Jeremiah 44:24 – “Then Jeremiah said to all the people, including the women, ‘Hear the word of the Lord, all you people of Judah in Egypt.’”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Jeremiah once again addresses the Jewish remnant living in Egypt. He delivers God’s message not just to a select group, but to “all the people,” including the women, who had been actively involved in idolatry (Jeremiah 44:17-19). By singling out the women and emphasizing “all you people of Judah,” Jeremiah makes it clear that no one is exempt from hearing or responding to God’s Word.
The phrase “Hear the word of the Lord” is significant because it reflects the authority and finality of what Jeremiah is about to say. This is not Jeremiah’s opinion or advice—it is God’s Word. The people’s rebellion and refusal to listen up to this point had brought judgment on Judah, and their ongoing idolatry in Egypt meant they were continuing down the same destructive path.
This verse sets the stage for Jeremiah’s next warning, where he confronts their stubbornness and lays out the consequences of rejecting God’s authority.
Historical Context
After the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, a group of Jews fled to Egypt despite God’s clear command to remain in Judah (Jeremiah 42:19-22). They settled in Egyptian cities like Pathros and quickly resumed their idolatrous practices, including worshiping the “Queen of Heaven” (Jeremiah 44:17-19). This idol worship was one of the key reasons Judah had fallen in the first place.
Jeremiah, God’s faithful prophet, continued to confront them with God’s truth. This verse marks yet another attempt by Jeremiah to get their attention, calling on everyone—men and women alike—to listen to God’s warning.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights God’s consistent call to repentance. Even in the face of defiance, God’s Word is proclaimed to all people, giving them an opportunity to turn back to Him. It shows that no one is beyond the reach of God’s message, and no one can claim ignorance.
It also emphasizes the authority of God’s Word. Jeremiah is not sharing his own thoughts or opinions—he is speaking on behalf of the Lord. This reminds us that God’s truth stands above human reasoning, opinions, or traditions. The people in Egypt needed to stop justifying their actions and start listening to God.
Literary Analysis
The phrase “Hear the word of the Lord” is a common prophetic statement that underscores the seriousness and divine origin of the message being delivered. The structure of the verse draws attention to the inclusiveness of Jeremiah’s audience: “all the people” and “the women” show that everyone shares responsibility for their actions.
By addressing “all you people of Judah in Egypt,” Jeremiah emphasizes their shared identity as God’s people, even in exile. This also makes their idolatry more tragic because they were rejecting the very God who had chosen and cared for them.
Biblical Cross-References
- Jeremiah 7:25-26 – God’s repeated call to His people through the prophets, even though they refused to listen.
- Deuteronomy 30:19-20 – God calls His people to choose life by listening to Him and obeying His commands.
- Ezekiel 18:30-32 – A call to repentance and God’s desire for people to turn from sin and live.
- Psalm 95:7-8 – “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.”
- James 1:22 – A reminder to be doers of the Word, not just hearers.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse reminds us of the importance of listening to God’s Word and responding to it. God still speaks through Scripture, calling us to live in obedience to Him. Like the people of Judah, we can be tempted to ignore His voice or justify disobedience, but this verse challenges us to take His Word seriously.
It also teaches personal responsibility. God’s Word is for everyone—men, women, leaders, and everyday people. No one is exempt from hearing and obeying it. This challenges us to evaluate whether we are truly listening to God’s voice and living according to His commands.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in His persistence. Even when His people reject Him, He continues to speak through prophets like Jeremiah, giving them opportunities to repent. God does not give up easily because His desire is always for restoration, not destruction (2 Peter 3:9).
By addressing all the people, God shows His care for each individual. His message is not reserved for an elite group but is offered to everyone because He desires a relationship with all of His people.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate messenger of God’s Word. While Jeremiah faithfully proclaimed God’s truth to the people of Judah, Jesus came as the “Word made flesh” (John 1:14), fully revealing God’s heart and His message of salvation.
Jesus also called people to listen and respond to God’s Word. In John 10:27, He says, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Through Jesus, we have the opportunity to hear God’s voice clearly and follow Him in obedience, finding life and restoration.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are you truly listening to God’s Word, or are there areas where you are ignoring His voice?
- What steps can you take to make God’s Word a greater priority in your life?
- How does this verse challenge you to take personal responsibility for hearing and obeying God?
- Why do you think people often resist God’s message, as the remnant in Egypt did?
- How does Jesus’ role as the ultimate messenger of God’s Word inspire you to follow Him more closely?