“Take large stones in your hand, and hide them in the sight of the men of Judah, in the clay in the brick courtyard which is at the entrance to Pharaoh’s house in Tahpanhes; and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: “Behold, I will send and bring Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, My servant, and will set his throne above these stones that I have hidden. And he will spread his royal pavilion over them. vv.9-10
Read chapter 43
Have you ever read the old tale where everything the princess touches turns to gold? Well this seems like that's the case with Israel, only not everything they touch turns to gold rather to destruction. The remnant that is left and was to be under the governor Gedaliah whom the king of Babylon had set up, was murdered along with many. As they sought the word of the Lord through Jeremiah they didn't care for the answer and did the opposite God told them- they went to Egypt. Now here in this chapter, Jeremiah being with them (I don't understand why) as they travel to Egypt, the Lord speaks through Jeremiah as a sign what will happen to them since they've disobeyed the Lord. It wasnt a question that they didn't know they weren't suppose to go to travel there, but they had a very specific ask of God and got a specific response from Him. How have they not understood over and over again that the words Jeremiah was speaking have been coming true, that they really are God's words, that captivity did really come, that those that didn't flee in surrender to Babylon were killed, and now doubt that destruction will follow them if they go to Egypt? Wherever they turn other than the Lord's way turns to destruction- even in a land of safety and peace. Is there a theme or pattern in your life that you find everything you say or do turns to gold or turns to destruction? I'm sure we'd all rather have everything turn to gold, yet destruction usually follows as we're trying to go our way instead of God's way. How has following God's way brought prosperity in your life that you didn't see how before?
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