Jeremiah 42:2

Jeremiah the prophet and said, "May our petition come before you; pray to the LORD your God on behalf of this entire remnant. For few of us remain of the many, as you can see with your own eyes.

Study Bible

Jeremiah the prophet
This phrase identifies Jeremiah as the central prophetic figure in this narrative. The Hebrew root for "prophet" is "נָבִיא" (navi), which means one who is called or appointed to speak for God. Jeremiah's role as a prophet is significant because he serves as God's mouthpiece, delivering divine messages to the people of Judah. Historically, Jeremiah's ministry occurred during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, marked by political instability and impending exile. His prophetic office underscores the seriousness of the message he is about to deliver.

Please let our petition come before you
The word "petition" in Hebrew is "תְּחִנָּה" (teḥinnah), which conveys a sense of supplication or earnest request. This phrase reflects the humility and desperation of the people as they approach Jeremiah. They recognize their need for divine guidance and intervention. The historical context here is crucial; the people are in a state of fear and uncertainty following the assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor, and they are seeking direction on whether to flee to Egypt or remain in Judah.

Pray to the LORD your God
The Hebrew word for "pray" is "פָּלַל" (palal), which means to intercede or mediate. This request for prayer indicates the people's recognition of Jeremiah's close relationship with God. By referring to "the LORD your God," they acknowledge Jeremiah's unique standing and connection with Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. This phrase also highlights the people's awareness of their own estrangement from God, as they do not say "our God," suggesting a distance in their relationship with Him.

on behalf of this entire remnant
The term "remnant" in Hebrew is "שְׁאֵרִית" (she'erit), which refers to what is left or remains. This is a significant theological concept throughout the Bible, often denoting a group preserved by God through judgment or calamity. In this context, the remnant consists of those who survived the Babylonian conquest and the subsequent chaos. Theologically, the remnant represents hope and continuity of God's promises, even in the face of national disaster.

For as you can see, we are few
This phrase acknowledges the diminished state of the people, both numerically and in terms of power. The Hebrew word for "few" is "מְעַט" (me'at), emphasizing their vulnerability and need for divine guidance. Historically, this reflects the decimation of Judah's population due to war, exile, and internal strife. Theologically, it underscores the theme of reliance on God rather than human strength or numbers, a recurring motif in Scripture where God often works through a faithful remnant to accomplish His purposes.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his prophecies concerning the destruction of Jerusalem and the subsequent exile of the Israelites. He is often called the "weeping prophet" due to his deep sorrow over the fate of his people.

2. The Remnant
The small group of Israelites who survived the Babylonian conquest and exile. They represent the faithful few who remain after a period of judgment and destruction.

3. The Petition
The request made by the remnant to Jeremiah to intercede with God on their behalf. This reflects their recognition of Jeremiah's role as a prophet and their need for divine guidance.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenantal name of God used in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing His relationship with Israel and His sovereignty over their fate.

5. Babylonian Conquest
The historical event where Babylon, under King Nebuchadnezzar, conquered Jerusalem, leading to the destruction of the city and the exile of its people.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Intercession
Just as the remnant sought Jeremiah's intercession, we are called to intercede for others in prayer, recognizing the power of seeking God's guidance and intervention.

Recognizing God's Sovereignty
The remnant's acknowledgment of their reduced numbers and their plea for divine help underscores the importance of recognizing God's control over our circumstances and our dependence on Him.

The Role of the Prophet
Jeremiah's role as an intermediary between God and the people highlights the importance of spiritual leaders who guide and direct us according to God's will.

Faithfulness Amidst Adversity
The remnant's survival serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to those who remain true to Him, even in the face of overwhelming challenges.

Seeking God's Will
The remnant's request for Jeremiah to pray for them emphasizes the need to seek God's will in our decisions, especially during times of uncertainty.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the remnant's request to Jeremiah reflect their understanding of his role as a prophet, and how can we apply this understanding to our relationship with spiritual leaders today?

2. In what ways does the concept of a "remnant" provide hope for believers facing difficult circumstances, and how can this be related to other biblical examples of God's faithfulness?

3. How can we practice intercession in our own lives, and what are some practical steps we can take to pray for others effectively?

4. What does the remnant's situation teach us about the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty in our lives, and how can this perspective change our approach to challenges?

5. How can we ensure that we are seeking God's will in our decisions, and what biblical principles can guide us in discerning His direction for our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 25
Provides historical context for the Babylonian conquest and the exile of the Israelites, which is the backdrop for the events in Jeremiah 42.

Isaiah 10:20-22
Speaks of a remnant returning to God, highlighting the theme of a faithful few who remain after judgment.

Ezra 9:8
Discusses the concept of a remnant being given grace, connecting to the hope and restoration themes found in Jeremiah 42.