Jeremiah 42:5

Then they said to Jeremiah, "May the LORD be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act upon every word that the LORD your God sends you to tell us.

Study Bible

Then they said to Jeremiah
This phrase sets the stage for a pivotal moment in the narrative. The people are addressing Jeremiah, the prophet, who serves as a mouthpiece for God. Historically, Jeremiah was a prophet during a tumultuous time in Judah's history, around the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC. His role was to convey God's messages to the people, often calling them to repentance and warning them of impending judgment. The people's approach to Jeremiah signifies their recognition of his prophetic authority and their desire for divine guidance.

May the LORD be a true and faithful witness against us
Here, the people invoke the name of the LORD, Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. The phrase "true and faithful witness" underscores the seriousness of their commitment. In Hebrew, the word for "witness" (עֵד, 'ed) carries legal connotations, suggesting a solemn vow or testimony. By calling upon God as a witness, they are acknowledging His omniscience and justice, understanding that He will hold them accountable to their promise. This reflects a deep awareness of God's character as one who is both just and merciful.

if we do not act according to every word
This part of the verse highlights the people's pledge to obey the divine instructions given through Jeremiah. The phrase "every word" emphasizes total obedience, not selective adherence. In the Hebrew context, the word for "word" (דָּבָר, davar) often signifies not just spoken words but also matters or things, indicating the comprehensive nature of God's commands. This commitment to complete obedience is a recurring theme in the covenant relationship between God and His people, where blessings are contingent upon adherence to His laws.

the LORD your God sends you to tell us
The phrase "the LORD your God" personalizes the relationship between God and Jeremiah, affirming Jeremiah's role as God's chosen messenger. The use of "sends you to tell us" indicates the divine origin of the message, reinforcing the authority of Jeremiah's words. In the ancient Near Eastern context, prophets were seen as intermediaries between the divine and human realms, and their messages were considered binding. This acknowledgment by the people shows their willingness to submit to God's will as revealed through His prophet.

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. The Remnant of Judah
The group of Israelites who remained in Judah after the Babylonian conquest. They sought guidance from Jeremiah on whether to flee to Egypt or stay in the land.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenantal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing His faithfulness and sovereignty. The people invoke His name as a witness to their promise.

4. Egypt
A neighboring nation to which the remnant considered fleeing for safety. Historically, Egypt was both a place of refuge and a symbol of reliance on human strength rather than God.

5. Babylonian Conquest
The historical backdrop of this passage, where Babylon had conquered Judah, leading to the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of many Israelites.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Vows
Invoking God as a witness is a solemn act. Believers should be cautious and sincere when making commitments, understanding the weight of their words before God.

Seeking Divine Guidance
Like the remnant, we should seek God's guidance in our decisions. However, we must be prepared to follow through with obedience, regardless of personal desires.

God's Faithfulness
The passage underscores God's role as a "true and faithful witness." Believers can trust in God's faithfulness and truthfulness in all circumstances.

The Danger of Insincere Promises
The remnant's promise to obey God's word through Jeremiah was not kept, leading to dire consequences. This serves as a warning against making insincere commitments to God.

Reliance on God vs. Human Solutions
The temptation to flee to Egypt symbolizes reliance on human solutions rather than trusting in God's provision and protection.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does it mean to have God as a "true and faithful witness" in our lives today, and how can this understanding impact our daily decisions?

2. How can we ensure that our commitments to God are sincere and not just empty promises?

3. In what ways can we seek and discern God's guidance in our lives, similar to how the remnant sought Jeremiah's counsel?

4. Reflect on a time when you relied on human solutions instead of trusting in God. What were the outcomes, and what did you learn from that experience?

5. How can the principle of witnesses, as seen in both the Old and New Testaments, be applied in our relationships and community interactions today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 19:15
This verse discusses the requirement of two or three witnesses to establish a matter, highlighting the seriousness of invoking God as a witness.

Matthew 18:16
Jesus refers to the principle of witnesses in resolving disputes, showing the continuity of this concept in both Old and New Testaments.

Hebrews 6:13-18
Discusses God's unchangeable nature and His promises, reinforcing the idea of God as a faithful witness.