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Jeremiah 44 “Jeremiah’s Final Prophecy”

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5–7 minutes

Jeremiah 44 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:      

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

Explanation:

After the people of Judah settled in various regions of Egypt, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah (v. 1). First, the Lord reminds them that the reason their homeland of Judah became a desolate ruin was their stubborn idolatry (vv. 2–6). The reason He reminds them of this is that the Jews who fled to Egypt continued their idolatry there as well. Even though they had witnessed God’s judgment that took place in the land of Judah, they still worshiped the gods of Egypt (vv. 7–10). The Lord declares that He will not forgive their wicked deeds. None of them will survive to return to the land of Judah (vv. 11–14).

Upon hearing this word, the people of Judah reveal their true colors. Until now, they had said that they would obey the Lord’s word whether they liked it or not, but now they openly resist (v. 15). They claim that when they used to worship idols, everything was abundant, but when they stopped idol worship, they began to experience hardship—so they insist they will continue worshiping idols (vv. 16–19). Jeremiah responds that God had patiently endured the sin of idolatry passed down from their ancestors but ultimately judged it (vv. 20–23). If they had prospered while practicing idolatry, it was only because God was bearing with them.

When they respond this way, the Lord tells the people of Judah to go ahead and do as they wish (vv. 24–25). But He tells them to remember that He will not overlook their rebellion (vv. 26–28), and that when they see Pharaoh Hophra of Egypt fall, they will know that the judgment of the Lord has come (vv. 29–30). Just as this prophecy foretold, Pharaoh Hophra was assassinated by his official Amasis in 570 BC. Amasis rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar and opposed him, but was ultimately defeated by Babylon, and the people of Judah were destroyed in the midst of this turmoil.

Meditation:

Chronologically, this is the final prophecy Jeremiah delivered. There is no record of what happened to Jeremiah after this. The most widely accepted view is that when Babylon invaded Egypt, he was killed along with the other people of Judah. As we saw in chapter 43, Jeremiah likely went down to Egypt because he desired to share the fate of his people to the very end. If that is so, he would have remained with them until the last moment. From the time he was called as a man of God, his life was marked by hatred, rejection, slander, ridicule, threats of death, and imprisonment. And his end was to face a tragic death together with his people.

Fortune-tellers warn of impending disaster and then offer ways to avoid it. They show how one might survive even if everyone else is struck by calamity. Prophets, on the other hand, warn the community of the disaster that is coming and call them to amend their lives so that they will not face that disaster. They do not present a path for one person to survive alone, but a path for the entire community to live. If the people refuse to repent and choose the way of destruction, the prophet goes with the community toward that disaster, sharing their fate. Even if that fate means a tragic death, he does not avoid it. This is because it reflects the heart of God.

What is most rarely seen in our time are people who act according to the heart of God. Among the great figures of past history were generals who said, “Take my life and spare my soldiers,” and leaders who said, “All these problems come from my own lack of virtue—make me the sacrifice.” When conflict arose in the church, there were pastors who resolved, “I will step down so that the congregation may remain united.” When a company faced bankruptcy, there were business leaders who chose prison after distributing the remaining assets to all their employees. Today, we can hardly find anyone like this anywhere. We live in a miserable age where everyone only seeks a way to save themselves. This is the greatest crisis and misfortune of our time.

Prayer:

Lord, we truly live in a miserable age. Even those who claim to believe seek only success and prosperity through Your power. We do not have the sincere desire to “participate in Your sufferings and become like You in Your death” as the Apostle Paul pursued (Phil. 3:10). O Lord, remove our selfish hearts and plant Your heart within us. Help us to live following that heart so that the story of our lives may show the image of the cross. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: God’s people are called to live with His heart—even when it is hard. Jeremiah stayed with his people until the end, not seeking his own safety but choosing love, sacrifice, and faithfulness. Today, God invites us to live with that same heart: caring for others, standing with our community, and showing the love of Jesus even when it costs us something.

  • For Preschool-Elementary:
    • Jeremiah stayed with his people even when things were hard. Who is someone you want to stay by or help when they’re having a hard day?
    • Jeremiah wanted to follow God’s heart. What do you think God’s heart feels like? Kind? Loving? Brave?
    • Jeremiah didn’t choose the easy way. What is one small “not-easy” thing you can do this week to show Jesus’ love at school or home?
  • Youth:
    • Jeremiah chose to stay with his community instead of saving himself. Where do you see people today choosing themselves over others? Why is it tempting to do that?
    • The devotional says we live in a “miserable age” where people only seek their own safety. What does live with “God’s heart” look like for a teenager in your community?
    • Jeremiah’s faithfulness didn’t lead to comfort but to sacrifice. Is there an area of your life where following Jesus feels costly? What helps you stay faithful?

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