Jeremiah 44 – 47 – The lure of the gods of Egypt ensnared the people that moved there. 2017

Jeremiah 44

How deeply rooted is ones traditions and beliefs? Is it difficult to get someone to obey the Torah of Elohim when they have been somewhat prosperous and what they have done in the past has led them to good feelings and strong emotions? Mankind has a tendency to follow its heart. Man often does not care about the things of Elohim, but would rather follow his own ways. We see it all the time today. Jeremiah saw it in his day. Scripture warns against us following what we think is right instead of following Torah.

Prov. 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel.

Prov 14:12 There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.

Prov 3:5-8 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding. 6In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. 7Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. 8It will be healing to your body, And refreshment to your bones.

Jeremiah is going to run into the same problem that many people have today. People are engaging in pagan practices that violate Torah and they do not care. Pagan practice and pagan worship were being mixed with the attempted worship of Elohim and the people thought this type of worship was what has led to their blessings. The people were wrong. And they are going to pay with their lives.

Jer 44:1
The word that came to Jeremiah for all the Jews living in the land of Egypt, those who were living in Migdol, Tahpanhes, Memphis, and the land of Pathros, saying,

This prophecy was probably given 16 or 17 years after the destruction of Jerusalem. The people are living and staying in Egypt. They have witnessed the evil that Elohim brought upon Jerusalem.

Jer 44:2
"Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, 'You yourselves have seen all the calamity that I have brought on Jerusalem and all the cities of Judah; and behold, this day they are in ruins and no one lives in them,

Jer 44:3
because of their wickedness which they committed so as to provoke Me to anger by continuing to burn sacrifices and to serve other gods whom they had not known, neither they, you, nor your fathers.

The lure of the gods of Egypt has ensnared the people that moved there. They were very comfortable with their religious traditions which were against the Torah of Elohim. The people did not care because they were prosperous and emotionally tickled and satisfied with their evil ritual.

Jer 44:4
'Yet I sent you all My servants the prophets, again and again, saying, "Oh, do not do this abominable thing which I hate."

Jer 44:5
'But they did not listen or incline their ears to turn from their wickedness, so as not to burn sacrifices to other gods.

Elohim told them that if they go to Egypt, there would be no hope for them.

Jer 42:15-16 then in that case listen to the word of the LORD, O remnant of Judah. Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, “If you really set your mind to enter Egypt, and go in to reside there, 16then it will come about that the sword, which you are afraid of will overtake you there in the land of Egypt; and the famine, about which you are anxious, will follow closely after you there in Egypt; and you will die there.