Jeremiah 44 Footnotes

44:25 Scripture consistently condemns the worship of false gods (e.g., Dt 5:8-9; 2Kg 17:35). In saying, “Go ahead, confirm your vows! Keep your vows!” Jeremiah was speaking sarcastically (see Jr 25:28).

44:28 This is the third time Jeremiah prophesied that no Judeans would return from Egypt (v. 14; 42:17). He had also predicted that Nebuchadnezzar would invade and destroy Egypt (43:11). History records that Nebuchadnezzar’s invasion occurred in 568–567 BC while Egypt remained independent, but it is possible that the Judean population was decimated in the warfare. When the exiles return from Babylon (Ezr 2:1), there is no mention of a group returning from Egypt.

Both here in vv. 27-28 and in v. 14 Jeremiah said that there would be no fugitives, then added that there would be a few fugitives. Some critics contend that a later editor added the mitigating statement. However, it is more likely that this is a Hebrew idiom (Jos 11:21-22; 1Sm 30:17; see Gn 39:6; Dt 2:34-35,36-37; Jos 11:19; 2Kg 24:14). Jeremiah did not intend for the existence of a few stragglers to weaken his strong oracle of judgment. The survivors would be virtually annihilated, their small number would even emphasize the extent of the devastation, and they would serve as witnesses to the power of God’s word to bring about that which it declares.

44:29-30 Jeremiah offered a “sign” to demonstrate that what he said would come true. This sign was to confirm Jeremiah’s status as God’s spokesman (see note on Dt 18:22). When the first thing predicted took place, it could be assumed that the remainder of the prophecy would also come true. Hophra was indeed killed by his enemies; his general, Amasis, was made king by popular acclaim, and he assassinated Hophra circa 570 BC.