Jeremiah 44:12

KJV

And I will take the remnant of Judah, that have set their faces to go into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, and they shall all be consumed, [and] fall in the land of Egypt; they shall [even] be consumed by the sword [and] by the famine: they shall die, from the least even unto the greatest, by the sword and by the famine: and they shall be an execration, [and] an astonishment, and a curse, and a reproach.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will take {H3947} the remnant {H7611} of Judah {H3063}, that have set {H7760} their faces {H6440} to go {H935} into the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714} to sojourn {H1481} there, and they shall all be consumed {H8552}, and fall {H5307} in the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}; they shall even be consumed {H8552} by the sword {H2719} and by the famine {H7458}: they shall die {H4191}, from the least {H6996} even unto the greatest {H1419}, by the sword {H2719} and by the famine {H7458}: and they shall be an execration {H423}, and an astonishment {H8047}, and a curse {H7045}, and a reproach {H2781}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will take the remnant of Y'hudah, who determined to go to Egypt and live there as aliens, and they will all perish - in the land of Egypt they will fall and perish by sword and famine. They will die, from the least to the greatest, by sword and famine; and they will become an object of condemnation, astonishment, cursing and reproach.

Berean Standard Bible

And I will take away the remnant of Judah who have resolved to go to the land of Egypt to reside there; they will meet their end. They will all fall by the sword or be consumed by famine. From the least to the greatest, they will die by sword or famine; and they will become an object of cursing and horror, of vilification and reproach.

American Standard Version

And I will take the remnant of Judah, that have set their faces to go into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, and they shall all be consumed; in the land of Egypt shall they fall; they shall be consumed by the sword and by the famine; they shall die, from the least even unto the greatest, by the sword and by the famine; and they shall be an execration, and an astonishment, and a curse, and a reproach.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 44:12 delivers a severe and comprehensive divine judgment against the remnant of Judah who, in defiant rejection of God's explicit command through the prophet Jeremiah, had determined to seek refuge in Egypt after the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem. This verse unequivocally declares that all who fled to Egypt would face utter consumption by sword and famine, perishing without exception from the least to the greatest, ultimately becoming a public spectacle of execration, astonishment, a curse, and a reproach, thereby illustrating the dire and inescapable consequences of willful disobedience to the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 44:12 is situated within the concluding chapters of the book of Jeremiah, specifically addressing the Jewish remnant who remained in Judah following the catastrophic Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC and the subsequent assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor. The preceding chapters, [Jeremiah 42](/jeremiah/42 "Jeremiah 42 - The Remnant Seeks Counsel") and [Jeremiah 43](/jeremiah/43 "Jeremiah 43 - The Flight to Egypt"), meticulously detail the people's initial request for Jeremiah to inquire of the Lord concerning their future. They solemnly promised absolute obedience to God's word, yet despite God's explicit command *not* to go to Egypt—promising destruction if they did and protection if they remained—they defiantly chose to flee there, compelling Jeremiah to accompany them. [Jeremiah 44](/jeremiah/44 "Jeremiah 44 - Judgment on Those in Egypt") then records Jeremiah's prophetic message delivered to them in Egypt, reiterating God's judgment for their persistent idolatry and profound disobedience, with verse 12 serving as a stark, uncompromising declaration of their impending doom.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** After the devastating fall of Jerusalem and the forced exile of many to Babylon, a small, vulnerable remnant of Judah was left in the land. The assassination of Gedaliah by Ishmael plunged them into a state of fear, particularly concerning potential Babylonian reprisals. Culturally, Egypt held a complex historical significance for Israel: it was a place of refuge in times of famine (as seen with Joseph's family) and a land from which God delivered His people (the Exodus). However, it also represented a constant source of temptation towards idolatry and reliance on human military power rather than divine providence. For this remnant, seeking asylum in Egypt was not merely a pragmatic choice but a profound spiritual transgression, signifying a return to a place of spiritual bondage and a rejection of God's covenant faithfulness. Furthermore, forming alliances with Egypt was a common geopolitical strategy in the ancient Near East, frequently condemned by prophets like Isaiah, who warned against such reliance in passages like [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1-7 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to Rebellious Children"). Their decision to go to Egypt was thus a deep act of spiritual rebellion, symbolizing a rejection of Yahweh's sovereignty and a regression into the very idolatry and distrust that had led to Jerusalem's destruction.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several critical themes pervasive throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Judgment on Disobedience**, vividly demonstrating God's unwavering resolve to punish those who willfully and obstinately reject His explicit commands. The remnant's flight to Egypt, despite the clear warnings articulated in [Jeremiah 42:15-18](/jeremiah/42-15-18 "Jeremiah 42:15-18 - God's Warning Against Going to Egypt"), directly invites this severe retribution. Secondly, it highlights the **Futility of Human Schemes and Worldly Alliances** when they stand in direct contradiction to God's revealed will. The remnant sought perceived safety and security in Egypt, yet God declares that this very refuge would become their place of utter destruction. Their chosen path to security leads directly to their "consumption by the sword and by the famine," a stark and ironic reversal of their expectations. Finally, the verse conveys the theme of **Comprehensive Destruction and Public Disgrace**, signifying not only physical annihilation but also a profound spiritual and social ignominy. They would become "an execration, and an astonishment, and a curse, and a reproach," serving as a terrifying public example of the consequences of covenant infidelity, echoing the severe curses for disobedience detailed in [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sojourn (Hebrew, _gûwr'_):** H1481. This primitive root properly means "to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e. sojourn (as a guest)." It fundamentally implies a temporary stay, often characterizing a stranger or foreigner. In the context of Jeremiah 44:12, it highlights the people's intention to reside temporarily in Egypt, seeking a transient refuge. However, God's judgment transforms their intended temporary dwelling into a permanent place of death, turning their sojourning into their final resting place, thus ironically fulfilling their desire for a "stay" in Egypt.
* **consumed (Hebrew, _tâmam'_):** H8552. This root means "to complete, in a good or a bad sense, literal, or figurative, transitive or intransitive." Here, it is employed in a decidedly negative sense, indicating utter destruction, perishing, or being brought to a complete end. The powerful repetition of "consumed" within the verse emphatically underscores the totality and absolute certainty of their demise, leaving no possibility of escape or survival. It signifies a complete and irreversible end to their lives and their presence in the land of Egypt.
* **execration (Hebrew, _ʼâlâh'_):** H423. This term refers to an imprecation, a solemn curse, or an oath invoked with dire consequences. It denotes a formal pronouncement of judgment or a public curse pronounced upon someone. In Jeremiah 44:12, it signifies that the remnant in Egypt would not merely suffer; they would become a living embodiment of a curse, a public and visible example of divine judgment that others would point to as a terrifying warning. Their ultimate fate would serve as a direct, undeniable, and publicly recognized consequence of their profound sin and rebellion, a public declaration of God's righteous wrath.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will take the remnant of Judah, that have set their faces to go into the land of Egypt to sojourn there,"**: This opening clause unequivocally establishes God's sovereign and active hand in orchestrating their fate, even as it highlights the people's defiant and willful resolve. The powerful phrase "set their faces" (derived from H7760 _sûwm_ and H6440 _pânîym_) denotes a firm, determined, and unwavering intention, emphasizing the deliberate and rebellious nature of their disobedience. They were not coerced or forced but consciously and defiantly chose to go to Egypt, despite receiving clear divine warnings, seeking a temporary dwelling place (to "sojourn") there.
* **"and they shall all be consumed, and fall in the land of Egypt; they shall even be consumed by the sword and by the famine:"**: This section declares the comprehensive, inescapable, and utterly devastating judgment awaiting them. "Consumed" (H8552 _tâmam_) signifies utter destruction and perishing. They would "fall" (H5307 _nâphal_), implying death in battle, collapse, or utter ruin. The specific means of their destruction are explicitly stated: "by the sword and by the famine" (H2719 _chereb_ and H7458 _râʻâb_), indicating a pervasive and inescapable death, whether through warfare, violence, or starvation, chillingly mirroring the very judgments that had previously befallen Jerusalem.
* **"they shall die, from the least even unto the greatest, by the sword and by the famine:"**: This clause further intensifies and emphasizes the totality of the judgment. The phrase "from the least even unto the greatest" (utilizing H6996 _qâṭân_ and H1419 _gâdôwl_) functions as a merism, signifying that absolutely no one, regardless of age, social status, or perceived importance, would be spared from the impending doom. The repetition of "by the sword and by the famine" powerfully reinforces the certainty and the specific instruments of their demise, leaving no doubt about the horrific and pervasive nature of their end.
* **"and they shall be an execration, and an astonishment, and a curse, and a reproach."**: This final, climactic clause describes the lasting ignominy, public disgrace, and profound spiritual condemnation that would befall the remnant. They would become an "execration" (H423 _ʼâlâh_), a public curse or object of solemn imprecation; an "astonishment" (H8047 _shammâh_), a source of shock, horror, and utter bewilderment to all observers; a "curse" (H7045 _qᵉlâlâh_), an object of vilification and utter contempt; and a "reproach" (H2781 _cherpâh_), a deep shame, disgrace, and public humiliation. This powerful quartet of terms signifies that their ultimate fate would serve as a terrifying, undeniable, and publicly visible object lesson of divine judgment for rebellion, a public spectacle of God's righteous wrath against profound disobedience.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 44:12 is masterfully crafted, employing several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending and inescapable judgment. **Repetition** is prominently featured with the word "consumed" and the phrase "by the sword and by the famine," both reiterated to underscore the certainty, totality, and specific means of their destruction. This repetition creates a profound sense of dread and inevitability, hammering home the inescapable nature of their doom. The phrase "from the least even unto the greatest" functions as a striking **Merism**, a figure of speech in which two contrasting parts represent a complete whole, thereby highlighting the comprehensive and universal nature of the judgment, ensuring that absolutely no one would be spared. The concluding list of "an execration, and an astonishment, and a curse, and a reproach" operates as a powerful **Climax** or **Gradation**, building in intensity to describe the utter disgrace, profound ignominy, and public humiliation that would befall the disobedient remnant. This progression from a solemn curse to a public spectacle of shame underscores the extreme severity of their spiritual and social downfall. Furthermore, the entire passage is imbued with **Divine Pronouncement**, as God Himself declares, "I will take," emphasizing His absolute sovereignty, active involvement, and unwavering resolve in executing this righteous judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 44:12 stands as a stark and enduring testament to God's unwavering justice and the severe, inescapable consequences of willful, persistent disobedience to His revealed will. It profoundly underscores the theological truth that God's warnings are not idle threats but rather authentic expressions of His righteous character, His covenant faithfulness, and His commitment to uphold His divine word. The remnant's decision to defiantly flee to Egypt, driven by fear and a misplaced reliance on human strength and worldly alliances rather than humble submission to divine command, exemplifies a profound lack of faith and a direct rejection of God's absolute sovereignty. This deliberate act of rebellion transformed them into a terrifying object lesson, demonstrating the utter futility and danger of seeking refuge or security outside of God's divinely prescribed path. Their tragic fate serves as a powerful and timeless reminder that true security, flourishing, and blessing are found exclusively in humble, unwavering submission to the Lord, not in self-devised schemes or alliances that contradict His explicit commands.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Isaiah 30:1-3](/isaiah/30-1-3 "Isaiah 30:1-3 - Woe to Rebellious Children")
* [Proverbs 16:25](/proverbs/16-25 "Proverbs 16:25 - The Way That Seems Right")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 44:12 offers a profoundly sobering and timeless lesson for believers today, challenging us to deeply examine the posture of our hearts and the true object of our trust in relation to God's authoritative word. In moments of fear, uncertainty, or perceived danger, our natural human inclination might be to devise our own solutions, seek worldly security, or rely on human wisdom and strategies, much like the remnant who defiantly fled to Egypt. However, this verse powerfully reminds us that true safety, genuine flourishing, and ultimate peace are found not in our own strategic maneuvers, however clever they may seem, but in absolute, unwavering obedience to God's revealed will, even when His path appears counter-intuitive, difficult, or even dangerous from a human perspective. It calls us to cultivate a radical trust in His sovereignty, His provision, and His protective hand above all else, recognizing that defiance leads inevitably to spiritual and often tangible "consumption," while humble obedience leads to abundant life and enduring purpose. We are urged to prioritize God's commands above all perceived immediate needs or fears, to seek His face earnestly, and to steadfastly resist the pervasive temptation to compromise His truth for the sake of temporary or perceived security. Learning from Judah's tragic error, we are called to cultivate a deep-seated, unshakable conviction that God's way is always the best way, leading to ultimate peace, true security, and eternal purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life am I tempted to rely on my own wisdom, control, or worldly solutions rather than diligently seeking and humbly obeying God's specific guidance?**
* **How does my immediate response to difficult, uncertain, or frightening circumstances reveal the true object of my trust—is it God and His word, or human systems, strategies, and my own perceived capabilities?**
* **What "Egypts" (places of perceived safety, worldly refuge, or self-devised solutions) might I be tempted to flee to instead of remaining steadfastly within God's revealed will and trusting His provision?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a deeper posture of humility, radical trust, and unwavering obedience to God's word in my daily life, even when His commands seem to contradict my immediate desires, fears, or logical conclusions?**

### FAQ
**Why was going to Egypt so wrong for the remnant of Judah?**

Answer: Going to Egypt was fundamentally wrong because it represented a direct, deliberate, and defiant act of disobedience to God's explicit command. Through the prophet Jeremiah, the Lord had clearly warned them not to go, promising destruction if they did and divine protection if they remained in the land ([Jeremiah 42:15-18](/jeremiah/42-15-18 "Jeremiah 42:15-18 - God's Warning Against Going to Egypt")). Their decision stemmed from a profound lack of faith, as they preferred to trust in human alliances and a pagan nation's perceived strength over the sovereign power and protective hand of Yahweh. Furthermore, Egypt was historically associated with idolatry and a return to physical and spiritual bondage, making their flight there a symbolic rejection of their covenant relationship with God and a deep spiritual regression.

**What does "consumed, from the least even unto the greatest" signify?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful literary device known as a merism, where two contrasting parts represent a comprehensive whole. "From the least even unto the greatest" (referencing H6996 _qâṭân_ and H1419 _gâdôwl_ as used in [Jeremiah 44:12](/jeremiah/44-12 "Jeremiah 44:12 - Least and Greatest")) means that absolutely no one would be spared from the impending judgment. It signifies a comprehensive and total destruction, affecting every single individual regardless of their age, social status, wealth, or perceived importance. Whether young or old, poor or rich, commoner or leader, all who went to Egypt would face the same dire fate of death by sword and famine.

**What is the significance of the remnant becoming "an execration, and an astonishment, and a curse, and a reproach"?**

Answer: This quartet of terms describes the profound public disgrace, ignominy, and spiritual condemnation that would befall the disobedient remnant, as declared in [Jeremiah 44:12](/jeremiah/44-12 "Jeremiah 44:12 - Execration, Astonishment, Curse, Reproach"). To be an "execration" (H423 _ʼâlâh_) meant they would become an object of solemn imprecation or a public curse invoked by others. "Astonishment" (H8047 _shammâh_) indicates that their fate would shock, horrify, and utterly bewilder observers, serving as a terrifying example. To be a "curse" (H7045 _qᵉlâlâh_) meant they would be an object of vilification and utter contempt, and a "reproach" (H2781 _cherpâh_) signified deep shame, disgrace, and public humiliation. Collectively, these terms mean that their destruction would not be private but would become a public, visible, and undeniable demonstration of God's righteous judgment against those who defiantly rebelled against Him, serving as a solemn and chilling warning to all.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 44:12, with its stark pronouncement of judgment for willful disobedience and the utter futility of seeking refuge in worldly powers, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The remnant of Judah sought safety in Egypt, a place that ironically became their destruction, symbolizing humanity's desperate and ultimately futile attempts to find security, peace, and deliverance apart from God's divine will. In profound contrast, Christ is the ultimate and true refuge, the one in whom all who place their trust find eternal safety, spiritual security, and complete deliverance from the judgment of sin. The "curse" and "execration" pronounced upon the disobedient in Jeremiah 44:12 powerfully foreshadow the profound theological truth that Christ Himself "became a curse for us" ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems Us from the Curse")), bearing the full, righteous weight of God's wrath against human sin on the cross. Through His perfect, unblemished obedience—where the remnant of Judah so tragically failed—Jesus fulfilled all righteousness, offering a path to abundant life where human rebellion inevitably led to death. He is the true "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), absorbing the "sword and famine" of divine judgment so that all who believe in Him might not perish but have everlasting life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Thus, the severe judgment in Jeremiah 44:12 profoundly highlights humanity's desperate need for a Savior, a need fully and perfectly met in Christ, who provides the ultimate, unfailing, and eternal sanctuary from the devastating consequences of human rebellion.

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 42:15

And now therefore hear the word of the LORD, ye remnant of Judah; Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; If ye wholly set your faces to enter into Egypt, and go to sojourn there;

Jeremiah 42:18

For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; As mine anger and my fury hath been poured forth upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem; so shall my fury be poured forth upon you, when ye shall enter into Egypt: and ye shall be an execration, and an astonishment, and a curse, and a reproach; and ye shall see this place no more.

Jeremiah 42:22

Now therefore know certainly that ye shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence, in the place whither ye desire to go [and] to sojourn.

Isaiah 65:15

And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord GOD shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name:

Hosea 4:6

¶ My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

Jeremiah 29:18

And I will persecute them with the sword, with the famine, and with the pestilence, and will deliver them to be removed to all the kingdoms of the earth, to be a curse, and an astonishment, and an hissing, and a reproach, among all the nations whither I have driven them:

Jeremiah 44:7

Therefore now thus saith the LORD, the God of hosts, the God of Israel; Wherefore commit ye [this] great evil against your souls, to cut off from you man and woman, child and suckling, out of Judah, to leave you none to remain;