Seventh-day Adventist Bible CommentaryJeremiah 43

All the words. See ch. 42:10–22.

Azariah. The fact that Azariah is named before the acknowledged group leader Johanan (chs. 41:13, 16; 42:1, 8) would seem to indicate that Azariah was the real leader of the prevailing discontent. This charge that Jeremiah spoke falsely, and for the purpose of delivering the people “into the hand of the Chaldeans” (ch. 43:3), repeated the former accusation against him (see ch. 37:13, 14). Proud. Literally, “insolent,” or “presumptuous.” This adjective suggests that these “men” by no means represented all the people; but, as so often happens, their vocal aggressiveness enabled them to seize the initiative.

Baruch. The people charged that Baruch, as the prophet’s secretary and companion (see p. 343), had influenced Jeremiah to “deliver” these remaining Jews “into the hand of the Chaldeans.”

Johanan. Evidently he resumed acting as leader of the remnant in Judah.

Took all the remnant. This included Jeremiah and Baruch. (v. 6). Returned from all nations. A reference to the fugitives from Moab, Ammon, or Edom (ch. 40:11), whose inclusion in this emigration meant that practically the whole of Judea would be left unpopulated.

King’s daughters. This included all the royal princesses (see on ch. 41:10). Left with Gedaliah. See Jer. 39:9–14; cf. 2 Kings 25:8–12, 22.

Tahpanhes. See on Jer. 2:16; cf. 1 Kings 11:19. This town was the place where the emigrants decided to establish their new home, at least for a time.

In the clay in the brickkiln. For other predictive symbolic actions see Jer. 19:10; 27:2; Eze. 12:1–7.

Nebuchadnezzar. Regarding this spelling see on Dan. 1:1. Spread his royal pavilion. Some understand this to be a reference to the royal canopy spread over the temporary throne. Others understand this “pavilion” to be the leather covering placed over the platform under the throne, upon which criminals knelt to receive the death stroke. The latter is favored by the LXX rendering: “and he shall lift up weapons against them.” This view agrees with the prophetic forecast that when Nebuchadnezzar came to Egypt he would be God’s avenger to execute His wrath against His rebellious people.

When he cometh. For the historical background of this invasion see on ch. 46:13.

Array himself. Nebuchadnezzar will possess himself “with the land of Egypt” as easily as a shepherd puts on his garment. The LXX for this clause reads, “and he shall search for vermin in the land of Egypt, as a shepherd searches his garment for vermin.”

Images. That is, the pillars, or obelisks, of the place. Beth-shemesh. Literally, “the house of the sun.” It was probably Heliopolis, or On. The LXX for this clause reads, “and he shall break to pieces the pillars of Heliopolis that are in On.” Heliopolis is a Greek name meaning “city of the sun.” The city was located

near the site of modern Cairo. Its Egyptian name was Iunu, of which the Hebrew form is ’On (Gen. 41:45, 50; etc.).