There in the temple of the sun in Egypt he will demolish the sacred pillars and will burn down the temples of the gods of Egypt. – Jeremiah 43:13

Today's Scripture Reading (September 9, 2026): Jeremiah 43

I sometimes wonder about the way, or the sequence of events, that things seem to happen in the Bible. I have to admit that I am not convinced that the future is fixed. I really believe that it is fluid and that we serve a passionate God who is moved by all of our actions, both our obedience and our disobedience, and because of these moments, the future changes. It is not that I do not believe that God knows the future. I actually believe the reverse. God knows all possible futures and outcomes, but what actually happens is a joint decision between our actions and God's movement. I know that's a radical thought, but for me, the proof is in texts like this one.

Jeremiah tells the people that God has spoken, and he does not want them to run to Egypt; the safest place for them to live was right where they were in Judah, the land God had promised to His people. But the people were convinced that safety was found in Egypt. That belief was not without merit. Nebuchadnezzar had already tried to defeat Egypt, and Egypt had won the battle. At this moment of loss, Nebuchadnezzar turned his eyes to securing Asia and the Middle East for his empire, and to the many building projects he hoped would allow him to be remembered, and we do remember him 2500 years later.

But this was one of the moments (admittedly there were many of them) when the people disobeyed. Actually, the people decided they were smarter than God; they thought they knew better than God what the truth was regarding the Babylonian-Egyptian conflict. God, we know Egypt has already won, and we believe we will be safe in the African nation. So, the people ran to Egypt, carrying the reluctant prophet Jeremiah with them, and every step of the way, Jeremiah talked to the people about the folly of the action in which they were engaged.

And as you read history, you get a sense that the people were right. In this moment of Nebuchadnezzar's life, it made sense for Nebuchadnezzar to tidy up conflicts, secure his borders, and concentrate on the peaceful building projects that he already had in his mind to complete. By this time, Nebuchadnezzar was starting to be influenced by the Judean captives, especially leaders like Daniel. Babylon's position in the world made this a good stopping point.

However, the Judean rebellion against God also needed to be handled. I almost get the sense that as the people of God rebelled, plans changed. Instead of actions dedicated to securing the borders, Nebuchadnezzar began planning a second attempt to move into Africa. Part of me wonders if the people of Israel had obeyed God, if just maybe Nebuchadnezzar would have stopped and history would be different. But the history that we know tells the story of Nebuchadnezzar's defeat not only of Egypt, but of Liberia and the north coast of Africa as well. And the people who had run to Egypt hoping to be safe realized that they, much like Jonah, could not run from the presence and the purposes of God.  

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 44 & 45