Was rebellion against God a frequent theme of Israel’s history? What about us? Let’s look at Jeremiah 43.
Did the people turn against Jeremiah and disobediently go to Egypt?
When Jeremiah had finished giving this message from the Lord their God to all the people, Azariah son of Hoshaiah and Johanan son of Kareah and all the other proud men said to Jeremiah, “You lie! The Lord our God hasn’t forbidden us to go to Egypt! Baruch son of Neriah has convinced you to say this, because he wants us to stay here and be killed by the Babylonians or be carried off into exile.” (Jer 43:1-3 NLT)
Who disobediently went to Egypt along with the leaders of the remnants?
So Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces, and all the people, didn’t obey Yahweh’s voice, to dwell in the land of Judah. But Johanan the son of Kareah and all the captains of the forces took all the remnant of Judah, who had returned from all the nations where they had been driven, to live in the land of Judah— the men, the women, the children, the king’s daughters, and every person who Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had left with Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan; and Jeremiah the prophet, and Baruch the son of Neriah. They came into the land of Egypt, for they didn’t obey Yahweh’s voice; and they came to Tahpanhes. (Jer 43:4-7 WEB)
As they entered Egypt, who did the Lord inform Jeremiah would come?
The Lord’s word came to Jeremiah in Tahpanhes: Take some large stones and set them in the clay pavement in front of Pharaoh’s palace in Tahpanhes while the people of Judah are watching. After that, say to the people: The Lord of heavenly forces, the God of Israel, proclaims: I’m sending for my servant King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, who will set his throne over these stones and will spread his canopy over them. (Jer 43:8-10 CEB)
What would King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon do to Egypt?
He will attack Egypt and kill many of its people; others will die of disease or be dragged away as prisoners. I will let him set Egypt's temples on fire, and he will either burn or carry off their idols. He will destroy the sacred monuments at the temple of the sun-god. Then Nebuchadnezzar will pick the land clean, just like a shepherd picking the lice off his clothes. And he will return safely home. (Jer 43:11-13 CEV)
Was Paul also a man like Jeremiah who did not shrink back from declaring God’s word? Do we?
Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. (Acts 20:26-27 ESV)
What warning is there for us in Israel’s frequent rebellions against God?
Watch out, brothers, so that there won’t be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart that departs from the living God. But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin’s deception. For we have become companions of the Messiah if we hold firmly until the end the reality that we had at the start. As it is said: Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion. (Heb 3:12-15 HCSB)
Was rebellion against God a frequent theme of Israel’s history? What about us? You decide!
