Jeremiah 42:13

But if you say, 'We will not stay in this land,' and you thus disobey the voice of the LORD your God,

Study Bible

But if you say,
This phrase introduces a conditional statement, indicating a choice or decision that the people of Judah are contemplating. It reflects the human tendency to question or resist divine guidance, a recurring theme throughout the Bible. This choice is set against the backdrop of the Babylonian conquest, where the remnant of Judah is considering their options for survival.

‘We will not stay in this land,’
The land referred to is Judah, which God had given to the Israelites as part of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The reluctance to stay in the land signifies a lack of trust in God's promises and protection. Historically, the people feared the Babylonians and sought refuge in Egypt, a place of former bondage, which symbolizes a return to old dependencies rather than trusting in God's provision.

and you thus disobey the voice of the LORD your God,
Disobedience to God's voice is a central theme in the prophetic books. The voice of the LORD often came through prophets like Jeremiah, who warned the people of the consequences of their actions. This disobedience is not just a rejection of a command but a rejection of the relationship and covenant with God. It echoes the disobedience of Israel in the wilderness (Numbers 14:1-4) and foreshadows the ultimate need for a Savior who perfectly obeys God's will, fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah.

2. The Remnant of Judah
The group of Israelites who remained in Judah after the Babylonian conquest and exile.

3. Egypt
The land to which the remnant considered fleeing, seeking safety from Babylonian rule.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who speaks through Jeremiah to guide His people.

5. Babylonian Conquest
The historical context of this passage, where Babylon had conquered Judah, leading to the exile of many Israelites.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Voice
The importance of listening to and obeying God's instructions, even when they seem counterintuitive or difficult.

Trust in God's Plan
Encourages believers to trust in God's plan and timing, rather than seeking their own solutions out of fear or impatience.

Consequences of Disobedience
Highlights the potential negative consequences of disobedience, as seen in the historical context of Israel's exile.

Seeking God's Guidance
Stresses the importance of seeking God's guidance in decision-making, especially in times of uncertainty or crisis.

Avoiding the Temptation of Worldly Security
Warns against the temptation to seek security in worldly powers or solutions, such as Egypt, instead of relying on God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What were the reasons the remnant of Judah considered fleeing to Egypt, and how can this reflect our own temptations to seek worldly solutions?

2. How does Jeremiah 42:13 challenge us to evaluate our own obedience to God's voice in our daily lives?

3. In what ways can we apply the lessons of trust and obedience from this passage to current situations where we face uncertainty?

4. How do the warnings in Deuteronomy 28 and Isaiah 30:1-3 reinforce the message of Jeremiah 42:13?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a decision similar to the remnant's. How did you seek God's guidance, and what was the outcome?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 28
This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, providing a backdrop for understanding the consequences of the remnant's potential disobedience.

Isaiah 30:1-3
This passage warns against seeking refuge in Egypt, paralleling the remnant's temptation to flee there instead of trusting God.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Encourages trust in the Lord rather than leaning on one's own understanding, relevant to the remnant's decision-making process.

Hebrews 3:7-19
Discusses the importance of listening to God's voice and the dangers of hardening one's heart, similar to the remnant's situation.