Jeremiah 41:17

And they departed, and dwelt in the habitation of Chimham, which is by Bethlehem, to go to enter into Egypt,

And they departed {H3212}, and dwelt in {H3427} the habitation {H1628} of Chimham {H3643}, which is by {H681} Bethlehem {H1035}, to go {H3212} to enter {H935} into Egypt {H4714},

and they left there to stay at Kimham's Lodge, near Beit-Lechem, intending to go on to Egypt

And they went and stayed in Geruth Chimham, near Bethlehem, in order to proceed into Egypt

And they departed, and dwelt in Geruth Chimham, which is by Beth-lehem, to go to enter into Egypt,

Commentary

Jeremiah 41:17 describes a pivotal moment in the aftermath of Gedaliah's assassination, detailing the movements of the remnant of Judah as they flee from the land. This verse marks a significant geographical and spiritual turning point for the people involved.

Context

Following the Babylonian conquest of Judah and the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, Gedaliah was appointed by Nebuchadnezzar as governor over the remaining Jewish population. However, Gedaliah was tragically assassinated by Ishmael, a member of the royal family (Jeremiah 41:2). Ishmael then took captives, but Johanan son of Kareah and his forces pursued Ishmael, rescuing the captives near Gibeon (Jeremiah 41:16). This verse picks up immediately after that rescue, as Johanan and the people, fearing Babylonian reprisal for Gedaliah's death, decide to seek refuge in Egypt. Their journey takes them to the habitation of Chimham, a temporary stop before their intended flight.

Key Themes

  • Flight and Fear: The primary motivation for the people's departure was intense fear of the Babylonians, who they believed would retaliate for Gedaliah's murder. This fear overshadowed their trust in God's protection in the land.
  • Disobedience Foreshadowed: This verse sets the stage for the people's ultimate disobedience. Despite later seeking counsel from Jeremiah regarding God's will, their hearts were already set on going to Egypt, a move God explicitly forbade (as seen in Jeremiah 42:19 and subsequent chapters).
  • Human Strategy vs. Divine Will: The decision to go to Egypt represents a reliance on human strategy for safety rather than depending on the Lord's guidance and provision.

Geographical Significance

  • Habitation of Chimham: While the exact location is debated, it was "by Bethlehem." Chimham is likely the son of Barzillai the Gileadite, who was blessed by King David (2 Samuel 19:37-38). This suggests a place of some prominence or a known landmark, perhaps a family estate or an inn.
  • Bethlehem: The mention of Bethlehem is significant. This town, south of Jerusalem, is famously the birthplace of King David (1 Samuel 17:12) and, prophetically, the birthplace of the Messiah (Micah 5:2). It serves as a poignant backdrop to the people's flight from the promised land, a land tied to God's covenant and future hope.
  • Going to Enter into Egypt: Egypt had historically been a place of refuge for Israelites (e.g., during famine, as with Jacob's family) but also a place of bondage and a symbol of worldly reliance. God had repeatedly warned His people not to return to Egypt for help or safety (e.g., Deuteronomy 17:16). Their intent to go there signifies a profound lack of trust in God's ability to protect them in the land He had given them.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 41:17 serves as a powerful reminder of the human tendency to seek security in worldly solutions rather than trusting God's provision and direction, especially in times of fear or uncertainty. The people's fear of the Babylonians led them down a path of disobedience that ultimately brought further judgment (as recorded in Jeremiah 44:12). For us today, this verse encourages us to:

  • Seek God's Will: In moments of crisis, our first impulse should be to seek God's counsel through His Word and prayer, not to devise our own escape plans.
  • Overcome Fear with Faith: While fear is a natural human emotion, it should not dictate our decisions. True peace and security are found in trusting God's sovereignty and His promises, even when circumstances are dire.
  • Understand Consequences: Disobedience, even when motivated by fear, often leads to negative consequences. God's commands are for our ultimate good and protection.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 19:37 (4 votes)

    Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, [and be buried] by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee.

  • 2 Samuel 19:38 (4 votes)

    And the king answered, Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to him that which shall seem good unto thee: and whatsoever thou shalt require of me, [that] will I do for thee.

  • Jeremiah 42:14 (4 votes)

    Saying, No; but we will go into the land of Egypt, where we shall see no war, nor hear the sound of the trumpet, nor have hunger of bread; and there will we dwell:

  • Jeremiah 43:7 (2 votes)

    So they came into the land of Egypt: for they obeyed not the voice of the LORD: thus came they [even] to Tahpanhes.

  • Isaiah 30:2 (2 votes)

    That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt!

  • Isaiah 30:3 (2 votes)

    Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt [your] confusion.

  • Jeremiah 42:19 (2 votes)

    The LORD hath said concerning you, O ye remnant of Judah; Go ye not into Egypt: know certainly that I have admonished you this day.