Jeremiah 43:4-5 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Jeremiah 43:1-7

What God said to the builders of Babel may be truly said of this people that Jeremiah is now dealing with: Now nothing will be restrained from them which they have imagined to do, Gen. 11:6. They have a fancy for Egypt, and to Egypt they will go, whatever God himself says to the contrary. Jeremiah made them hear all he had to say, though he saw them uneasy at it; it was what the Lord their God had sent him to speak to them, and they shall have it all. And now let us see what they have to say... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 43:4

So Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces, and all the people ,.... The generality of them, at least, all agreed together, were of the same mind, and in the same sentiment and practice: and so obeyed not the voice of the Lord, to dwell in the land of Judah ; it was the command of the Lord they should dwell there, and not go into Egypt; but they would not believe this was the voice of the Lord, only a scheme concerted between the prophet and Baruch; or which the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 43:5

But Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces ,.... Who were united in their resolution to go into Egypt, contrary to the declared will of God: took all the remnant of Judah, that were returned from all nations whither they had been driven, to dwell in the land of Judah ; both such who were left in the land, when the rest were carried captive into Babylon, more particularly mentioned in Jeremiah 43:6 ; and those, who upon the invasion of the land, and siege of... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 43:4

Verse 4 The Prophet had sufficiently shewn that John the son of Kareah and the rest had not in good faith inquired of the Prophet what the will of God was; for when they saw that God’s counsel did not harmonize with their wicked and foolish desire, they rose up against the Prophet. But he now more clearly condemns their obstinacy in not obeying God; and it is said emphatically, that they did not obey the voice of God, because they denied that God had spoken. Though then they sought to evade,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 43:5

Verse 5 The Prophet now gives us a narrative of what he had briefly touched upon. He then says that John and the rest of the leaders took the remnant of the people, who were there alive, and those who had returned from various countries; for many had become fugitives among the Moabites and the Idumeans, when they saw the city surrounded by the forces of King Nebuchadnezzar. Then they fled here and there, as it usually happens, and waited for the issue of the war. But after Nebuchadnezzar had... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 43:1-13

Hearts set to do evil. Such were the hearts of these Jews. They show concerning such— I. THAT AFFLICTION WALL NOT ALTER THEM . It is not always true that affliction will make the heart better. It serves this blessed end with some—cf. "Before I was afflicted I went," etc.—but not with all. Did not in this case, but though "often reproved," they only "hardened their neck." II. PRAYERS AND PROFESSION OF RELIGION DO NOT CONTROL THEM . They can go together.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 43:5

All the remnant of Judah, that were returned from all nations. The specification is peculiar, as it seems to leave out of sight the most important part of the gathering at Mizpah, via. the "men, and women, and children, and those of the poor of the land" ( Jeremiah 40:7 )—the very persons who are mentioned just afterwards. Possibly there is some confusion in the text. "All nations" doubtless means especially Moab, Ammon, and Edom. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Jeremiah 43:4

All the people - Many, nevertheless, would be unwilling agents, compelled to do what their unscrupulous leaders forced upon the community. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Jeremiah 43:5

All the remnant of Judah that were returned - In this way, the utter depopulation of the land was completed. Thus was fulfilled the predictions of Jeremiah 24:8-10, and the sole hope of the nation now centered in the exiles at Babylon Jeremiah 24:5-7. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Jeremiah 43:4-7

Jeremiah 43:4-7. So Johanan and all the captains, &c., obeyed not, &c. That is, they resolved not to obey the message God had sent them by Jeremiah; but took all the remnant of Judah that were returned, &c. The resolution which they had formed they presently put in practice. Though Jeremiah and Baruch, and probably many of the people, were not willing to go along with them, yet these rebellious captains forced them to go; so that the prophet and his pious friends were now a... read more