Jeremiah 42:3

Pray that the LORD your God will tell us the way we should walk and the thing we should do."

Study Bible

Pray
The Hebrew root for "pray" is "פָּלַל" (palal), which means to intercede or make supplication. In the context of Jeremiah 42, the people are seeking divine guidance through the prophet Jeremiah. This act of prayer signifies a humble acknowledgment of human limitations and a dependence on God's wisdom. It is a reminder of the importance of seeking God's will in all decisions, reflecting a heart posture of submission and trust.

the LORD your God
The phrase "the LORD your God" uses the Hebrew "יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ" (YHWH Eloheikha). "YHWH" is the personal name of God, often rendered as "LORD" in English translations, signifying His eternal and self-existent nature. "Eloheikha" means "your God," indicating a personal relationship. This phrase underscores the covenant relationship between God and His people, emphasizing that He is not a distant deity but one who is intimately involved in their lives and decisions.

will tell us
The Hebrew verb "נָגַד" (nagad) means to declare or make known. The people are seeking a clear revelation from God, desiring His explicit guidance. This reflects a deep yearning for divine direction, acknowledging that true wisdom and understanding come from God alone. It highlights the importance of listening to God's voice and being open to His instructions.

the way we should walk
The word "way" in Hebrew is "דֶּרֶךְ" (derek), which can mean a path or journey. "Walk" is from the Hebrew "הָלַךְ" (halak), meaning to go or proceed. Together, these words convey the idea of a lifestyle or conduct. The people are asking for guidance on how to live their lives in accordance with God's will. This phrase emphasizes the biblical principle that life is a journey, and believers are called to walk in a manner worthy of their calling, following the path God sets before them.

and the thing we should do
The Hebrew word for "thing" is "דָּבָר" (dabar), which can mean word, matter, or thing. "Do" comes from "עָשָׂה" (asah), meaning to make or accomplish. This request for guidance on actions reflects a desire to align not only their path but also their specific deeds with God's will. It underscores the comprehensive nature of obedience, which involves both the direction of one's life and the individual actions taken along the way.

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 sins of his people.

2. Johanan and the Remnant of Judah
Johanan was a military leader who, along with the remnant of Judah, sought guidance from Jeremiah after the Babylonian conquest. They were uncertain about their future and sought divine direction.

3. Babylonian Conquest
The context of this passage is the aftermath of the Babylonian conquest of Judah, which led to the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of many Israelites.

4. Egypt
The remnant of Judah was considering fleeing to Egypt for safety, fearing further Babylonian aggression.

5. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is sought for guidance and direction in this passage.

Teaching Points

Seeking Divine Guidance
Just as the remnant of Judah sought God's direction, believers today should prioritize seeking God's will in their decisions through prayer and Scripture.

Trusting God's Plan
Even in uncertain times, trust that God's plan is perfect. The remnant's situation teaches us to rely on God's wisdom rather than our own understanding.

The Importance of Obedience
It's not enough to seek God's guidance; we must also be willing to follow it, even if it leads us in unexpected directions.

Community in Decision-Making
The remnant approached Jeremiah as a community, highlighting the importance of seeking counsel and prayer support from fellow believers.

Avoiding Rash Decisions
The remnant's consideration of fleeing to Egypt without God's direction serves as a warning against making hasty decisions without seeking divine guidance.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from the remnant of Judah's approach to seeking God's guidance in Jeremiah 42:3, and how can we apply this to our own decision-making processes?

2. How does the context of the Babylonian conquest influence the remnant's request for guidance, and what does this teach us about seeking God in times of crisis?

3. In what ways does Proverbs 3:5-6 complement the message of Jeremiah 42:3, and how can these verses guide us in trusting God's plan for our lives?

4. How can we ensure that we are not only seeking God's guidance but also prepared to obey it, even if it challenges our own plans or desires?

5. Reflect on a time when you sought God's guidance in a community setting. How did the support and counsel of others impact your decision, and how does this relate to the remnant's approach in Jeremiah 42:3?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 3:5-6
This passage emphasizes trusting in the Lord with all your heart and not leaning on your own understanding, which aligns with the remnant's request for divine guidance in Jeremiah 42:3.

Psalm 25:4-5
The psalmist's plea for God to show him His ways and teach him His paths mirrors the request made by the remnant of Judah for direction.

James 1:5
This New Testament verse encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, promising that He gives generously to all without finding fault, similar to the remnant's request for guidance.