Jeremiah 44:23

KJV

Because ye have burned incense, and because ye have sinned against the LORD, and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD, nor walked in his law, nor in his statutes, nor in his testimonies; therefore this evil is happened unto you, as at this day.

KJV (with Strong's)

Because {H6440}{H834} ye have burned incense {H6999}, and because ye have sinned {H2398} against the LORD {H3068}, and have not obeyed {H8085} the voice {H6963} of the LORD {H3068}, nor walked {H1980} in his law {H8451}, nor in his statutes {H2708}, nor in his testimonies {H5715}; therefore this evil {H7451} is happened {H7122} unto you, as at this day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It is because you offered incense, sinned against ADONAI, didn't listen to what ADONAI said, and didn't live by his Torah, regulations and instructions that this disaster has befallen you, as it is today."

Berean Standard Bible

Because you burned incense and sinned against the LORD, and did not obey the voice of the LORD or walk in His instruction, His statutes, and His testimonies, this disaster has befallen you, as you see today.”

American Standard Version

Because ye have burned incense, and because ye have sinned against Jehovah, and have not obeyed the voice of Jehovah, nor walked in his law, nor in his statutes, nor in his testimonies; therefore this evil is happened unto you, as it is this day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 44:23 serves as a stark divine indictment against the Jewish remnant in Egypt, unequivocally declaring that their current calamitous circumstances are a direct and inevitable consequence of their persistent and comprehensive rebellion against the LORD. The verse attributes their suffering not to arbitrary misfortune, but to their deliberate acts of idolatry, specifically "burning incense" to other gods, and their wholesale failure to obey God's voice and walk according to His revealed law, statutes, and testimonies. It underscores the unwavering principle of divine justice, where disobedience yields predictable and severe outcomes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 44 stands as the prophet's final major recorded message, delivered to the Jewish people who had fled to Egypt following the devastating fall of Jerusalem (586 BC) and the subsequent assassination of Gedaliah, the governor appointed by Babylon. This chapter immediately follows Jeremiah's fervent warnings against going to Egypt in [Jeremiah 42](/jeremiah/42 "Jeremiah 42 - Warning Against Going to Egypt") and [Jeremiah 43](/jeremiah/43 "Jeremiah 43 - The Flight to Egypt"), warnings which the people defiantly ignored. Verse 23 is part of God's direct response to the people's audacious claim in [Jeremiah 44:17-19](/jeremiah/44-17 "Jeremiah 44:17-19 - The People's Rebellious Justification") that their past prosperity was due to their worship of the "Queen of Heaven," and that their current suffering was a result of *stopping* that worship. Jeremiah 44:23 directly refutes this spiritual delusion, making it clear that their "evil" (calamity) is precisely because of their idolatry and disobedience, not in spite of it.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is post-586 BC, with the Jewish remnant residing in various Egyptian cities like Migdol, Tahpanhes, and Memphis. Having witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem, the temple, and their nation—events explicitly prophesied as consequences of their idolatry and covenant breaking—one might expect repentance. However, this remnant, steeped in syncretistic practices, continued to engage in pagan worship, particularly the cult of the "Queen of Heaven," a fertility goddess. This practice was common in the ancient Near East and involved burning incense and pouring drink offerings. For the Israelites, such acts were a direct violation of the foundational covenant commands given at Sinai, particularly the prohibitions against idolatry found in [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First Commandments"). Their continued disobedience in Egypt, despite the clear evidence of God's judgment on Judah, highlights the profound spiritual blindness and hardened hearts of the people.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 44:23 powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah and the Old Testament. Firstly, it emphasizes **the inevitability of divine judgment for persistent disobedience**. The "evil" that has befallen them is not random but a direct, just, and unavoidable consequence of their actions, echoing the covenant curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience"). Secondly, **idolatry is highlighted as a root sin**, specifically "burning incense" to other gods, which represents a fundamental betrayal of their exclusive covenant relationship with the LORD. This act signifies a rejection of God's sovereignty and His unique claim on their worship. Thirdly, the verse underscores **the comprehensive nature of God's commands and the totality of their rebellion**, referring to their failure to obey God's "law, statutes, and testimonies." This triad signifies the entirety of God's revealed will, indicating that their disobedience was not merely isolated incidents but a wholesale, deliberate rejection of God's authority and covenant requirements. Finally, the passage implicitly affirms **God's faithfulness to His warnings**, demonstrating that His word, whether of blessing or judgment, will always come to pass.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **burned incense (Hebrew, _qâṭar'_):** This primitive root signifies "to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)." In the context of the Mosaic Law, burning incense was a sacred act, often performed by priests in the tabernacle or temple as an offering to the LORD. However, when directed towards pagan deities, as in Jeremiah 44:23, it represented a profound act of idolatry and spiritual adultery, a direct violation of God's command for exclusive worship. It was a tangible expression of transferring allegiance from Yahweh to false gods.
* **sinned (Hebrew, _châṭâʼ'_):** This primitive root primarily means "to miss" or "to miss the mark." Figuratively, it denotes falling short of a standard, deviating from a prescribed path, or failing in one's duty. In a theological sense, it describes any act, thought, or omission that falls short of God's perfect standard of righteousness and holiness. Here, it encompasses the broad spectrum of Israel's transgression against the LORD, beyond just idolatry, including their general rebellion and moral failings.
* **obeyed (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** This primitive root means "to hear intelligently," often implying attention, understanding, and crucially, compliance or obedience. It's not merely a passive reception of sound but an active hearkening that leads to action. When used in the negative, as "have not obeyed," it signifies a deliberate refusal to listen to God's commands, warnings, and instructions, demonstrating a hardened heart and a defiant will against the divine authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because ye have burned incense, and because ye have sinned against the LORD":** This opening clause establishes the fundamental reasons for the impending judgment. The specific act of "burning incense" highlights their egregious idolatry, a direct affront to God's covenant. This is immediately followed by the broader accusation of having "sinned against the LORD," encompassing all forms of transgression and rebellion that characterized their relationship with God. The repetition of "because" underscores the direct causal link between their actions and the consequences.
* **"and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD, nor walked in his law, nor in his statutes, nor in his testimonies":** This segment elaborates on the comprehensive nature of their disobedience. Their failure was not merely in isolated acts but a systemic rejection of God's revealed will. "Not obeyed the voice of the LORD" implies a refusal to heed His prophetic warnings and direct commands. The subsequent triad—"his law" (tôwrâh, God's instruction and teaching), "his statutes" (chuqqâh, His prescribed ordinances and decrees), and "his testimonies" (ʻêdûwth, His covenant stipulations and declarations)—collectively represents the totality of God's covenant demands. Their failure to "walk" in these signifies a complete disregard for God's way of life and His moral framework.
* **"therefore this evil is happened unto you, as at this day":** This concluding clause delivers the pronouncement of judgment. The word "therefore" acts as a definitive consequence marker, directly linking their accumulated disobedience to the "evil" (raʻ, calamity, disaster, suffering) that has befallen them. The phrase "as at this day" emphasizes the immediate, undeniable, and ongoing reality of their suffering, serving as tangible evidence of God's judgment. It signifies that the calamity they are experiencing is not a past event but a present, observable reality directly attributable to their rebellion.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 44:23 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Causal Conjunctions**, specifically the repeated "Because" at the beginning of the verse, followed by "therefore." This structure creates a powerful cause-and-effect relationship, leaving no ambiguity about the source of their suffering. It functions as a legal indictment, clearly stating the charges and then pronouncing the verdict. There is also a strong element of **Anaphora** and **Parallelism** in the repetition of "nor" ("nor walked in his law, nor in his statutes, nor in his testimonies"). This repetition emphasizes the comprehensive and pervasive nature of their disobedience, highlighting that their rebellion was not confined to one area but encompassed the entirety of God's covenant demands. The use of the **Triadic Structure** ("law, statutes, testimonies") further reinforces this sense of totality, representing the complete body of divine revelation and covenant requirements given to Israel. Finally, the verse is a quintessential example of **Retribution Theology**, a central theme in the Old Testament, where divine judgment is presented as a just and direct consequence of human sin and rebellion against God's revealed will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 44:23 powerfully articulates the unwavering principle of divine justice and the direct, inevitable consequences of persistent sin and idolatry. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His faithfulness to His covenant, both in blessing for obedience and judgment for rebellion. The verse reveals that God's "law, statutes, and testimonies" are not arbitrary rules but the very framework for a flourishing life in covenant with Him. To disregard them, particularly through the egregious act of idolatry, is to invite calamity. This passage serves as a sobering reminder that spiritual infidelity has tangible, often devastating, repercussions, demonstrating that God takes sin seriously because it violates His holy character and undermines the very foundation of His relationship with His people.
* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")
* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience is Better than Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 44:23 offers a timeless and sobering lesson for believers today: actions have consequences, especially concerning our relationship with God. The "burning incense" of ancient Israel, representing idolatry and misplaced worship, finds its modern parallels in anything we elevate above God—be it career, material possessions, personal comfort, relationships, or even ideologies. If we consistently neglect God's "voice," disregard His "law," ignore His "statutes," and dismiss His "testimonies" (His Word), we, too, can expect to experience forms of "evil" in our lives, not as arbitrary punishment, but as the natural, often painful, outcome of living outside His divine order. This verse calls us to a radical self-examination, prompting us to honestly assess what we truly worship and to what extent we genuinely obey God's comprehensive will. True spiritual well-being and flourishing come not from pursuing our own desires or superstitious practices, but from wholehearted, diligent obedience to the living God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "incense" might I be burning in my life that competes with my devotion and obedience to the one true God?**
* **In what specific areas am I failing to "obey the voice of the LORD" or "walk in his law, statutes, or testimonies" as revealed in Scripture?**
* **How does understanding the direct link between disobedience and its consequences, as seen in Jeremiah 44:23, motivate me to live a more faithful and obedient life today?**

### FAQ

**What was the "evil" that happened to them "as at this day"?**

Answer: The "evil" (Hebrew: _raʻ_) refers to the calamitous state and suffering that had already befallen the Jewish remnant and was continuing "as at this day." This included the devastating destruction of Jerusalem, the temple, and their homeland, which forced them into exile. Their current predicament as refugees in Egypt, facing further divine judgment and ultimate destruction there (as prophesied later in [Jeremiah 44:26-28](/jeremiah/44-26 "Jeremiah 44:26-28 - Prophecy of Destruction in Egypt")), was the direct manifestation of this "evil." It was a tangible, undeniable consequence of their persistent rebellion and idolatry against the LORD, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant warnings.

**Why is "burning incense" specifically mentioned as a sin?**

Answer: Burning incense was a deeply significant act of worship in the ancient world, often used to honor deities. For the Israelites, while legitimate incense offerings were prescribed for the LORD in the tabernacle and temple, offering incense to other gods was a direct and egregious violation of the first two commandments: "You shall have no other gods before me" and "You shall not make for yourself an idol... You shall not bow down to them or worship them" ([Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The Ten Commandments")). Their specific act of "burning incense" to the "Queen of Heaven," as mentioned in [Jeremiah 44:17-19](/jeremiah/44-17 "Jeremiah 44:17-19 - The People's Justification for Idolatry"), symbolized a complete spiritual betrayal and a transfer of their allegiance from the covenant-keeping God of Israel to pagan deities. It was a tangible and highly offensive expression of their idolatry and unfaithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 44:23 powerfully illustrates the Old Covenant principle that sin brings judgment and disobedience leads to calamity. Israel's failure to "walk in his law, nor in his statutes, nor in his testimonies" resulted in the "evil" that befell them. This stark reality points forward to the ultimate solution found in Christ. Humanity, like Israel, has universally "sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")), incurring the just wages of sin, which is death ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). Jesus Christ, however, perfectly fulfilled the law where Israel failed; He "obeyed the voice of the LORD" in every respect, living a life of perfect righteousness ([Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "Romans 5:19 - Christ's Obedience")). More profoundly, He became the Lamb of God who bore the curse of the law for us, taking upon Himself the "evil" that our disobedience deserved ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). Through His atoning sacrifice, the judgment for sin was satisfied, allowing for forgiveness and reconciliation with God. For those who believe in Him, the condemnation for disobedience is removed, and a new covenant is established, not based on our imperfect obedience, but on His perfect work, enabling us to "walk in newness of life" ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life")). Thus, Jeremiah 44:23, while a testament to divine judgment, ultimately magnifies the grace and redemptive power of Christ, who delivers us from the consequences of our sin and empowers us to live in true obedience.

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

1 Kings 9:9

And they shall answer, Because they forsook the LORD their God, who brought forth their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have taken hold upon other gods, and have worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath the LORD brought upon them all this evil.

Daniel 9:11

Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that [is] written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him.

Daniel 9:12

And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem.

Psalms 119:150

¶ They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.

Nehemiah 13:18

Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath.

2 Chronicles 36:16

But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till [there was] no remedy.

Lamentations 1:8

Jerusalem hath grievously sinned; therefore she is removed: all that honoured her despise her, because they have seen her nakedness: yea, she sigheth, and turneth backward.