Jeremiah 42-45

“All the men of Judah who are in the land of Egypt shall be consumed by the sword and by famine” (44:27). After the Babylonians had invaded and exiled many people, Jeremiah told those left in the land to stay and trust the Lord (ch 42). But they were scared and fled to Egypt for protection, insisting that idols like the “queen of heaven” could save them (44:16-23). Jeremiah warned them that false gods could not protect them anywhere.

“Do not fear …” (42:11). Fear caused the Judeans to cling to their false gods and be destroyed. Instead, the Lord calls us to give up our rebellion and run to Him; He will comfort, save, and deliver us (v11).