Jeremiah 43:13
He shall break also the images of Beth-shemesh, that is in the land of Egypt; and the houses of the gods of the Egyptians shall he burn with fire.
Original Language Analysis
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מַצְּבוֹת֙
also the images
H4676
מַצְּבוֹת֙
also the images
Strong's:
H4676
Word #:
3 of 14
something stationed, i.e., a column or (memorial stone); by analogy, an idol
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בְּאֶ֣רֶץ
that is in the land
H776
בְּאֶ֣רֶץ
that is in the land
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
7 of 14
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בָּתֵּ֥י
and the houses
H1004
בָּתֵּ֥י
and the houses
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
10 of 14
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אֱלֹהֵֽי
of the gods
H430
אֱלֹהֵֽי
of the gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
11 of 14
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
Historical Context
Heliopolis (On in Hebrew, Genesis 41:45) was ancient Egypt's preeminent religious site, home to the Ennead (nine chief deities). Its obelisks symbolized sun-rays, through which Ra bestowed life. Nebuchadnezzar's destruction of these monuments would psychologically devastate Egyptian morale, proving their supreme god powerless. Ezekiel 30:13-19 contains parallel prophecy targeting Egyptian idolatry and cities.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does God specifically target the 'House of the Sun' (Heliopolis)—what does this reveal about confronting a culture's chief spiritual stronghold?
- How does this judgment on Egyptian gods parallel the Exodus plagues—what does this continuity teach about God's consistent character?
- What modern 'Beth-shemesh' (centers of false worship) might God be confronting in our generation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
He shall break also the images of Beth-shemesh, that is in the land of Egypt (וְשִׁבַּר אֶת־מַצְּבוֹת בֵּית שֶׁמֶשׁ אֲשֶׁר בְּאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם)—Beth-shemesh (House of the Sun, בֵּית־שֶׁמֶשׁ) is Heliopolis (Greek, 'City of the Sun'), center of Ra worship, Egypt's chief solar deity. The matzevot (מַצְּבוֹת, pillars/obelisks) were massive stone monuments, including famous sun-pillars that survived into Hellenistic times (later called 'Cleopatra's Needles').
And the houses of the gods of the Egyptians shall he burn with fire (וְאֶת־בָּתֵּי אֱלֹהֵי מִצְרַיִם יִשְׂרֹף בָּאֵשׁ)—comprehensive destruction of Egypt's religious infrastructure. This judgment mirrors Exodus plagues (targeting Egyptian deities—Nile/Hapi, sun/Ra, Pharaoh/Horus), demonstrating YHWH's continued supremacy over Egypt's pantheon. Ironically, Jewish refugees fled to the nation whose gods God already humiliated at the Exodus—they exchange YHWH's protection for bankrupt deities about to face renewed judgment.