Albert Barnes Commentary Jeremiah 44:15

"Then all the men who knew that their wives burned incense unto other gods, and all the women that stood by, a great assembly, even all the people that dwelt in the land of Egypt, in Pathros, answered Jeremiah, saying," — Jeremiah 44:15 (ASV)

Had burned incense - Omit “had”; the resulting phrase is “burned incense.” This appeal of the prophet was made at a public festival held somewhere in Pathros, that is, Upper Egypt. For the women were assembled in a great congregation , formed here for religious purposes. As they advanced in regular procession to worship the moon-goddess, apparently in accordance with a vow (Jeremiah 44:17), Jeremiah met them, made the procession halt on its way, and pronounced in Yahweh’s name words of solemn warning. The reply that all the settlers in Egypt were formally putting themselves under the Queen of Heaven’s protection was made by the heads of the congregation.