Jeremiah 44:17

“But we will certainly do whatsoever thing goeth forth out of our own mouth, to burn incense unto the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, as we have done, we, and our fathers, our kings, and our princes, in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem: for then had we plenty of victuals, and were well, and saw no evil.”

Jeremiah 44:17 is part of a larger passage where the prophet Jeremiah confronts the people of Judah who had settled in Egypt after the fall of Jerusalem. The people had been engaging in idolatry, worshiping various deities, including the "queen of heaven." They attributed their past prosperity and well-being to this idol worship, believing that it brought them blessings and prosperity.

The "queen of heaven" mentioned in this passage is believed to refer to a pagan goddess, likely related to fertility and motherhood, that was worshiped by various ancient cultures, including the Canaanites and the Babylonians. It is important to note that this goddess is not a figure mentioned or endorsed in the biblical canon.

Jeremiah was sent by God to prophesy against the idolatrous practices of the people. He rebuked them for turning away from the true worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel, and engaging in worship of false gods. He reminded them of the consequences that their idolatry had brought upon Jerusalem, leading to its destruction and the exile of its people.

In this verse, the people of Judah express their determination to continue their idolatrous practices, despite Jeremiah’s warnings. They firmly declare that they will carry out whatever they have vowed to do, including burning incense and offering drink offerings to the queen of heaven. They attribute their past prosperity and security to these practices, implying that their current difficulties in Egypt are a result of abandoning them.

However, it is important to note that the people’s understanding of cause and effect is misguided. Their blessings and well-being in the past were not a result of their idol worship but were granted by God’s grace. By turning away from the true worship of God and engaging in idolatry, they were provoking His righteous anger.

Jeremiah’s message throughout the book emphasizes the importance of repentance, turning away from idolatry, and returning to the worship of the true God. He warns the people that their idolatrous practices will only lead to further destruction and exile if they persist in their rebellion against God’s commandments.

In conclusion, Jeremiah 44:17 portrays the stubbornness and defiance of the people of Judah in continuing their idolatrous practices despite the warnings and rebukes of the prophet Jeremiah. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of genuine repentance and obedience to His commands.

Passage

Jeremiah 44:17Verse 17 of 30

Jeremiah 44:16 Jeremiah 44:18

Jump to