After ten days
The phrase "After ten days" indicates a period of waiting, which is significant in the biblical narrative. In Hebrew culture, the number ten often symbolizes completeness or divine order. This waiting period suggests a time of testing or preparation, where the people are given an opportunity to reflect on their request and the seriousness of seeking God's guidance. It underscores the importance of patience and trust in God's timing, reminding believers that divine answers may not always come immediately but require faith and perseverance.

the word of the LORD
This phrase emphasizes the divine origin and authority of the message that Jeremiah is about to deliver. In Hebrew, "the word of the LORD" (דְּבַר־יְהוָה, devar-YHWH) is a powerful expression that signifies a direct communication from God. It is not merely human opinion or advice but carries the weight of divine instruction. This highlights the role of prophets as God's mouthpieces and the importance of heeding God's word as ultimate truth and guidance for life.

came to Jeremiah
The phrase "came to Jeremiah" indicates the prophetic calling and the intimate relationship between God and His prophet. Jeremiah, known as the "weeping prophet," often received messages from God that were difficult to deliver. This underscores the responsibility and burden of being a prophet, tasked with conveying God's will to the people, regardless of the personal cost. It also reflects the faithfulness of God in communicating with His chosen servants, ensuring that His people receive the guidance they need.

1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his prophecies concerning the destruction and eventual restoration of Jerusalem. He is often called the "weeping prophet" due to his deep sorrow over the sins of his people.

2. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who communicates His will and guidance to His people through His prophets.

3. The Remnant of Judah
The group of Israelites left in Judah after the Babylonian conquest, seeking guidance from God through Jeremiah.

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

5. Ten Days
The period Jeremiah waited before receiving a word from the LORD, signifying a time of testing and patience.The Importance of Patience in Seeking God's Will
Just as Jeremiah waited ten days for God's word, believers are encouraged to exercise patience when seeking divine guidance. God's timing is perfect, and waiting can be a test of faith and obedience.

Trusting God's Plan Over Our Own
The remnant of Judah faced a choice between their own plans and God's instructions. This teaches us to prioritize God's will over our own desires, even when His plans seem counterintuitive.

The Role of Prophets and Scripture in Guidance
Jeremiah's role as a prophet highlights the importance of seeking guidance through God's appointed messengers and His Word. Today, Scripture serves as our primary source of divine guidance.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The context of Jeremiah 42 warns of the consequences of ignoring God's instructions. This serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands.

The Assurance of God's Communication
God's eventual response to Jeremiah assures us that He hears our prayers and will communicate His will in His perfect timing.(7) After ten days.--The interval is significant, as indicating that the prophet would not give an answer of his own on the spur of the moment, but waited in prayer and meditation until there came into his mind that which he could utter as an oracle of God. So Ezekiel waited for seven days among the exiles that dwelt by the river of Chebar, till the word of the Lord came to him (Ezekiel 3:16). When the hour came, the prophet preached to a multitude whose eagerness to hear him had been intensified by the suspense.

Verse 7. - After ten days. Why this delay? Keil thinks it was for the sake of the people, who needed time to collect themselves and listen calmly to the revelation. Ezekiel once waited seven days (Ezekiel 3:16); but this was owing to his own disturbed state of mind. The answer of the Lord extends to ver. 18, the last four verses being an epilogue enforcing the Divine declaration. It consists of the promise (vers. 9-12) that, if the people will remain quietly in the land, they will be protected; and of the threat (vers. 13-18) that, if they presume to migrate into Egypt, they will perish there by sword, famine, and pestilence.

Parallel Commentaries ...


After
מִקֵּ֖ץ (miq·qêṣ)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7093: An extremity, after

ten
עֲשֶׂ֣רֶת (‘ă·śe·reṯ)
Number - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6235: Ten

days,
יָמִ֑ים (yā·mîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117: A day

the word
דְבַר־ (ḏə·ḇar-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

of the LORD
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

came
וַיְהִ֕י (way·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

to
אֶֽל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Jeremiah,
יִרְמְיָֽהוּ׃ (yir·mə·yā·hū)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3414: Jeremiah -- 'Yah loosens', the name of a number of Israelites


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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 42:7 It happened after ten days that (Jer.)