Jeremiah 43: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Jeremiah 43 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Jeremiah delivers Yahweh's message to the people, warning them not to go to Egypt (v. 1). Azariah and Johanan, along with other prideful men, accuse Jeremiah of false prophecy, claiming that Baruch is misleading him (vv. 2-3). They reject Yahweh's voice and decide to remain in Judah (vv. 4-6). Instead, Johanan and the captains of the forces take the remnant of Judah to Egypt, disobeying God's command (v. 7). While in Tahpanhes, Yahweh instructs Jeremiah to hide stones in mortar at Pharaoh's house and prophesy against Egypt (vv. 8-10). God declares that Nebuchadnezzar will come to Egypt, enacting judgment on its people, with some destined for death, captivity, or the sword (vv. 11-12). He will burn the houses of Egypt's gods and break their pillars (v. 13).

Key verse

“Then Yahweh’s word came to Jeremiah in Tahpanhes, saying,”
Jeremiah 43:8 (WEB)

Outline

Jeremiah 43:1 Jeremiah's Message to the People
Jeremiah 43:2–3 Accusations Against Jeremiah
Jeremiah 43:4–6 Disobedience to God's Voice
Jeremiah 43:7 Journey to Egypt
Jeremiah 43:8–10 God's New Message in Egypt
Jeremiah 43:11–13 Judgment on Egypt

Discussion questions

What does Johanan claim about Baruch in v3?
In v5, who are the people taken to Egypt by Johanan?
In v2, why do the proud men reject Jeremiah's message?
In vv. 9-10, what does hiding the stones symbolize for Egypt?
When have you felt pressured to ignore wise counsel from others?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Jeremiah 43: Jeremiah 44, Jeremiah 42, Jeremiah 40.

Before next time: read Jeremiah 44.