What does Jeremiah 42:15 mean?
"And now therefore hear the word of the LORD, ye remnant of Judah; Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; If ye wholly set your faces to enter into Egypt, and go to sojourn there;" - Jeremiah 42:15
Jeremiah 42:15 (KJV) states, "And now therefore hear the word of the Lord, ye remnant of Judah; Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; If ye wholly set your faces to enter into Egypt, and go to sojourn there."
In order to fully understand the meaning and commentary of this verse, it is important to consider the historical and cultural context in which it was written. The book of Jeremiah was written by the prophet Jeremiah, who ministered during the final years of the kingdom of Judah. The people of Judah had turned away from God and were facing the consequences of their disobedience. Jerusalem was besieged by the Babylonians, and many of the people had already been taken into captivity.
In this particular passage, Jeremiah is addressing the remnant of Judah who remained in the land after the Babylonian conquest. These people were seeking guidance from the prophet regarding whether they should stay in Judah or flee to Egypt for protection from the Babylonian forces. The verse begins with the admonition to "hear the word of the Lord," indicating that Jeremiah is conveying a message directly from God.
The verse emphasizes the importance of seeking and following God's guidance in making decisions. The phrase "if ye wholly set your faces to enter into Egypt" suggests that the people's decision to go to Egypt must be wholehearted and determined. This implies that they should not make this decision lightly or without full commitment. The reference to "sojourn" in Egypt implies that the people were considering living there temporarily, rather than making it their permanent home.
From a thematic perspective, this verse highlights the themes of obedience, trust, and reliance on God. Throughout the book of Jeremiah, there is a recurring emphasis on the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. The prophet consistently calls the people to turn back to God, to seek His guidance, and to trust in His faithfulness. In this specific instance, the remnant of Judah is being reminded of the importance of following God's direction, even in the midst of difficult and uncertain circumstances.
Symbolically, the reference to Egypt in this verse carries significant meaning. Throughout the Old Testament, Egypt is often used as a symbol of reliance on human strength and worldly resources, as opposed to trusting in God. The decision to go to Egypt represented a temptation for the remnant of Judah to seek security and protection apart from God. By warning against this course of action, Jeremiah is emphasizing the need for the people to place their trust in God alone.
In conclusion, Jeremiah 42:15 (KJV) serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking and obeying God's guidance in all circumstances. It underscores the themes of obedience, trust, and reliance on God, and uses the symbol of Egypt to caution against seeking security apart from God. This verse provides a timeless message for believers today, reminding them of the need to seek God's will and to trust in His faithfulness, even in the midst of difficult and uncertain situations.
Have questions about Jeremiah 42:15?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Jeremiah 42:15 Artwork
Jeremiah 42:15 - "And now therefore hear the word of the LORD, ye remnant of Judah; Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; If ye wholly set your faces to enter into Egypt, and go to sojourn there;"
"And now therefore hear the word of the LORD, ye remnant of Judah; Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; If ye wholly set your faces to enter into Egypt, and go to sojourn there;" - Jeremiah 42:15
Jeremiah 42:7 - "¶ And it came to pass after ten days, that the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah."
Joshua 15:42 - "Libnah, and Ether, and Ashan,"
Jeremiah 42:7 And it happened after ten days that the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah.
Jeremiah 42:7 And it happened after ten days that the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah.
Jeremiah 51:42 - "The sea is come up upon Babylon: she is covered with the multitude of the waves thereof."
Jeremiah 42:13 - "¶ But if ye say, We will not dwell in this land, neither obey the voice of the LORD your God,"
"Libnah, and Ether, and Ashan," - Joshua 15:42
1 Corinthians 15:42 - "So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:"
Jeremiah 42:5 - "Then they said to Jeremiah, The LORD be a true and faithful witness between us, if we do not even according to all things for the which the LORD thy God shall send thee to us."
"¶ And it came to pass after ten days, that the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah." - Jeremiah 42:7
Jeremiah 48:42 - "And Moab shall be destroyed from being a people, because he hath magnified himself against the LORD."
Mark 15:42 - "¶ And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,"
Jeremiah 42:3 - "That the LORD thy God may shew us the way wherein we may walk, and the thing that we may do."
Jeremiah 42:22 - "Now therefore know certainly that ye shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence, in the place whither ye desire to go and to sojourn."
Jeremiah 42:12 - "And I will shew mercies unto you, that he may have mercy upon you, and cause you to return to your own land."
Jeremiah 42:8 - "Then called he Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces which were with him, and all the people from the least even to the greatest,"
Jeremiah 42:9 - "And said unto them, Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, unto whom ye sent me to present your supplication before him;"
Jeremiah 42:1 - "Then all the captains of the forces, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least even unto the greatest, came near,"
Job 42:15 - "And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job: and their father gave them inheritance among their brethren."
Jeremiah 42:19 - "¶ The LORD hath said concerning you, O ye remnant of Judah; Go ye not into Egypt: know certainly that I have admonished you this day."
Jeremiah 42:13 "But if you say, 'We will not dwell in this land,' disobeying the voice of the Lord your God,
Jeremiah 42:2 - "And said unto Jeremiah the prophet, Let, we beseech thee, our supplication be accepted before thee, and pray for us unto the LORD thy God, even for all this remnant; (for we are left but a few of many, as thine eyes do behold us:)"
Jeremiah 42:11 - "Be not afraid of the king of Babylon, of whom ye are afraid; be not afraid of him, saith the LORD: for I am with you to save you, and to deliver you from his hand."
.Jeremiah 51:42 The sea has come up over Babylon; She is covered with the multitude of its waves.
Jeremiah 42:14 - "Saying, No; but we will go into the land of Egypt, where we shall see no war, nor hear the sound of the trumpet, nor have hunger of bread; and there will we dwell:"
Genesis 42:15 - "Hereby ye shall be proved: By the life of Pharaoh ye shall not go forth hence, except your youngest brother come hither."
Isaiah 42:15 - "I will make waste mountains and hills, and dry up all their herbs; and I will make the rivers islands, and I will dry up the pools."
"The sea is come up upon Babylon: she is covered with the multitude of the waves thereof." - Jeremiah 51:42