Jeremiah 43:7
So they came into the land of Egypt: for they obeyed not the voice of the LORD: thus came they even to Tahpanhes.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ
So they came
H935
וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ
So they came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 11
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
כִּ֛י
H3588
כִּ֛י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁמְע֖וּ
for they obeyed
H8085
שָׁמְע֖וּ
for they obeyed
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
6 of 11
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ
So they came
H935
וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ
So they came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
9 of 11
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
Cross References
Jeremiah 44:1The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the Jews which dwell in the land of Egypt, which dwell at Migdol, and at Tahpanhes, and at Noph, and in the country of Pathros, saying,Jeremiah 2:16Also the children of Noph and Tahapanes have broken the crown of thy head.Isaiah 30:4For his princes were at Zoan, and his ambassadors came to Hanes.Jeremiah 46:14Declare ye in Egypt, and publish in Migdol, and publish in Noph and in Tahpanhes: say ye, Stand fast, and prepare thee; for the sword shall devour round about thee.
Historical Context
The remnant's journey to Egypt, taking Jeremiah with them forcibly, represents a return to the bondage their ancestors escaped. It's a tragic reversal.
Questions for Reflection
- How does fear of man lead to disobedience to God?
- What 'Egypts' do you flee to when trusting God seems risky?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Despite God's explicit command not to go to Egypt, 'they came into the land of Egypt: for they obeyed not the voice of the LORD.' This simple statement captures the tragedy - clear disobedience to clear revelation. They chose perceived safety over covenant obedience. Their fear of man proved greater than their fear of God (Prov 29:25).