Jeremiah Chapter 42 — The Warning Against Egypt
The remnant of Judah asks Jeremiah for God's guidance on where to settle, but God warns them that fleeing to Egypt will lead to their destruction.
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Notable Verses
Jeremiah 42:6
“Whether it is good, or whether it is bad, we will obey the voice of the LORD our God, to whom we send you; that it may be well with us, when we obey the voice of the LORD our God.”
This verse reflects the people's initial commitment to total submission to God's will, regardless of the consequences.
Jeremiah 42:10
“‘If you will still live in this land, then I will build you, and not pull you down, and I will plant you, and not pluck you up; for I grieve over the distress that I have brought on you.’”
God offers a promise of restoration and stability if the people remain in their homeland rather than fleeing.
Jeremiah 42:19
““The LORD has spoken concerning you, remnant of Judah, ‘Don’t go into Egypt!’ Know certainly that I have testified to you today.””
This is the central command and warning of the chapter, clearly stating God's prohibition against going to Egypt.
Chapter Summary
Following the turmoil in Judah, the remaining military leaders and people approach Jeremiah, asking him to seek God's direction on their next steps. They swear an oath to obey the Lord's instructions, regardless of whether the message is favorable or difficult. After ten days, Jeremiah delivers God’s response: if the people choose to stay in the land of Judah, God will protect and establish them, delivering them from their fear of the king of Babylon. However, God strictly forbids them from going to Egypt. He warns that if they set their faces to enter Egypt for safety, the very sword and famine they fear will follow them there, resulting in their death. Jeremiah concludes by noting that the people had dealt deceitfully, as they were already set on their own path despite their promise to follow God's voice.
Frequently Asked Questions
The captains and the remnant of the people asked Jeremiah to pray to God on their behalf to find out where they should go and what they should do next, promising to obey whatever God said.
God promised that if they stayed, He would build them up and protect them from the King of Babylon. He assured them that He would grant them mercy so they could remain safely in their own land.
God warned that Egypt would not provide the safety they sought. Instead, the war and famine they were trying to escape would follow them there, and they would perish by the sword, famine, and pestilence.
Jeremiah waited ten days before the word of the Lord came to him regarding the people's request for guidance.
Study Note
The ten-day delay before Jeremiah received God's word emphasizes that true prophecy was not at the prophet's command but required waiting on the Lord's specific timing.
Related Chapters
Jeremiah Chapter 41
Provides context for the chaos and fear that led the remnant to seek Jeremiah's help.
Jeremiah Chapter 43
Shows the immediate aftermath and how the people responded to the warning given in chapter 42.
Exodus Chapter 14
Offers a thematic contrast to the Exodus, where God previously led His people out of Egypt.
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