Jeremiah 43:12
Jeremiah 43:12 in Multiple Translations
I will kindle a fire in the temples of the gods of Egypt, and Nebuchadnezzar will burn those temples and take their gods as captives. So he will wrap himself with the land of Egypt as a shepherd wraps himself in his garment, and he will depart from there unscathed.
And I will kindle a fire in the houses of the gods of Egypt; and he shall burn them, and carry them away captives: and he shall array himself with the land of Egypt, as a shepherd putteth on his garment; and he shall go forth from thence in peace.
And I will kindle a fire in the houses of the gods of Egypt; and he shall burn them, and carry them away captive: and he shall array himself with the land of Egypt, as a shepherd putteth on his garment; and he shall go forth from thence in peace.
And he will put a fire in the houses of the gods of Egypt; and they will be burned by him: and he will make Egypt clean as a keeper of sheep makes clean his clothing; and he will go out from there in peace.
I will set fire to the temples of the gods of Egypt. Nebuchadnezzar will burn them and loot their idols. He will pick the land of Egypt clean like a shepherd picks his cloak clean of fleas, and he will leave unharmed.
And I wil kindle a fire in the houses of the gods of Egypt, and he shall burne them and carie them away captiues, and he shall aray himself with the land of Egypt, as a shepheard putteth on his garment, and shall depart from thence in peace.
And I have kindled a fire in the houses of the gods of Egypt, and it hath burned them, and he hath taken them captive, and covered himself with the land of Egypt, as cover himself doth the shepherd with his garment, and he hath gone forth thence in peace;
I will kindle a fire in the houses of the gods of Egypt. He will burn them, and carry them away captive. He will array himself with the land of Egypt, as a shepherd puts on his garment; and he will go out from there in peace.
And I will kindle a fire in the houses of the gods of Egypt; and he shall burn them, and carry them away captives: and he shall array himself with the land of Egypt, as a shepherd putteth on his garment; and he shall go forth from thence in peace.
And he shall kindle a fire in the temples of the gods of Egypt, and he shall burn them, and he shall carry them away captives: and he shall array himself with the land of Egypt, as a shepherd putteth on his garment: and he shall go forth from thence in peace.
Nebuchadnezzar’s soldiers will burn down the temples of the gods of Egypt. But before they burn the temples, they will take away their idols as souvenirs. His troops will clean Egypt like a shepherd cleans lice from his cloak. They will tear down the sacred pillars that are in the temple of their sun god. And then Nebuchadnezzar’s troops will leave there, without having been harmed.” ’ ”
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 43:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Jeremiah 43:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הִצַּ֣תִּי
אֵ֗שׁ
בְּ/בָתֵּי֙
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
מִצְרַ֔יִם
וּ/שְׂרָפָ֖/ם
וְ/שָׁבָ֑/ם
וְ/עָטָה֩
אֶת
אֶ֨רֶץ
מִצְרַ֜יִם
כַּ/אֲשֶׁר
יַעְטֶ֤ה
הָֽ/רֹעֶה֙
אֶת
בִּגְד֔/וֹ
וְ/יָצָ֥א
מִ/שָּׁ֖ם
בְּ/שָׁלֽוֹם
וְ/הִצַּ֣תִּי
yâtsath
H3341
to kindle
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
אֵ֗שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
N-cs
בְּ/בָתֵּי֙
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-mp
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
מִצְרַ֔יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper
וּ/שְׂרָפָ֖/ם
sâraph
H8313
to burn
Conj | V-Qal-3ms | Suff
וְ/שָׁבָ֑/ם
shâbâh
H7617
to take captive
Conj | V-Qal-3ms | Suff
וְ/עָטָה֩
ʻâṭâh
H5844
to enwrap
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֶ֨רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
מִצְרַ֜יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper
כַּ/אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
יַעְטֶ֤ה
ʻâṭâh
H5844
to enwrap
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
הָֽ/רֹעֶה֙
râʻâh
H7462
House of Shepherds
Art | V-Qal
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בִּגְד֔/וֹ
beged
H899
treachery
N-ms | Suff
וְ/יָצָ֥א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
מִ/שָּׁ֖ם
shâm
H8033
there
Prep | Adv
בְּ/שָׁלֽוֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
Peace
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 43:12
וְ/הִצַּ֣תִּי
yâtsath
H3341
"to kindle"
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
To kindle means to start a fire or burn something, and can also mean to leave something desolate. It appears in various forms, including being kindled or setting something on fire.
Definition: 1) to kindle, burn, set on fire 1a) (Qal) to kindle 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be kindled 1b2) to be left desolate 1c) (Hiphil) to set on fire, kindle
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: burn (up), be desolate, set (on) fire (fire), kindle. See also: Joshua 8:8; Jeremiah 11:16; Isaiah 9:17.
אֵ֗שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
בְּ/בָתֵּי֙
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
מִצְרַ֔יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
וּ/שְׂרָפָ֖/ם
sâraph
H8313
"to burn"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to set something on fire, and is used in the Bible to describe burning or kindling flames, like in Psalm 83:14. It can also mean to utterly destroy something. The word is related to fire and burning, and is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to burn 1a) (Qal) to burn 1b) (Niphal) to be burned 1c) (Piel) burner, burning (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be burnt up, be burned Also means: sa.raph (סָרַף "to burn" H5635)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: (cause to, make a) burn((-ing), up) kindle, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 11:3; 1 Kings 13:2; Psalms 46:10.
וְ/שָׁבָ֑/ם
shâbâh
H7617
"to take captive"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms | Suff
This verb means to take someone captive, like a prisoner of war. It involves transporting people away from their homes, often as a result of conflict or battle. The Bible uses it to describe the experiences of the Israelites.
Definition: 1) to take captive 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take captive 1a2) captive (participle) 1a3) to lead captive 1b) (Niphal) to be taken captive
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: (bring away, carry, carry away, lead, lead away, take) captive(-s), drive (take) away. See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Chronicles 6:38; Psalms 68:19.
וְ/עָטָה֩
ʻâṭâh
H5844
"to enwrap"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This verb means to grasp or cover something, like wrapping oneself in a cloak. It is used in Exodus 28:42 to describe the clothing of the priests. It can also mean to turn aside or change direction.
Definition: 1) to cover, enwrap, wrap oneself, envelop oneself 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to wrap, envelop oneself 1a2) to cover (the beard in mourning) 1a3) mourner, one who covers (participle) 1b) (Hiphil) to cover, enwrap, envelop
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: array self, be clad, (put a) cover (-ing, self), fill, put on, [idiom] surely, turn aside. See also: Leviticus 13:45; Psalms 109:29; Psalms 71:13.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֶ֨רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
מִצְרַ֜יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יַעְטֶ֤ה
ʻâṭâh
H5844
"to enwrap"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to grasp or cover something, like wrapping oneself in a cloak. It is used in Exodus 28:42 to describe the clothing of the priests. It can also mean to turn aside or change direction.
Definition: 1) to cover, enwrap, wrap oneself, envelop oneself 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to wrap, envelop oneself 1a2) to cover (the beard in mourning) 1a3) mourner, one who covers (participle) 1b) (Hiphil) to cover, enwrap, envelop
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: array self, be clad, (put a) cover (-ing, self), fill, put on, [idiom] surely, turn aside. See also: Leviticus 13:45; Psalms 109:29; Psalms 71:13.
הָֽ/רֹעֶה֙
râʻâh
H7462
"House of Shepherds"
Art | V-Qal
This verb means to care for or tend to someone or something, like a shepherd with his flock. It can also mean to rule over or associate with someone as a friend, and is sometimes used to describe a close relationship.
Definition: Ra'ah = "pasturing" perh. "binding-house of the shepherds"
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep) (-er), pastor, [phrase] shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste. See also: Genesis 4:2; Isaiah 40:11; Psalms 23:1.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בִּגְד֔/וֹ
beged
H899
"treachery"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.
Definition: treachery, deceit
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. See also: Genesis 24:53; Judges 17:10; Psalms 22:19.
וְ/יָצָ֥א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
מִ/שָּׁ֖ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Prep | Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
בְּ/שָׁלֽוֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
"Peace"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means completeness, wellness, and friendship, and is often used to describe God's relationship with humanity, as seen in the covenant with the Israelites. It encompasses physical and spiritual health, prosperity, and harmony.
Definition: This name means completeness, peace Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 209 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] do, familiar, [idiom] fare, favour, [phrase] friend, [idiom] great, (good) health, ([idiom] perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, ([idiom] all is, be) well, [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 15:15; Esther 2:11; Psalms 4:9.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 43:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 43:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 43:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 43:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 43:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 43:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 43:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 43:12
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 43:12
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 43:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 43:12
- Sermons on Jeremiah 43:12
Context — Jeremiah Taken to Egypt
10Then tell them that this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘I will send for My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and I will set his throne over these stones that I have embedded, and he will spread his royal pavilion over them.
11He will come and strike down the land of Egypt, bringing death to those destined for death, captivity to those destined for captivity, and the sword to those destined for the sword.
12I will kindle a fire in the temples of the gods of Egypt, and Nebuchadnezzar will burn those temples and take their gods as captives. So he will wrap himself with the land of Egypt as a shepherd wraps himself in his garment, and he will depart from there unscathed.
13He will demolish the sacred pillars of the temple of the sun in the land of Egypt, and he will burn down the temples of the gods of Egypt.’”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 30:13 | This is what the Lord GOD says: I will destroy the idols and put an end to the images in Memphis. There will no longer be a prince in Egypt, and I will instill fear in that land. |
| 2 | Psalms 109:18–19 | The cursing that he wore like a coat, may it soak into his body like water, and into his bones like oil. May it be like a robe wrapped about him, like a belt tied forever around him. |
| 3 | Isaiah 19:1 | This is the burden against Egypt: Behold, the LORD rides on a swift cloud; He is coming to Egypt. The idols of Egypt will tremble before Him, and the hearts of the Egyptians will melt within them. |
| 4 | Isaiah 49:18 | Lift up your eyes and look around. They all gather together; they come to you. As surely as I live,” declares the LORD, “you will wear them all as jewelry and put them on like a bride. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 48:7 | Because you trust in your works and treasures, you too will be captured, and Chemosh will go into exile with his priests and officials. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 46:25 | The LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Behold, I am about to punish Amon god of Thebes, along with Pharaoh, Egypt with her gods and kings, and those who trust in Pharaoh. |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 5:21 | There the Philistines abandoned their idols, and David and his men carried them away. |
| 8 | Exodus 12:12 | On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn male, both man and beast, and I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD. |
| 9 | Psalms 104:2 | He wraps Himself in light as with a garment; He stretches out the heavens like a tent, |
| 10 | Esther 6:9 | Let the robe and the horse be entrusted to one of the king’s most noble princes. Let them array the man the king wants to honor and parade him on the horse through the city square, proclaiming before him, ‘This is what is done for the man whom the king is delighted to honor!’” |
Jeremiah 43:12 Summary
Jeremiah 43:12 tells us that God will bring judgment upon the false gods of Egypt and use the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, to accomplish this. This means that God is the one true God, and all other idols and gods are false and will be judged, as seen in Isaiah 44:6-20 and 1 Corinthians 8:4-6. Just like a shepherd wraps himself in his garment, Nebuchadnezzar will completely conquer Egypt, but ultimately, God is the one in control, as seen in Proverbs 21:1 and Daniel 4:35. This reminds us that God is a God of justice and righteousness, and we should worship Him alone, as commanded in Exodus 20:3-6 and Matthew 4:10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to kindle a fire in the temples of the gods of Egypt?
This means that God will bring judgment and destruction upon the false idols and gods of Egypt, as seen in Jeremiah 43:12, and is a fulfillment of His promise to judge the nations in Jeremiah 25:12-14 and Isaiah 19:1-4.
Who is Nebuchadnezzar and why is he mentioned in this verse?
Nebuchadnezzar was the king of Babylon, and God is using him as an instrument of judgment against Egypt, as stated in Jeremiah 43:10-11, similar to how He used him to judge Judah in 2 Kings 25:1-21 and Lamentations 1:1-5.
What does it mean for Nebuchadnezzar to wrap himself with the land of Egypt as a shepherd wraps himself in his garment?
This is a metaphorical expression meaning that Nebuchadnezzar will completely conquer and dominate Egypt, just as a shepherd wraps himself in his garment for protection and warmth, as seen in Jeremiah 43:12, and is similar to God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:3 and His blessing to Israel in Deuteronomy 28:1-14.
How does this verse relate to God's overall plan of redemption?
This verse is part of God's larger plan to judge the nations and bring His people to repentance, as seen in Jeremiah 25:1-38, and ultimately points to the coming of Jesus Christ, who will bring salvation and redemption to all nations, as promised in Isaiah 2:1-5 and Revelation 7:9-10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some modern-day 'temples of gods' that we may be tempted to worship, and how can we apply the lesson of Jeremiah 43:12 to our own lives?
- How does God's use of a pagan king like Nebuchadnezzar to accomplish His purposes challenge our understanding of God's sovereignty and providence?
- What does this verse teach us about God's attitude towards idolatry and false worship, and how can we apply this to our own worship and devotion to God?
- How can we balance the idea of God's judgment and wrath with His love and mercy, as seen in Jeremiah 43:12 and other verses like John 3:16 and Romans 5:8?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 43:12
And I will kindle a fire in the houses of the gods of Egypt,.... Not only men should not be spared, but their gods also, and their temples should be burnt, as was usually done when cities were taken
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 43:12
And I will kindle a fire in the houses of the gods of Egypt; and he shall burn them, and carry them away captives: and he shall array himself with the land of Egypt, as a shepherd putteth on his
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 43:12
God by his prophet declares a particular hatred to the idols of Egypt, that he would burn up their temples, i.e. by the hands of Nebuchadnezzar. And carry them away captives; he shall carry away both the idols and the inhabitants of Egypt captives. He shall array himself with the land of Egypt; that is, with the spoils and plunder of the land of Egypt the king of Babylon shall clothe his army. As a shepherd putteth on his garment: our unacquaintedness with the fashions of shepherds causeth divers guesses at the sense of this phrase; that which the best interpreters fix in as the best is, that as a shepherd that while he hath been attending his flocks goes in any rags and is careless of his clothes, but when he goes home at night he puts on his coat; so the Babylonish soldiers, when they have finished their work in the conquest of Egypt, shall go home clothed in the better habits of the Egyptians. And he shall go forth from thence in peace; and the armies shall go home in peace, as conquerors not foiled in their undertaking.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 43:12
Jeremiah 43:12 And I will kindle a fire in the houses of the gods of Egypt; and he shall burn them, and carry them away captives: and he shall array himself with the land of Egypt, as a shepherd putteth on his garment; and he shall go forth from thence in peace.Ver. 12. And I will kindle a fire in the houses of the gods of Egypt.] Goodly gods they were, that could not keep their temples from burning! Diana, said one jestingly, was so busy at the birth of great Alexander that she could not for some while be at Ephesus, where her stately temple was at the same time set on fire by Herostratus. And he shall array himself with the land of Egypt, as a shepherd putteth on his garment,] i.e., Easily and speedily shall he carry away the spoil of that rich country, there being none there to hinder him, either in taking them or carrying them away: “ Pastor enim secure portat tectumque, laremque. ”
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 43:12
(12) I will kindle a fire.—The change of person is full of significance. Jehovah Himself kindles the fire which is to destroy the temples of the gods of Egypt, and the Chaldæan king is but His instrument. As a shepherd putteth on his garment.—The words may point simply to the easiness of the conquest. To take possession of the whole country will be as quick and light a matter as when the shepherd takes up his garment at night and wraps it round him. Possibly (as Hitzig suggests) there may be a reference to the fact that when the shepherd so wraps himself he turns the fleecy coat which he wears inside out (the “pellibus inversis” of Juvenal, Sat. xiv. 136). So, the prophet may suggest, shall the conqueror turn the whole land upside down. (Comp. 2 Kings 21:13).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 43:12
Verse 12. He shall burn them, and carry them away captives] Some of these gods, such as were of wood, he will burn; those of metal he will carry away. Some of them were of gold. See below. Shall array himself with the land of Egypt] Shall take all its wealth, and all its grandeur; shall take all its spoils. As a shepherd putteth on his garment] With as much ease, and with as little opposition; and with as full a confidence that it is now his own. He shall go forth from thence in peace.] He shall suffer no interruption, nor endure any disaster in his return from his Egyptian expedition. See the proof of all this in Clarke's notes at the end of "Jeremiah 44:30".
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 43:12
12. I will kindle] LXX (better) he will kindle. array himself … garment] The Heb. verb means to roll up, or to wrap round, as a garment, but interpretations of the figure here used differ: viz. (a) Nebuchadnezzar shall have no more difficulty in carrying off the spoil of Egypt than the shepherd has in rolling up his possessions in his garment and carrying them off (so Erbt); (b) the king of Babylon will take possession of the land itself, as easily as the shepherd wraps himself in his garment (so apparently R.V.), a figure, however, which is too violent to be probable. The LXX reading (so Co.), however unacceptable to modern taste, has a good deal to be said for its likelihood as expressive of the prophet’s attitude towards Babylon and Egypt respectively; i.e. for Nebuchadnezzar the utter devastation of the land of Egypt will be as easy a matter as it is for the shepherd to cleanse his garment by removing one by one the vermin which infest it.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 43:12
I will kindle - Or, “he shall kindle.” He shall burn them ... - i. e., he shall burn the temples, and carry away the gods.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 43:12
12. I will kindle… he shall burn — Because of the difference in person here, many critics have conjectured a change of one letter in the text, so that the true reading would be he shall kindle. This is unwarranted.
Sermons on Jeremiah 43:12
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Arab-02 Egypt - My People by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses a revelation from Egypt, where the Lord is seen riding on a fast cloud. The idols of Egypt rise from his face, causing the heart of Egypt to m |
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(Isaiah) Judgment of the Nations by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the fall of Babylon as described in the book of Isaiah. He emphasizes the vividness and power of God's word, which conveys the panic and terr |
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A Highway Out of Egypt! by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson delivers a powerful sermon titled 'A Highway Out of Egypt!' where he expounds on Isaiah 19's prophecy, emphasizing God's promise to bring back lost children and bac |
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Isaiah and the Nations by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of understanding Isaiah's prophecies in the context of the surrounding nations that influenced Israel's history. He explains how Judah and |
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Isaiah Chapter 5 Isaiah and the Nations by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of understanding the geopolitical context of Isaiah's prophecies, particularly the neighboring nations that influenced Israel and Judah. He |
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Pray for the Spirit by J.W. Alexander | J.W. Alexander preaches about the necessity of the whole Church humbling themselves before God in prayer for a mighty revival. He emphasizes the importance of seeking the Holy Spir |
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The Dawn of a Golden Age by G. Campbell Morgan | G. Campbell Morgan discusses the dire conditions on earth at the return of Christ, emphasizing the oppressive rule of the antichrist and the suffering of the Jewish people during t |