Jeremiah 42:6

Whether it is pleasant or unpleasant, we will obey the voice of the LORD our God to whom we are sending you, so that it may go well with us, for we will obey the voice of the LORD our God!"

Study Bible

Whether it is pleasant or unpleasant
This phrase captures the essence of unconditional obedience. The Hebrew words here reflect a commitment to follow God's will regardless of personal comfort or preference. Historically, this reflects the Israelites' understanding of covenantal faithfulness, where obedience to God was paramount, transcending personal desires or circumstances. This commitment is a call to modern believers to trust in God's wisdom, even when His commands challenge our comfort zones.

we will obey the voice of the LORD our God
The emphasis on "obey" highlights the active response required from the people. The Hebrew root "shama" implies not just hearing but acting upon what is heard. This reflects a deep-seated belief in the authority and sovereignty of God. The phrase underscores the importance of aligning one's actions with divine instruction, a principle that remains central to Christian discipleship today.

to whom we are sending you
This indicates the role of Jeremiah as a mediator between God and the people. In the historical context, prophets were often sent to convey God's messages, acting as intermediaries. This highlights the importance of spiritual leadership and guidance in understanding and implementing God's will. It serves as a reminder of the value of seeking godly counsel in our spiritual journey.

so that it may go well with us
This phrase reflects the covenantal promise of blessings tied to obedience. The Israelites understood that their well-being was directly linked to their faithfulness to God's commands. This principle is echoed throughout Scripture, where obedience leads to divine favor and protection. It encourages believers to trust that God's commands are designed for their ultimate good.

For we will obey the voice of the LORD our God!
The repetition of this commitment underscores its significance. It is a declaration of faith and trust in God's authority. The phrase serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of steadfastness in our spiritual commitments. It challenges believers to remain faithful, trusting that God's ways, though sometimes mysterious, are always for our benefit and His glory.

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 the mouthpiece of God in this passage.

2. Johanan and the Remnant of Judah
Johanan was a leader among the remnant of Judah who sought Jeremiah's counsel. The remnant refers to the small group of Israelites left in Judah after the Babylonian conquest.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who speaks through His prophet Jeremiah. The people are seeking His guidance for their future actions.

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

5. Babylonian Exile
The historical context of this passage, where the Israelites were taken captive by Babylon. The remnant is seeking guidance on whether to stay in Judah or flee to Egypt.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience
Obedience to God's word is crucial, whether His commands are pleasant or unpleasant. True faith is demonstrated through obedience.

Seeking God's Guidance
Like the remnant, we should seek God's guidance in all decisions, trusting that His plans are for our good.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Even when God's instructions seem counterintuitive, trusting in His sovereignty leads to blessings and protection.

Commitment to Follow Through
It's not enough to express a desire to obey; we must follow through with action, as the remnant pledged to do.

Consequences of Disobedience
The historical context reminds us that disobedience leads to negative consequences, reinforcing the need for adherence to God's will.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the remnant's commitment to obey God's voice, regardless of the outcome, teach us about the nature of true obedience?

2. How can we apply the principle of seeking God's guidance in our daily decision-making processes?

3. In what ways does trusting in God's sovereignty help us when His instructions seem difficult or unpleasant?

4. Reflect on a time when you committed to obeying God. How did you ensure that your commitment translated into action?

5. How do the consequences faced by the Israelites for disobedience serve as a warning for us today? How can we learn from their example?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 28
This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience to God's commands, which parallels the remnant's desire for things to "go well" with them through obedience.

1 Samuel 15:22
This verse emphasizes that obedience is better than sacrifice, highlighting the importance of obeying God's voice as the remnant pledges to do.

James 1:22-25
This New Testament passage encourages believers to be doers of the word, not just hearers, which aligns with the remnant's commitment to obey God's voice.