1. Arrogant hearts will be revealed (1-7)

It is shocking to see their response. When they inquired of the Lord, they appeared so sincere, but when the will of God was revealed they rejected it violently. They accused Jeremiah of lying and Baruch of plotting to hand them over to the Babylonians to be killed and taken into exile. They took everyone with them and fled to Egypt in direct disobedience to God. Their fear and lack of faith blinded them and paved the way for foolish decisions that would bring on so much suffering.

2. Stop running and listen to God (8-13)

The people felt that they were safe in Egypt, protected by the desert and Egypt's army. But this was not so. Jeremiah was called to plant stones in the courtyard of Pharaoh's palace. The Babylonian army would reach them, defeat the Egyptians and there the ruler's throne would be set up. Those Jews who fled would die in fulfillment of God's word. Running from God is never the answer.