritative statement of God's determined response to their ultimate act of rebellion, confirming that their flight would not protect them but rather guarantee their demise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the immediate aftermath of the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 586 BC. Following the assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor, a significant portion of the remaining Jewish population, fearing further Babylonian reprisals, sought refuge in Egypt. This was a land historically associated with Israel's bondage and a place God had explicitly forbidden them to return to for safety (e.g., [Deuteronomy 17:16](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16 - Prohibition Against Returning to Egypt")). Once in Egypt, they not only continued but intensified their pagan practices, burning incense and pouring out drink offerings to foreign gods, believing these deities brought them prosperity, as explicitly stated in [Jeremiah 44:17-19](/jeremiah/44-17-19 "Jeremiah 44:17-19 - The People's Idolatry in Egypt"). This deep-seated cultural syncretism and outright rejection of Yahweh's exclusive worship formed the immediate and profound provocation for the severe divine judgment declared in this verse.
* **Key Themes:** The central themes embedded in [Jeremiah 44:11](/jeremiah/44-11 "Jeremiah 44:11 - God's Judgment Against Judah in Egypt") include **Divine Judgment for Persistent Disobedience**, powerfully illustrating that God's patience has limits and that deliberate rebellion against His revealed will incurs severe, irreversible consequences. The phrase "I will set my face against you for evil" vividly conveys God's unwavering resolve and determined opposition to their idolatry and defiance. Another crucial theme is the **Consequences of Idolatry**, emphasizing that the worship of false gods, especially after experiencing God's covenant faithfulness and judgment, inevitably leads to utter destruction and spiritual ruin. This verse also underscores God's **Sovereignty and Covenant Faithfulness**, as He, "the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel," remains true to His covenant warnings and curses, even when His people are unfaithful, demonstrating that His word of judgment is as certain as His word of promise. Finally, it highlights the **Futility of False Security**, as fleeing to Egypt, a place of historical oppression and spiritual danger, offered no refuge from God's hand but rather intensified His wrath, proving that true safety lies only in obedience to God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **set (Hebrew, _sûwm'_):** H7760. This primitive root means "to put," "to place," or "to appoint," used broadly in literal, figurative, and elliptical applications. When combined with "face" (as in "set my face"), it forms a powerful idiom denoting determined intention, resolute opposition, or fixed purpose. In this context, it signifies God's unchangeable and firm decision to act against Judah, leaving no room for doubt or escape from His impending judgment.
* **face (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** H6440. This word, typically plural but always singular in meaning, refers to the "face" as the part that turns. Figuratively, it denotes presence, favor, anger, or attention. When God "sets His face" against someone, it is an anthropomorphism conveying His direct, personal, and intense opposition, often leading to judgment. Unlike instances where God's face shines upon His people for blessing (e.g., [Numbers 6:25](/numbers/6-25 "Numbers 6:25 - The Priestly Blessing")), here it is explicitly turned "for evil," indicating a posture of wrath and determined punishment.
* **cut off (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** H3772. This primitive root means "to cut (off, down or asunder)," and by implication, "to destroy" or "to consume." It is a strong term indicating complete cessation or termination. While it can also mean "to make a covenant" (by cutting flesh and passing between the pieces), here it signifies the opposite: the severing of life, lineage, or existence. For Judah, it implies a thorough and devastating end to their presence and continuity in that land, a judgment of annihilation for their persistent rebellion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel;":** This opening establishes the supreme authority and undeniable identity of the speaker. "The LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) emphasizes His sovereignty over all creation, including heavenly bodies and earthly armies, signifying His immense power and ability to execute His decrees without hindrance. "The God of Israel" underscores His unique covenant relationship with His people, reminding them that the one they are defying is their very own God, to whom they owe ultimate allegiance and from whom they have received countless blessings. This authoritative introduction lends immense weight and certainty to the pronouncement that follows.
* **"Behold, I will set my face against you for evil,":** "Behold" (hinneh) serves as an attention-grabbing interjection, drawing the listener's focus to the gravity and immediacy of the impending declaration. The phrase "I will set my face against you" is a powerful anthropomorphism, depicting God's determined, unwavering, and personal opposition. It is not a casual or fleeting anger but a fixed, resolute intention to act decisively. The crucial addition "for evil" (Hebrew: _l'ra'ah_) clarifies the nature of this divine resolve: it is not for their good or discipline leading to repentance, but specifically for calamity, disaster, and harm, indicating a judgment of complete destruction rather than restoration.
* **"and to cut off all Judah.":** This final clause specifies the devastating and comprehensive outcome of God's determined opposition. "To cut off" signifies complete destruction, eradication, or termination of their presence and lineage. The phrase "all Judah" is a hyperbole emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the judgment, targeting the entire remnant that had defiantly fled to Egypt. It implies that none among this disobedient group will escape His wrath, and their presence as a distinct people in that land will cease, fulfilling the dire consequences of their unfaithfulness and rebellion against the Lord.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 44:11 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message of impending and inescapable judgment. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, seen in the phrase "I will set my face against you." This attributes a human characteristic (having a face and setting it with determination) to God, making His resolute opposition tangible and relatable, emphasizing His personal and active involvement in the impending judgment. The phrase itself is a potent **Idiom** in Hebrew, signifying unwavering purpose and fixed intent, leaving no room for negotiation or reversal. The use of "Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel" at the outset functions as an **Authoritative Declaration** or **Divine Oracle Formula**, lending absolute weight and certainty to the pronouncement, signaling that the words are not Jeremiah's, but God's own. Finally, the phrase "all Judah" contains an element of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the comprehensive and devastating scope of the judgment, implying that no one among the disobedient remnant in Egypt would escape, even if a literal "all" might be impossible to achieve.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, which inherently includes both blessings for obedience and severe curses for disobedience. It underscores that God is not to be trifled with; His holy character demands righteousness, and He will not tolerate persistent, defiant idolatry and rebellion. The judgment pronounced here is a direct and inevitable consequence of Judah's repeated rejection of His word and their deliberate pursuit of false gods, demonstrating that divine justice is an inherent and necessary aspect of His nature. It serves as a stark reminder that true security and well-being are found only in humble obedience to God and faithful adherence to His commands, not in geographical relocation or human strategies that defy His explicit will. This judgment also highlights God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and peoples, demonstrating that even in a foreign land like Egypt, His hand of judgment reaches those who rebel against Him.

* [Leviticus 26:17](/leviticus/26-17 "Leviticus 26:17 - God's Face Set Against Them in Judgment")
* [Psalm 34:16](/psalms/34-16 "Psalm 34:16 - The LORD's Face Against Evildoers")
* [Ezekiel 14:8](/ezekiel/14-8 "Ezekiel 14:8 - God's Face Against Those Who Go Astray")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 44:11 serves as a timeless and profoundly sobering warning for all generations. It powerfully reminds us that God is holy and just, and He takes sin, especially persistent rebellion and idolatry, with utmost seriousness. We cannot escape the consequences of our actions by changing our physical location or circumstances if our hearts remain unchanged and defiantly opposed to God's will. This verse challenges us to deeply examine our own lives: are there areas where we are stubbornly resisting God's clear commands, or where we are subtly or overtly placing other things—whether wealth, comfort, relationships, personal desires, or even our own perceived wisdom—above our wholehearted devotion to Him? True security, peace, and blessing are found not in our own strategies or strength, but in humble obedience and wholehearted worship of the one true God. It calls us to genuine repentance when we stray and to a renewed, unwavering commitment to living in alignment with His revealed will, understanding that His "face" can be either for blessing and favor or for determined judgment, depending on our response to His authoritative Word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly or overtly defying God's commands, perhaps seeking security or comfort outside of His will?**
* **How does the concept of God "setting His face" against disobedience challenge and deepen my understanding of His holy and just character?**
* **What "idols" (anything that takes God's rightful place in my heart or life) might I be clinging to, and what concrete steps can I take to "cut them off" from my life?**
* **How does the tragic fate of Judah in Egypt encourage me to seek God's will diligently and obey it fully, even when it seems counter-intuitive, difficult, or unpopular?**

### FAQ
**Why is God's judgment so severe in this verse?**

Answer: God's judgment in [Jeremiah 44:11](/jeremiah/44-11 "Jeremiah 44:11 - God's Judgment Against Judah in Egypt") is profoundly severe because it is a direct and final response to persistent, defiant, and covenant-breaking rebellion. The remnant of Judah had witnessed God's devastating judgment on Jerusalem, received clear prophetic warnings from Jeremiah not to go to Egypt, and yet they deliberately disobeyed. Once in Egypt, they not only continued but intensified their idolatry, explicitly stating their preference for worshipping the "queen of heaven" (as detailed in [Jeremiah 44:17-19](/jeremiah/44-17-19 "Jeremiah 44:17-19 - The People's Idolatry in Egypt")). This was not a sin of ignorance or weakness, but of willful, stubborn defiance against the very God who had delivered their ancestors from Egypt centuries before and established a covenant with them. God's holiness, righteousness, and justice demand a decisive response to such flagrant rejection of His authority and covenant faithfulness.

**Who is meant by "all Judah" in this context?**

Answer: In [Jeremiah 44:11](/jeremiah/44-11 "Jeremiah 44:11 - God's Judgment Against Judah in Egypt"), "all Judah" refers specifically and emphatically to the remnant of the Jewish people who had fled to Egypt after the fall of Jerusalem, in direct defiance of God's command. While it is a comprehensive statement, it is understood as a hyperbole emphasizing the totality of the judgment upon that particular disobedient group in that specific location, rather than implying the literal annihilation of every single person of Jewish descent globally. The broader context of [Jeremiah 44](/jeremiah/44 "Jeremiah 44 - Jeremiah's Final Prophecy in Egypt") makes it clear that the prophecy is directed at those who settled in various Egyptian cities, such as Migdol, Tahpanhes, Noph, and the country of Pathros, as mentioned in [Jeremiah 44:1](/jeremiah/44-1 "Jeremiah 44:1 - Word to Jews in Egypt").

**What does "I will set my face against you for evil" mean?**

Answer: The phrase "I will set my face against you for evil" is a powerful Hebrew idiom signifying God's resolute, determined, and unwavering opposition. When God "sets His face" towards someone, it indicates a fixed purpose and direct, personal engagement. Here, the crucial addition "for evil" (Hebrew: _l'ra'ah_) clarifies that this determined purpose is to bring about calamity, disaster, and destruction. It contrasts sharply with instances where God sets His face *for* His people, signifying favor, blessing, and protection (e.g., [Numbers 6:25](/numbers/6-25 "Numbers 6:25 - The Priestly Blessing")). In this context, it means God is firmly resolved to execute judgment and will not relent, ensuring that the consequences of their rebellion will be fully realized without mercy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 44:11, with its terrifying pronouncement of severe divine judgment against a rebellious remnant, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in the continuation of such judgment upon humanity, but in the radical reorientation of God's face towards a fallen world through the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament repeatedly shows God's face set against sin and rebellion, culminating in the exile and the "cutting off" of the disobedient, the New Testament reveals God's ultimate and perfect solution to humanity's pervasive rebellion. Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), became the vicarious recipient of God's righteous wrath against sin, taking upon Himself the "evil" (calamity, judgment, separation) that humanity justly deserved. In His crucifixion, God's face was indeed "set against" sin, but it was against the sin *in Christ*, the sin that He bore on our behalf. Through His atoning sacrifice, God's face could then be turned *towards* humanity in grace, forgiveness, and reconciliation. The "cutting off" of Judah in Jeremiah foreshadows the ultimate spiritual cutting off that sin brings, but Christ's sacrifice provides the means for reconciliation, allowing those who believe in Him to be grafted into the true Israel, the church, and to experience God's face shining upon them with favor, peace, and eternal life, as promised in the priestly blessing (compare [Numbers 6:25-26](/numbers/6-25-26 "Numbers 6:25-26 - The Priestly Blessing") with the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ in [2 Corinthians 4:6](/2_corinthians/4-6 "2 Corinthians 4:6 - God's Light in Our Hearts")). Thus, the terrifying judgment of Jeremiah 44:11 profoundly underscores the immense mercy and redemptive power of Christ, who bore the full weight of divine judgment so that we might receive unmerited grace and eternal life ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")).

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 21:10

For I have set my face against this city for evil, and not for good, saith the LORD: it shall be given into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire.

Amos 9:4

And though they go into captivity before their enemies, thence will I command the sword, and it shall slay them: and I will set mine eyes upon them for evil, and not for good.

Leviticus 26:17

And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you.

Psalms 34:16

The face of the LORD [is] against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.

Leviticus 20:5

Then I will set my face against that man, and against his family, and will cut him off, and all that go a whoring after him, to commit whoredom with Molech, from among their people.

Leviticus 20:6

And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.

Leviticus 17:10

¶ And whatsoever man [there be] of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eateth any manner of blood; I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among his people.