Jeremiah 41-43

Jeremiah 41

Ishmael visits Gedaliah and shares a meal with him. He then murders him with his 10 men. They go on to kill all the Jews there and Chaldeans. 

He then slaughters 70 pilgrims coming to worship.

• Throws bodies into a cistern.
• Takes captives.
• Plans escape to Ammon.
• He had captured 80, but 10 persuaded him not to kill them

Johanan the captain pursues Ishmael.

• He rescues captives.
• Ishmael escapes to Ammon.

The people panic: Babylon will retaliate for Gedaliah’s assassination. They consider fleeing to Egypt.

Johanan takes people to Chimham ( 2 Samuel 19:37) 

Jeremiah 42

The people approach Jeremiah: “Pray for us… we will do whatever the LORD says.” They promise obedience.

After 10 days, Jeremiah responds. If you stay in the land:

• God will protect you.
• Do not fear Babylon.

Jeremiah warns that f you flee to Egypt:

• Sword, famine, pestilence will follow.
• Egypt will not provide safety.

Jeremiah warns: You asked for truth. Do not disobey it.

Jeremiah 43

Leaders accuse Jeremiah of lying. They claim Baruch influenced him.

They ultimately reject the message.

The people:

• Refuse to stay.
• Take Jeremiah and Baruch by force.
• Flee to Egypt (Tahpanhes)

They do exactly what God forbade!!

In Egypt, Jeremiah performs another symbolic act:

• Hides stones in brick pavement.
• Proclaims Babylon will conquer Egypt too.

There is no escape from God’s judgment.

Questions

Why did the people blame Baruch??

Application

God told Judah over and over how to repent. He even gave guidance on how to survive the exile. However, His people were unwilling to follow it and deliberating disobeyed Him. How many times does God call us to repent, but we are unwilling? Do we pray to God for answers, but ignore His voice? 

From: https://www.casualenglishbible.com/bible_chapter/jeremiah-43?srsltid=AfmBOooZkPwLZ7QXw5J2gmBRJcKpmZnJhXfGNMxMPA9V7O8XyCjjsA5f