will tell us
The people are seeking a direct revelation from God, which underscores the belief in God's active communication with His people. This request for divine instruction is reminiscent of other instances in the Old Testament where God provides guidance, such as through the Urim and Thummim (Exodus 28:30) or prophetic visions. It reflects a dependence on God's wisdom rather than human understanding, aligning with Proverbs 3:5-6.

the way we should walk
This phrase metaphorically represents the path of life and conduct. In biblical terms, "walking" often symbolizes one's lifestyle and choices (Psalm 1:1, Micah 6:8). The remnant seeks to align their actions with God's will, acknowledging that only God can provide the right path. This is a recurring theme in Scripture, where God's law is described as a light and guide (Psalm 119:105).

and the thing we should do.”
Here, the focus is on specific actions and decisions. The people of Judah are in a precarious situation, facing the threat of Babylonian retribution and considering fleeing to Egypt. They seek God's direction for immediate and practical decisions. This reflects a broader biblical principle of seeking God's will in both major and minor life decisions (James 1:5). The request underscores the belief that God is concerned with the details of His people's lives and is willing to provide guidance.

Jeremiah’s audience urges the prophet: “Pray that the LORD your God will tell us…” Genuine guidance begins with prayerful dependence.

• Prayer acknowledges God’s sovereign rule, just as Jeremiah 33:3 invites, “Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things you do not know.”

• It shifts anxiety into trust, echoing Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

• Persistent prayer is a lifestyle—1 Thessalonians 5:17 simply instructs, “Pray without ceasing.”

They recognize Jeremiah’s relationship with “the LORD your God,” the covenant name Yahweh, signalling the One true God who alone can direct them.

• Deuteronomy 6:4–5 reminds, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One… love the LORD your God with all your heart.”

• Psalm 100:3 grounds identity: “Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His.”

• Addressing Him as “your God” also exposes their own wavering loyalty; Elijah once challenged Israel, “If the LORD is God, follow Him” (1 Kings 18:21).

They anticipate a clear answer. God speaks, and His word is trustworthy.

• Psalm 119:105 affirms, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

• Jesus promised the Spirit would “guide you into all truth” (John 16:13).

• Amos 3:7 assures, “Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.”

“Way” pictures the daily path of life. God’s guidance is moral and directional.

• Psalm 23:3: “He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”

• Isaiah 30:21 portrays intimate instruction: “Your ears will hear this command behind you: ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”

• Micah 6:8 distills God’s expectation: “He has shown you, O man, what is good… to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”

Beyond general direction, they seek concrete steps of obedience.

• James 1:22 warns, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.”

• Paul prays believers “may be filled with the knowledge of His will… so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord… bearing fruit in every good work” (Colossians 1:9-10).

• Proverbs 3:5-6 ties trust to action: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.”

Jeremiah 42:3 captures a model response for every believer: turn first to prayer, recognize God as covenant Lord, expect Him to speak through His unerring word, receive guidance for life’s path, and translate that guidance into obedient action.

Parallel Commentaries ...