Jewish refugees rush to the Nile River

Jeremiah and refugees escape to Egypt

After Babylon’s army destroyed Jerusalem in 586 BC, they left a Jewish man named Gedaliah in charge of what was left of Judah. But not long after, a group of rebels killed him. When that happened, the people of Judah panicked. They knew Babylon’s king, Nebuchadnezzar, wouldn’t just let it go. He would come back with his army, and this time, he might wipe out everyone.

Jeremiah says not to go to Egypt

Leaders of the remaining Jews went to the prophet Jeremiah and begged him to ask God what they should do. They promised to obey, no matter what. But when Jeremiah told them God said to stay in Judah and trust Him for protection, they refused to listen. Instead, they accused Jeremiah of lying and decided to run for their lives—to Egypt. Even though Jeremiah warned them that trouble would follow them there, they packed up their families and forced Jeremiah to go with them. They traveled south, heading for the safety of Egypt’s powerful army and thick-walled cities.

Egypt's life-giving Nile River

Egypt is mostly dry, barren desert. If not for the Nile River, hardly anyone could live there. This river stretches over 4,000 miles (6,400 km), the longest in the world, flowing from deep in Central Africa all the way north to the Mediterranean Sea. Each year, the Nile floods its banks, leaving behind rich, black soil perfect for growing food. That’s why ancient Egyptians called their land “the Black Land.” Without the Nile, Egypt would be little more than sand and rock. The river gives the people and animals fresh water, food, and an easy way to travel. It was the heartbeat of their nation—and their super highway. But for Jeremiah and the Jewish refugees, Egypt wouldn’t turn out to be the safe haven they had hoped for. Babylonians followed them and conquered Egypt.