◄ Jeremiah 42 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
A Warning against Going to Egypt 1Then all the commanders of the forces, along with Johanan son of Kareah, Jezaniaha son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least to the greatest, approached 2Jeremiah the prophet and said, “May our petition come before you; pray to the LORD your God on behalf of this entire remnant. For few of us remain of the many, as you can see with your own eyes. 3Pray that the LORD your God will tell us the way we should walk and the thing we should do.” 4“I have heard you,” replied Jeremiah the prophet. “I will surely pray to the LORD your God as you request, and I will tell you everything that the LORD answers. I will not withhold a word from you.” 5Then 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. 6Whether 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 when we obey the voice of the LORD our God!” 7After ten days the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, 8and he summoned Johanan son of Kareah, all the commanders of the forces who were with him, and all the people from the least to the greatest. 9Jeremiah told them, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, to whom you sent me to present your petition: 10‘If you will indeed stay in this land, then I will build you up and not tear you down; I will plant you and not uproot you, for I will relent of the disaster I have brought upon you. 11Do not be afraid of the king of Babylon, whom you now fear; do not be afraid of him, declares the LORD, for I am with you to save you and deliver you from him. 12And I will show you compassion, and he will have compassion on you and restore you to your own land.’ 13But if you say, ‘We will not stay in this land,’ and you thus disobey the voice of the LORD your God, 14and if you say, ‘No, but we will go to the land of Egypt and live there, where we will not see war or hear the sound of the ram’s horn or hunger for bread,’ 15then hear the word of the LORD, O remnant of Judah! This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘If you are determined to go to Egypt and reside there, 16then the sword you fear will overtake you there, and the famine you dread will follow on your heels into Egypt, and you will die there. 17So all who resolve to go to Egypt to reside there will die by sword and famine and plague. Not one of them will survive or escape the disaster I will bring upon them.’ 18For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘Just as My anger and wrath were poured out on the residents of Jerusalem, so will My wrath be poured out on you if you go to Egypt. You will become an object of cursing and horror, of vilification and disgrace, and you will never see this place again.’ 19The LORD has told you, O remnant of Judah, ‘Do not go to Egypt.’ Know for sure that I have warned you today! 20For 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.’ 21For I have told you today, but you have not obeyed the voice of the LORD your God in all He has sent me to tell you. 22Now therefore, know for sure that by sword and famine and plague you will die in the place where you desire to go to reside.” Footnotes: 1 a Hebrew; LXX Azariah; see Jeremiah 43:2. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Jeremiah 42 Summary A Warning against Going to Egypt Verses 1–3 – The Remnant Pleads After the murder of Gedaliah, every surviving officer, soldier, and civilian—from Johanan to the least servant—approaches Jeremiah in desperation. They petition, “Pray that the LORD your God will tell us the way we should walk and the thing we should do.” Their tone is humble; their hearts are terrified of Babylon’s revenge. Verses 4–6 – Jeremiah’s Promise to Speak for God Jeremiah agrees without hesitation: “I will pray to the LORD your God as you have requested, and I will tell you every word that the LORD answers; I will keep nothing back from you.” The remnant swears, “May the LORD be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act according to every word.” Verses 7–12 – God’s Answer: Stay in the Land Ten days later the prophet receives God’s reply: remaining in Judah will bring life, restoration, and divine protection. “Do not be afraid of the king of Babylon… for I am with you to save you and deliver you from his hand” (v. 11). God offers to build them up and plant them firmly. Verses 13–18 – Warning: Do Not Go to Egypt If they refuse and flee south, the very sword, famine, and plague they dread will hunt them down. The covenant curses once pronounced at Sinai will follow them to Egypt: “You will become an object of horror, scorn, cursing, and reproach” (v. 18). Egypt’s false security will be exposed. Verses 19–22 – Final Admonition Jeremiah closes with a sober reminder: they asked for God’s will, and now they bear full responsibility for obeying it. He foresees their disobedience, warning that disaster is certain if they choose Egypt over trust in the LORD. Jeremiah 42 explores a crucial point in the journey of the remnant of Judah. After the destruction of Jerusalem, the people turn to prophet Jeremiah seeking God's guidance on their next move. However, when the divine instruction doesn't align with their preferred course of action, they face a momentous decision—to trust in God or follow their own desires. Background and Timeframe • Date: Shortly after 586 BC, in the chaotic months following Jerusalem’s fall. • Place: Mizpah and nearby Bethlehem, the provisional centers left under Babylonian oversight after the city’s destruction. • Political climate: Babylon controls Judah, but its governor Gedaliah has been assassinated (Jeremiah 41). Fear of Babylonian retaliation drives the remnant to consider exile in Egypt, Judah’s perennial refuge. People Involved • Jeremiah – now roughly 65 years old, he has seen everything he predicted come true. • Johanan son of Kareah – military leader who rescued captives from Ishmael (Jeremiah 41:11–16). • Azariah son of Hoshaiah – another officer, later exposed as a skeptic (Jeremiah 43:2). • All the people – “from the least to the greatest” (42:1), demonstrating national resolve yet spiritual confusion. Why Egypt Looked Attractive • Food supply: The Nile’s irrigation promised relief from famine (cf. Genesis 12:10; 42:1–3). • Military shelter: Egypt’s chariots seemed a buffer against Babylon’s infantry. • Historical habit: Israel had long turned to Egypt in crises (Isaiah 30:1–3; 31:1). Yet Egypt symbolized returning to bondage—an ironic reversal of the exodus account (Hosea 11:5). Connection to Earlier Warnings Jeremiah 24 promised “good figs” if the people accepted exile and “bad figs” if they resisted. The remnant now faces the same fork in the road: trust God’s word or chase human security. The pattern mirrors Deuteronomy 28: choose life and blessing or death and curse. Archaeological Insights • Lachish Letters: Ostraca from the final siege (c. 588 BC) echo the atmosphere of fear and fragmented leadership Jeremiah describes. • Mizpah Excavations: Burn layers and Babylonian arrowheads verify a military presence and administrative center exactly where the remnant gathered. • Elephantine Papyri (fifth century BC): Jewish military colony in Egypt confirms that some Judeans did flee south, lending historical weight to Jeremiah’s prediction of an exilic community there. Parallel Passages • 2 Kings 25:22–26 – narrative backdrop for Gedaliah’s assassination and the people’s flight plans. • Isaiah 30–31 – earlier call to avoid reliance on Egypt. • Psalm 20:7 – “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” • James 1:22 – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only,” echoing Jeremiah’s plea for obedience. Spiritual Themes 1. Seeking God’s guidance is pointless without willingness to obey. 2. Fear can masquerade as prudence, leading to choices outside God’s will. 3. God’s promises often require staying put when every instinct says run. 4. Disobedience carries predictable consequences; God is not mocked (Galatians 6:7). Later Fulfillment Jeremiah 43 records the sad reality: the people drag Jeremiah to Egypt. There, Nebuchadnezzar invades Egypt around 568 BC (cf. Jeremiah 43:10), verifying the prophet’s words. The remnant’s account becomes a cautionary tale across generations. Links to the New Testament • Matthew 2:13–15 – Joseph is told to flee to Egypt, but at God’s direct command. The contrast shows true obedience versus self-directed escape. • John 14:27 – Jesus’ promise of peace “not as the world gives,” answering the remnant’s restless search for safety. • Hebrews 3:12 – warning against an unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God, mirroring Judah’s temptation. Modern Relevance • Decision-making: Ask, then wait for clear direction; do not rush ahead of God. • Security: Nations and individuals still lean on financial, political, or military “Egypts.” Jeremiah calls believers to ground their confidence in God’s presence. • Leadership integrity: Jeremiah models courage to deliver unpopular truth, urging today’s leaders to speak plainly no matter the fallout. Key Takeaways • God’s guidance is precise; human hearts are often double-minded. • Staying in a difficult place can be an act of faith. • History, archaeology, and Scripture converge to confirm Jeremiah’s reliability—and the unchanging character of God. Connections to Additional Scriptures Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Isaiah 30:1-2 Woe to the obstinate children, declares the LORD, who carry out a plan that is not Mine, forming an alliance, but against My will, heaping up sin upon sin. James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. Teaching Points Seeking God's Guidance The remnant of Judah approaches Jeremiah to intercede on their behalf, asking him to pray to the Lord for direction. This demonstrates the importance of seeking divine guidance in times of uncertainty (Jeremiah 42:2-3). Promise of Obedience The people vow to obey whatever the Lord commands, whether it is favorable or unfavorable (Jeremiah 42:5-6). This highlights the necessity of a sincere commitment to follow God's will, regardless of personal preferences. God's Response God instructs the people to remain in the land of Judah, promising to build them up and not tear them down, assuring them of His protection (Jeremiah 42:10-12). This response emphasizes God's faithfulness and His plans for restoration. Warning Against Disobedience God warns the people of the consequences of disobedience if they choose to go to Egypt, highlighting the dangers of relying on human solutions rather than trusting in God's provision (Jeremiah 42:13-18). The Heart's True Intentions Despite their initial promise, the people's actions reveal a lack of trust in God's plan, as they ultimately choose to go to Egypt (Jeremiah 42:19-22). This serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of aligning our actions with our professed faith. Practical Applications Commit to Obedience Reflect on areas in your life where you may be resisting God's guidance. Commit to obeying His will, even when it challenges your comfort or understanding. Trust in God's Plan In times of uncertainty, remind yourself of God's faithfulness and His promise to work all things for good. Trust that His plans are for your ultimate benefit. Avoid Human Solutions Resist the temptation to rely solely on human wisdom or solutions, especially when they contradict God's instructions. Seek His guidance and trust in His provision. Examine Your Heart Regularly assess your intentions and motivations. Ensure that your actions align with your professed commitment to follow God. People 1. Johanan son of Kareah Johanan is identified as a leader among the remnant of Judah. He is one of the military leaders who approaches Jeremiah to seek guidance from the LORD. His name in Hebrew, יוֹחָנָן (Yohanan), means "Yahweh is gracious." 2. Azariah son of Hoshaiah Azariah is another leader among the people who, along with Johanan, seeks Jeremiah's counsel. His name in Hebrew, עֲזַרְיָה (Azaryah), means "Yahweh has helped." 3. All the people from the least to the greatest This phrase refers to the entire remnant of Judah who had returned from various places and were seeking direction from God through Jeremiah. It emphasizes the collective nature of the inquiry, involving everyone regardless of social status. 4. Jeremiah the prophet Jeremiah is the prophet whom the people approach to seek God's guidance. He is tasked with delivering God's message to the people. His name in Hebrew, יִרְמְיָהוּ (Yirmeyahu), means "Yahweh will exalt." Places 1. Egypt In Jeremiah 42, Egypt is the primary place of concern. The remnant of Judah, led by Johanan and other leaders, seeks guidance from Jeremiah about whether they should flee to Egypt to escape the Babylonian threat. Egypt, in this context, represents a place of refuge but also a place of potential disobedience to God's command. The Hebrew root for Egypt is "מִצְרַיִם" (Mitzrayim), which often symbolizes a place of bondage or temptation in the biblical narrative. 2. Judah Although not a place the people are considering moving to, Judah is the land from which the remnant is contemplating departure. It is their homeland, and God, through Jeremiah, instructs them to remain there despite their fears. The Hebrew root for Judah is "יְהוּדָה" (Yehudah), which is associated with praise and the lineage of the tribe of Judah. Events 1. Approach to Jeremiah The remnant of Judah, including military leaders and people from the least to the greatest, approached the prophet Jeremiah. They sought guidance from the Lord, asking Jeremiah to pray for them so they would know the way they should go and what they should do (Jeremiah 42:1-3). 2. Jeremiah's Agreement Jeremiah agreed to their request, promising to pray to the Lord their God and to relay whatever message he received without withholding anything (Jeremiah 42:4). 3. The People's Promise The people promised to obey whatever the Lord would say through Jeremiah, whether it was favorable or unfavorable, acknowledging that obeying the Lord would lead to their well-being (Jeremiah 42:5-6). 4. The Lord's Response After ten days, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah. He called the people together to deliver the message (Jeremiah 42:7-8). 5. God's Command to Stay The Lord instructed the people to remain in the land of Judah. He promised to build them up and not tear them down, to plant them and not uproot them, assuring them of His mercy and protection from the king of Babylon (Jeremiah 42:9-12). 6. Warning Against Going to Egypt The Lord warned them not to go to Egypt, stating that if they did, they would face the sword, famine, and plague they feared, and none of them would survive or escape the disaster He would bring upon them there (Jeremiah 42:13-17). 7. Rebuke for Disobedience The Lord rebuked the people for their disobedience, knowing their hearts were set on going to Egypt despite His warning. He declared that they would face the consequences of their actions (Jeremiah 42:18-22). Lessons from Jeremiah 42 1. Seek God’s Guidance First In Jeremiah 42, the remnant of Judah approaches Jeremiah to seek God’s guidance. This teaches us the importance of turning to God first in our decision-making process. As it is written, "Whether it is favorable or unfavorable, we will obey the voice of the LORD our God" (Jeremiah 42:6). Before making any major life decisions, pause and pray, asking for divine wisdom and direction. 2. Be Sincere in Your Requests The people of Judah promised to obey whatever God instructed through Jeremiah. This highlights the need for sincerity when we approach God. "May the LORD be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act according to every word the LORD your God sends you to tell us" (Jeremiah 42:5). When you seek God’s will, ensure your heart is genuinely open to His guidance. 3. Patience in Waiting for God’s Response Jeremiah took ten days to receive God’s answer, teaching us patience. "At the end of ten days, the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah" (Jeremiah 42:7). In our fast-paced world, waiting can be challenging, but God’s timing is perfect. Trust that He will answer in His own time. 4. Trust in God’s Promises God promised safety and prosperity if the people remained in Judah. "If you will indeed stay in this land, then I will build you up and not tear you down" (Jeremiah 42:10). Trusting in God’s promises requires faith, especially when circumstances seem uncertain. Remember, His plans are always for our good. 5. Avoid Fear-Based Decisions The people feared the Babylonians and considered fleeing to Egypt. God warned them against this fear-driven decision. "Do not be afraid of the king of Babylon, whom you now fear" (Jeremiah 42:11). Decisions made out of fear often lead us away from God’s best. Instead, let faith guide your choices. 6. Obedience Brings Blessing God’s message through Jeremiah was clear: obedience would lead to blessing. "I will grant you compassion, and he will have compassion on you and restore you to your own land" (Jeremiah 42:12). Obedience to God’s word is a pathway to experiencing His blessings in our lives. 7. Disobedience Leads to Consequences Conversely, God warned of the consequences of disobedience. "If you say, ‘We will not stay in this land,’... then the sword you fear will overtake you there" (Jeremiah 42:13-16). Ignoring God’s guidance can lead to unnecessary hardships. Let this be a reminder to heed His voice. 8. God’s Knowledge Surpasses Our Understanding God knew the hearts of the people, even when they were not fully honest. "For you were not honest when you sent me to the LORD your God" (Jeremiah 42:20). God’s understanding is infinite, and He knows our true intentions. Trust in His omniscience and align your heart with His will. 9. The Importance of Community in Seeking God The entire remnant came together to seek God’s direction, showing the power of community in spiritual matters. "All the people from the least to the greatest approached" (Jeremiah 42:1). Surround yourself with a community of believers who can support and pray with you as you seek God’s will. 10. God’s Faithfulness Despite Our Failures Even when the people were disobedient, God remained faithful. His warnings were not out of anger but love. "For I am with you to save you and deliver you" (Jeremiah 42:11). God’s faithfulness is unwavering, and His love endures, offering us grace and redemption through Christ, no matter our past mistakes. Topics 1. The Remnant's Request for Guidance The chapter begins with the remnant of Judah approaching Jeremiah to seek divine guidance. They ask him to pray to the LORD on their behalf, expressing their desire to know God's will for them. This reflects their acknowledgment of Jeremiah as a true prophet and their need for divine direction. The Hebrew root for "pray" (פָּלַל, palal) indicates intercession, highlighting their dependence on Jeremiah's relationship with God. 2. Jeremiah's Assurance of Prayer Jeremiah agrees to their request, promising to pray to the LORD and convey His message without withholding any details. This demonstrates Jeremiah's commitment to faithfully delivering God's word. The Hebrew word for "declare" (נָגַד, nagad) implies making something known clearly and openly, emphasizing transparency in conveying God's message. 3. God's Promise of Safety in Judah God responds through Jeremiah, assuring the people that if they remain in the land of Judah, He will build them up and not tear them down, plant them and not uproot them. This promise of safety and stability is contingent upon their obedience. The Hebrew verb for "build" (בָּנָה, banah) and "plant" (נָטַע, nata) convey the idea of establishing and nurturing, reflecting God's intention to restore and bless them. 4. Warning Against Going to Egypt God warns the remnant against going to Egypt, stating that if they choose to go there, they will face the very calamities they fear—sword, famine, and plague. This warning underscores the consequences of disobedience and lack of trust in God's provision. The Hebrew word for "calamity" (רָעָה, ra'ah) signifies disaster or evil, highlighting the severity of the consequences. 5. The People's Disobedience Foretold Despite the clear guidance and warning, God reveals through Jeremiah that the people are not sincere in their request and will not obey His command to stay in Judah. This foreknowledge of their disobedience highlights the persistent rebellion and lack of faith among the remnant. The Hebrew root for "obey" (שָׁמַע, shama) means to hear or listen, implying an active response to God's word, which they ultimately fail to do. 6. Consequences of Disobedience The chapter concludes with a reiteration of the dire consequences that will befall the people if they choose to disobey and go to Egypt. God declares that they will die by sword, famine, and plague, and none will escape. This serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of obedience and trust in God's plan. The Hebrew term for "escape" (פָּלֵט, palet) suggests deliverance or survival, which will be denied to them due to their disobedience. Themes 1. Seeking Divine Guidance The chapter begins with the remnant of Judah approaching Jeremiah to seek God's guidance. They request that Jeremiah pray to the Lord on their behalf, asking for direction on what they should do. This theme highlights the importance of seeking divine counsel in times of uncertainty. The Hebrew root for "pray" (פָּלַל, palal) emphasizes intercession and supplication. 2. God's Assurance of Protection God responds through Jeremiah, assuring the people that if they remain in the land, He will build them up and not tear them down, and He will plant them and not uproot them (Jeremiah 42:10). This theme underscores God's promise of protection and stability for those who trust in His plan. The Hebrew word for "build" (בָּנָה, banah) conveys the idea of establishing and strengthening. 3. Warning Against Disobedience Jeremiah warns the people that if they disobey God's command to stay in the land and instead go to Egypt, they will face the very calamities they fear—sword, famine, and plague (Jeremiah 42:16-17). This theme highlights the consequences of disobedience and the importance of adhering to God's instructions. The Hebrew word for "sword" (חֶרֶב, chereb) often symbolizes judgment and destruction. 4. The Illusion of Safety in Egypt The people believe that fleeing to Egypt will provide safety and security, but God warns that this is a false sense of security. Egypt, often seen as a place of refuge, is depicted as a place of impending danger. This theme reflects the futility of relying on worldly solutions instead of trusting in God's provision. The Hebrew root for "trust" (בָּטַח, batach) implies confidence and reliance. 5. God's Sovereignty and Omniscience Throughout the chapter, God's sovereignty and omniscience are evident as He knows the hearts and intentions of the people. He is aware of their fears and their inclination to disobey. This theme emphasizes God's all-knowing nature and His authority over the affairs of nations and individuals. The Hebrew word for "know" (יָדַע, yada) suggests intimate knowledge and understanding. 6. The Role of the Prophet Jeremiah serves as the intermediary between God and the people, faithfully delivering God's message despite the people's reluctance to heed it. This theme highlights the role of the prophet as a spokesperson for God, tasked with conveying His will to the people. The Hebrew term for "prophet" (נָבִיא, nabi) denotes one who is called to speak forth God's message. Prayer Points Pray for a heart that is open and willing to receive and obey God's guidance, even when it challenges personal desires. Ask for increased trust in God's plans and His faithfulness, especially in times of uncertainty or fear. Seek wisdom and discernment to recognize and resist the temptation to rely on human solutions over divine direction. Pray for the strength to align actions with faith, ensuring that intentions and commitments to God are genuine and steadfast. Answering Tough Questions 1. Jeremiah 42:1–6: If the people truly sought God’s guidance, why did they ignore it immediately after receiving Jeremiah’s answer? 2. Jeremiah 42:7: Why would God wait ten days before speaking, and is there any historical or logical basis to verify this delay? 3. Jeremiah 42:11–12: The text promises divine protection from Babylon; do non-biblical historical records confirm or contradict this claim? 4. Jeremiah 42:14–16: Is there archaeological or external evidence supporting the fate of those who fled to Egypt, as described in these verses? 5. Jeremiah 42 (overall): How do the warnings and outcomes in this chapter align with other biblical teachings on God’s protection and judgment, and are there any inconsistencies? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the initial request of the remnant of Judah to Jeremiah reflect their understanding of Jeremiah's prophetic role? 2. How might the ten-day wait for God's word have affected the people's expectation or readiness to obey His instructions? 3. Why do you think God commanded the people to stay in Judah despite the hardships they were facing? 4. How does Jeremiah's warning reflect God's justice and mercy? 5. In what ways does the decision of the remnant of Judah to go to Egypt illustrate the consequences of unbelief? 6. In what ways does the remnant's decision demonstrate a misguided sense of self-reliance? 7. How would you apply the lesson of seeking and obeying God's guidance in your life today? 8. What does this chapter teach us about the importance of patience in waiting for God's guidance? 9. Can you relate a situation in your life where you have felt similar to the remnant of Judah, tempted to ignore a difficult divine direction? 10. Why do you think it is sometimes difficult to trust in God’s protection and restoration in the face of immediate adversity? 11. What can be the consequences of ignoring God's warnings in our lives today? 12. How can we ensure that our decisions align with God's will and not our desires or fears? 13. What can we learn from this chapter about the implications of disobedience to God? 14. How does this chapter challenge your understanding of faith and obedience? 15. What can be done when God's guidance doesn't align with our preferred course of action? 16. How can we prepare ourselves to be obedient to God’s direction, even when it doesn’t align with our desires? 17. How can we discern true divine guidance from our own desires? 18. How does this chapter reflect on the importance of community decision-making in the light of God’s commandments? 19. What are some practical steps we can take to rely more on God's guidance rather than our own understanding? 20. How does this chapter illustrate the concept of trust and distrust in God, and what are the potential impacts on our daily lives today? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions