II Kings 25:22-26; Jeremiah 39:11-44:30
Some people never learn…
Whereas the Book of Lamentations gives us a godly perspective on the sufferings inflicted upon Jerusalem, we see today that such a perspective is clearly not held by the vast majority of those left in Judah. So we see democracy in action yet again, and everyone heads to Egypt, despite Jeremiah’s clear instructions from the LORD to the contrary. And by everyone, I mean everyone, including all the poorest of the land that Nebuzaradan left to tend the fields, so that the land is now empty and without inhabitant — just as the LORD said. (Jer. 34:22; 44:22)
In making the decision to flee to Egypt, everything hinges on one’s perception of reality. Who is really behind the destruction of Jerusalem? Is this a sign of the LORD’s displeasure, or the displeasure of the queen of heaven? Did former prosperity come from the LORD, or was it from the hands of other gods? How one interprets reality depends heavily on the voices one heeds.
And so I ask again: To whom do you listen?