Jeremiah 42:20

For you have deceived yourselves by sending me to the LORD your God, saying, 'Pray to the LORD our God on our behalf, and as for all that the LORD our God says, tell it to us and we will do it.'

Study Bible

For you have deceived yourselves
This phrase highlights the self-deception of the people of Judah. The Hebrew root for "deceived" is "תָּעָה" (ta'ah), which means to err or go astray. Historically, the people of Judah were often led astray by their own desires and fears, rather than trusting in God's guidance. This self-deception is a common theme in the Bible, where individuals or groups convince themselves of a false reality, often leading to dire consequences. In this context, it serves as a warning against the dangers of not being truthful with oneself and with God.

by sending me to the LORD your God
The act of sending Jeremiah to inquire of the LORD indicates a superficial desire to seek divine guidance. The phrase "the LORD your God" emphasizes a personal relationship with God, which the people of Judah claimed to have. However, their actions suggest otherwise. This reflects a historical pattern where the Israelites would seek God's counsel in times of distress but fail to follow through with genuine obedience. It serves as a reminder of the importance of sincerity in our relationship with God.

saying, ‘Pray to the LORD our God on our behalf
Here, the people request intercession from Jeremiah, acknowledging the LORD as "our God." This phrase indicates a communal recognition of God's sovereignty. The Hebrew word for "pray" is "פָּלַל" (palal), which means to intercede or mediate. This reflects the biblical tradition of prophets acting as intermediaries between God and His people. However, the insincerity of their request is evident, as their actions later reveal a lack of true commitment to God's will.

and whatever the LORD says to us, tell us and we will do it.’
This phrase is a declaration of obedience, yet it is ultimately hollow. The Hebrew word for "says" is "דָּבַר" (dabar), which means to speak or declare. The people promise to act on God's word, yet their subsequent actions show a lack of follow-through. This highlights a recurring biblical theme: the importance of not just hearing God's word, but also acting upon it. The phrase serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of making empty promises to God and the importance of aligning one's actions with one's words.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah. Known for his perseverance in delivering God's word despite opposition.

2. The Remnant of Judah
The group of Israelites left in Judah after the Babylonian conquest. They sought guidance from God through Jeremiah.

3. Johanan
A leader among the remnant who sought Jeremiah's counsel, representing the people's desire for divine direction.

4. Egypt
The place where the remnant considered fleeing to escape Babylonian rule, against God's directive.

5. Babylonian Conquest
The historical backdrop of this passage, where Judah was conquered, and many were exiled.

Teaching Points

Sincerity in Seeking God's Will
When seeking God's guidance, ensure that your heart is genuinely open to His direction, even if it contradicts personal desires.

The Danger of Self-Deception
Be aware of the human tendency to deceive oneself, especially when it comes to spiritual matters. True obedience requires honesty with oneself and God.

Consequences of Disobedience
Understand that ignoring God's instructions can lead to negative consequences, as seen in the remnant's eventual downfall.

Trust in God's Plan
Trust that God's plan, even when it seems difficult or counterintuitive, is ultimately for our good and His glory.

Commitment to Action
Commit to acting on God's word, not just hearing it. True faith is demonstrated through obedience.

Bible Study Questions

1. What motivations might have led the remnant of Judah to seek Jeremiah's counsel, and how can we ensure our motivations align with God's will when seeking guidance?

2. How does the remnant's response to God's message through Jeremiah reflect our own struggles with obedience, and what steps can we take to overcome these struggles?

3. In what ways do we deceive ourselves in our spiritual walk, and how can we cultivate a heart of sincerity and truthfulness before God?

4. How does the account of the remnant's desire to flee to Egypt parallel other biblical accounts of disobedience, and what lessons can we learn from these parallels?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult decision. How did you seek God's guidance, and what was the outcome? How can this passage inform your approach to future decisions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 43
This chapter continues the account, showing the people's disobedience to God's command through Jeremiah, highlighting the consequences of not following divine guidance.

Exodus 14
The Israelites' initial desire to return to Egypt when faced with challenges, paralleling the remnant's inclination to seek refuge in Egypt.

James 1:22
This verse emphasizes the importance of being doers of the word, not just hearers, which relates to the remnant's failure to act on God's instructions.