The chapter begins with the people defending their worship of the "queen of heaven," pointing to their past rituals of burning incense, making cakes, and pouring drink offerings as expressions of devotion.
Jeremiah addresses the people, reminding them of how their actions and the sins of their ancestors have led God to bring calamities upon them, rendering their land desolate and cursed.
Jeremiah warns that their disobedience to God's commandments, failure to heed His laws, and idol worship have resulted in the current state of destruction and exile.
He proclaims God's message to those living in Egypt: they have fulfilled their vows to worship idols, but they have also brought judgment upon themselves.
God declares through Jeremiah that His name shall no longer be invoked by the people of Judah living in Egypt because of their unfaithfulness.
Judgment is pronounced upon the men of Judah in Egypt—they will perish by sword and famine, allowing only a small remnant to survive and return to Judah to recognize the fulfillment of God's word.
A sign is given by the Lord as proof of His judgment: Pharaoh-Hophra, the king of Egypt, will fall into the hands of his enemies, similar to how Zedekiah, king of Judah, was handed over to Babylon.
A separate prophecy is directed at Baruch, Jeremiah's scribe, reassuring him that while God's judgment will bring destruction, Baruch will be spared his life as a "prize" in the midst of the turmoil.
The prophecy shifts to the nations, beginning with Egypt's demise at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. Egypt's mighty army and allies will fail, and the land will be devastated.
Prophecies against various nations follow, highlighting God’s sovereignty and judgments, including Moab, the Ammonites, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, and Elam. In each case, God calls out their sins, pride, and idolatry, promising destruction or exile.
Babylon, the instrument of God's judgment on other nations, is also condemned. Its fall is described as inevitable and total, with the Medes and other allied nations as God's agents of destruction.
God gives a final message of hope to Israel and Judah, promising eventual restoration and salvation for His people, though they will first endure correction for their sins.