Jeremiah 44

1. Migdol . . . Tahpanhes . . . Noph . . . Pathros. These four places are mentioned in geographical order. “Migdol” is probably Magdolum, at the north-east of Egypt, towards the Red Sea. On “Tahpanhes,” see note on ii. 16. On “Noph,” see note on Isa. xix. 13. “Pathros” is the Thebaid in Upper Egypt, often distinguished from “Egypt” (see Isa. xi. 11).

8 might cut yourselves off. Rather, “may be cut off,” R.V.

15 their wives had burned. Rather, as R.V., “their wives burned.”

17 our own mouth. Or, as R.V., “our mouth”; meaning their vow to serve the queen of heaven.

the queen of heaven. See note on vii. 18.

19 cakes to worship her. R.V. marg., “cakes to portray her”; “cakes in the shape of her” (Moffatt). They were, perhaps, star-shaped (Prof. Wheeler Robinson).

without our men. i.e., “without our husbands” (R.V.). Our husbands did not hinder, but joined us. On the introduction of idolatry by female influence, see 1 Kings xi. 1-8; xv. 13; 2 Kings xi. 3, 18.

25 ye will surely accomplish, etc. The Hebrew here is feminine; showing that this clause is addressed to the women. The R.V. reads the words as an ironical address: “Establish then your vows, and perform your vows.”

26. My name shall no more be named, etc. i.e., the Jews would become practically extinct.

30. Pharaoh-hophra. The Apries of the Greek historians, the grandson of Necho. He was defeated and dethroned by Amasis, who headed a revolt of the troops (see Herodotus, ii. 161, 169). Amasis after some years handed him over to his enemies, by whom he was put to death.