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Jeremiah 44:27

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Behold, I will watch over them for evil, and not for good: and all the men of Judah that [are] in the land of Egypt shall be consumed by the sword and by the famine, until there be an end of them.

Behold, I will watch {H8245} over them for evil {H7451}, and not for good {H2896}: and all the men {H376} of Judah {H3063} that are in the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714} shall be consumed {H8552} by the sword {H2719} and by the famine {H7458}, until there be an end {H3615} of them.

I am watching over them for harm, not for good. All the men of Y'hudah in the land of Egypt will be destroyed by sword and famine, until none of them is left.

I am watching over them for harm and not for good, and every man of Judah who is in the land of Egypt will meet his end by sword or famine, until they are finished off.

Behold, I watch over them for evil, and not for good; and all the men of Judah that are in the land of Egypt shall be consumed by the sword and by the famine, until there be an end of them.

Commentary

Jeremiah 44:27 delivers a stark pronouncement of divine judgment from the Lord through the prophet Jeremiah. It warns the remnant of Judah who had disobediently settled in Egypt that God's watchful eye would be upon them, not for protection or blessing, but for their destruction through sword and famine, leading to their complete annihilation.

Context

This verse is part of a larger prophecy in Jeremiah chapter 44, delivered after the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon and the subsequent assassination of Gedaliah, the governor appointed by Babylon. Fearing Babylonian reprisal, a significant portion of the Jewish remnant, despite explicit warnings from God through Jeremiah (Jeremiah 42:15-18), chose to flee to Egypt, seeking refuge and, tragically, continuing their idolatrous practices there (Jeremiah 44:8). This prophecy in Jeremiah 44 is God's final, severe rebuke and declaration of the certain doom awaiting them in Egypt, contrasting sharply with their misguided hope for safety.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Sovereignty: The phrase "I will watch over them for evil, and not for good" emphasizes God's absolute control and active involvement in the affairs of humanity, even in bringing about judgment. It signifies that their calamity is not random but a direct consequence of their rebellion against His command.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The verse highlights the severe and inescapable consequences of persistent disobedience to God's clear instructions. The very place they sought safety (Egypt) becomes the place of their destruction, illustrating the futility of seeking refuge outside of God's will.
  • Futility of Idolatry: Underlying their flight to Egypt was a desire to continue their pagan practices, believing they brought prosperity (as seen in Jeremiah 44:17-19 concerning the "Queen of Heaven"). This judgment proves the emptiness and destructive nature of such worship.
  • God's Unwavering Word: Just as God "watches over" His word to perform it for good (as seen in Jeremiah 1:12), He also watches over His word to execute judgment. This demonstrates the certainty of divine prophecies, whether of blessing or curse.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "watch" or "watch over" is shaqad (שָׁקַד). It conveys the idea of being alert, diligent, and swift to perform something. While often used in a positive sense (e.g., God watching over His promises), its use here "for evil" is chilling. It means God will be just as diligent and attentive in bringing about the prophesied destruction as He is in bringing about blessing, underscoring the certainty and inevitability of the judgment on those who defied Him by going to Egypt.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 44:27 serves as a timeless reminder of several critical truths:

  • Obedience is Paramount: God's commands are for our good and protection. Disregarding them, even with seemingly good intentions (like seeking safety), leads to disastrous outcomes.
  • False Security: We cannot find true security or escape divine consequences by fleeing from God's presence or His will. Real safety is found only in obedience and trust in Him.
  • God's Justice is Sure: While God is merciful and long-suffering, His justice is also certain. When warnings are repeatedly ignored, judgment will eventually come.
  • Trusting God's Direction: Even when God's way seems harder or less appealing than an alternative, His way is always the path to true life and peace.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 31:28 (5 votes)

    And it shall come to pass, [that] like as I have watched over them, to pluck up, and to break down, and to throw down, and to destroy, and to afflict; so will I watch over them, to build, and to plant, saith the LORD.

  • 2 Kings 21:14 (3 votes)

    And I will forsake the remnant of mine inheritance, and deliver them into the hand of their enemies; and they shall become a prey and a spoil to all their enemies;

  • Jeremiah 1:10 (3 votes)

    See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.

  • Jeremiah 44:18 (2 votes)

    But since we left off to burn incense to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, we have wanted all [things], and have been consumed by the sword and by the famine.

  • Jeremiah 21:10 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Jeremiah 44:12 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Ezekiel 7:6 (2 votes)

    An end is come, the end is come: it watcheth for thee; behold, it is come.