Here is the word Yahweh gave Jeremiah concerning all the Israelites who were living in Egypt. They were in the cities of Migdol, Tahpanhes, and Memphis, and in the Pathros region.
“Tell this throughout Egypt; proclaim it in the cities of Migdol, Memphis, and Tahpanhes. Say to them, ‘Stand your ground, grab your weapons, for the war will destroy everything around you.’
At Tahpanhes, I will turn day to darkness when I shatter Egypt’s strength and silence the boast of her might. I will blanket Egypt with dark clouds, and her people will go into captivity.
You travel down to Egypt to find help without being guided by the words of my mouth. Instead you put your trust in Pharaoh’s protection, seeking shelter in the shadow of Egypt.
However, they were afraid of the Babylonians because Ishmael had murdered Gedaliah, the king of Babylon’s governor of the land. So, they set out for Egypt in order to avoid the Babylonians. On the way, they stopped at Geruth Chimham, near Bethlehem.