Read Jeremiah 43.
Johanan asked Jeremiah to pray and to tell them what God had to say. But
when God's word was delivered, Johanan refused to accept it as the truth.
He blamed the messenger. This is very much like those today who
only want to accept the parts of the Bible that agree with them. They
dismiss the rest as the writer's personal opinion. Such irrational
thinking sets up every person as their own pride-filled authority of truth.
Against all that God had said, Johanan took the people he rescued, including
Jeremiah, to Egypt. They settled in Tahpanhes. This was a fortified
city near the Nile River in northeast Egypt. Here, they would be safe
from the Babylonians. Or, so they thought.
God had warned them that going to Egypt would be no escape but would result in
their death. Not only did Nebuchadnezzar bring his army to avenge the
murders of his representatives (chapter 41), but God had had enough of Egypt's
idolatry. He would use Nebuchadnezzar as “my servant" (v.10) to
accomplish His judgment.
In dramatic fashion, the LORD instructed Jeremiah to foretell exactly what was
about to take place. He even marked the spot where the king of Babylon
would sit when Egypt would be destroyed and taken.
The foundation of faith is embracing the answer to "What is the
Bible?" Is it just a collection of lore with some historical value
or is it in fact the word of God? If it is the very truth from God, then
it is infallible and inerrant.
Throughout the Bible the Scriptures make claims that cannot be dismissed.
"The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules
endures forever." (Psalm 119:160)
"...for you have exalted above all things your name and your word."
(Psalm 138:2b)
"Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in
him." (Proverbs 30:5)
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