This verse from Jeremiah 43:3 expresses the anger and suspicion of the remaining Jews in Judah towards Jeremiah and his scribe, Baruch. Let's break it down:
"but Baruch the son of Neriah has turned you against us...": The people are accusing Baruch of influencing Jeremiah to speak against them. They believe Baruch is manipulating Jeremiah, perhaps even writing down prophecies Jeremiah didn't actually have, to their detriment.
"...to deliver us into the hand of the Chaldeans...": This is their core fear. They believe that the prophecies Jeremiah has been delivering (or that they believe Baruch has been delivering through Jeremiah) are designed to weaken their resolve and make them easier prey for the Babylonians (Chaldeans). They believe these prophecies are meant to demoralize them and make them submit to Babylonian rule.
"...that they may put us to death, and carry us away captive to Babylon.": This spells out their perceived consequences. They believe that by heeding Jeremiah's warnings (which they see as Baruch's manipulation), they will be either killed by the Babylonians in a siege or battle, or taken into exile in Babylon. They see Jeremiah and Baruch's prophecies as a betrayal that leads to their destruction.
Context is Key:
To understand this verse, it's crucial to remember the context:
Jeremiah's Prophecies: Jeremiah had been consistently prophesying the destruction of Jerusalem and Judah by the Babylonians as a consequence of their idolatry and disobedience to God. He urged the people to submit to Babylonian rule as God's judgment.
The Fall of Jerusalem: Jerusalem had already fallen to the Babylonians, and many people had been killed or taken into exile. A remnant remained in Judah.
Fear and Resistance: This remnant, fearful and desperate to avoid further suffering, were trying to rebuild and resist Babylonian control. They resented Jeremiah's seemingly pessimistic prophecies. They wanted to believe they could defend themselves.
Distrust and Blame: In times of crisis, people often look for someone to blame. Jeremiah, with his constant warnings of doom, became a convenient target for their anger and frustration. They suspected his scribe, Baruch, of being a secret manipulator.
In summary, the verse reflects the fear, anger, and distrust of the remaining Jews in Judah towards Jeremiah and Baruch. They accuse Baruch of manipulating Jeremiah to deliver prophecies that would weaken their resistance against the Babylonians, ultimately leading to their death or exile. They believe that Baruch and Jeremiah are traitors working against their best interests.
This verse from Jeremiah 43:3 expresses the anger and suspicion of the remaining Jews in Judah towards Jeremiah and his scribe, Baruch. Let's break it down:
"but Baruch the son of Neriah has turned you against us...": The people are accusing Baruch of influencing Jeremiah to speak against them. They believe Baruch is manipulating Jeremiah, perhaps even writing down prophecies Jeremiah didn't actually have, to their detriment.
"...to deliver us into the hand of the Chaldeans...": This is their core fear. They believe that the prophecies Jeremiah has been delivering (or that they believe Baruch has been delivering through Jeremiah) are designed to weaken their resolve and make them easier prey for the Babylonians (Chaldeans). They believe these prophecies are meant to demoralize them and make them submit to Babylonian rule.
"...that they may put us to death, and carry us away captive to Babylon.": This spells out their perceived consequences. They believe that by heeding Jeremiah's warnings (which they see as Baruch's manipulation), they will be either killed by the Babylonians in a siege or battle, or taken into exile in Babylon. They see Jeremiah and Baruch's prophecies as a betrayal that leads to their destruction.
Context is Key:
To understand this verse, it's crucial to remember the context:
Jeremiah's Prophecies: Jeremiah had been consistently prophesying the destruction of Jerusalem and Judah by the Babylonians as a consequence of their idolatry and disobedience to God. He urged the people to submit to Babylonian rule as God's judgment.
The Fall of Jerusalem: Jerusalem had already fallen to the Babylonians, and many people had been killed or taken into exile. A remnant remained in Judah.
Fear and Resistance: This remnant, fearful and desperate to avoid further suffering, were trying to rebuild and resist Babylonian control. They resented Jeremiah's seemingly pessimistic prophecies. They wanted to believe they could defend themselves.
Distrust and Blame: In times of crisis, people often look for someone to blame. Jeremiah, with his constant warnings of doom, became a convenient target for their anger and frustration. They suspected his scribe, Baruch, of being a secret manipulator.
In summary, the verse reflects the fear, anger, and distrust of the remaining Jews in Judah towards Jeremiah and Baruch. They accuse Baruch of manipulating Jeremiah to deliver prophecies that would weaken their resistance against the Babylonians, ultimately leading to their death or exile. They believe that Baruch and Jeremiah are traitors working against their best interests.