Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryJeremiah 44

Sermon to the Jews in Egypt; Jeremiah's RemonstranceAfter the Jews were scattered in different parts of Egypt, Jeremiah was sent by God to deliver a message to them. He spoke in the name of the Lord

v. 3: The reason for this destruction was their wickedness, especially their idolatry. They had worshipped other gods—gods they had created themselves—instead of the true God of Israel. They could not even explain why they turned from God to false idols .

v. 4–5: God had sent many prophets to warn them, saying, “Oh! do not this abominable thing that I hate” (Jeremiah 44:4 ). But the people did not listen or pay attention. Their refusal to listen brought God’s anger and punishment upon them (Jeremiah 44:5 ).

v. 6–7: Because they ignored God’s warnings and continued in sin, God’s anger was poured out, leading to their ruin. Jeremiah warned them that their disobedience was like committing evil against their own souls. Sin not only offends God but also harms us deeply (Jeremiah 44:6–7 ).

v. 8–9: Even in Egypt, they continued to burn incense to other gods. This was why God had warned them not to go to Egypt, knowing it would be a temptation. By repeating the sins of their ancestors and kings—who suffered for their idolatry—they were only adding more guilt to themselves (Jeremiah 44:8–9 ).

v. 10: Jeremiah pointed out that even after all these disasters, the people were not humbled. They did not fear God or obey His law. This lack of repentance showed their hearts were still hard .

v. 11–13: God announced that He would punish the Jews in Egypt just as He punished those in Jerusalem. They would face sword, famine, and disease. No one—rich or poor—would escape. Very few would survive to return to Judah (Jeremiah 44:11–13 ).

v. 14: Even though some wanted to return to Judah, God said they would not. The only ones who would survive would be a small remnant. Their stubbornness meant they would lose the privilege of living in their own land. Those who refuse to follow God’s way will not find lasting peace or safety .

The People's Insolent ReplyThis section shows the shocking stubbornness of the Jews in Egypt. Even after hearing Jeremiah’s warnings from the Lord

v. 16–17: The people replied directly to Jeremiah that they would not obey what God said. They insisted on continuing to worship the “queen of heaven,” a false goddess. Even though they admitted Jeremiah spoke in God’s name, they openly said, “We will not hearken unto thee: but we will certainly do whatsoever thing goes forth out of our own mouth” (Jeremiah 44:16–17 ). Their hearts were hardened in sin.

v. 18: They claimed that when they stopped worshipping the queen of heaven, their troubles began. They believed that serving idols brought them prosperity, and forsaking them brought trouble. This was a twisted view of God’s judgment; they misunderstood their suffering and blamed it on stopping their sinful practices .

v. 19: The women said that their husbands knew about and agreed with their idol worship. They made cakes and poured out drink offerings to the queen of heaven with their husbands’ approval. Rather than helping each other do right, both men and women supported each other in sin .

Jeremiah's Continued RemonstranceThis passage shows that, even when people stubbornly refuse to listen, God always has the final word. Jeremiah responds to the people’s rebellious arguments, explaining the real reason for their suffering. He also gives a warning from the Lord

v. 24–26: Jeremiah then gives a new message from God, especially to the women. Since the people were determined to keep worshipping the “queen of heaven,” God says He will let them do it—but He swears that His name will no longer be honored among them in Egypt. God’s patience had ended; their oaths to false gods would bring judgment, not blessing (Jeremiah 44:24–26 ).

v. 27–28: God declares that He will watch over them “for evil, and not for good.” Most of the Jews in Egypt will die by the sword and famine. Only a very small remnant will survive and return to Judah. This is to show that God’s word will come true, not theirs (Jeremiah 44:27–28 ).

v. 29–30: As a sign that God’s warnings will happen, Jeremiah says that Pharaoh-hophra, the king of Egypt, will be handed over to his enemies, just like Zedekiah was in Judah. This shows that trusting in Egypt’s king for safety is foolish because God controls the fate of all rulers and nations (Jeremiah 44:29–30 ).