Jeremiah 42:14

and 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,'

Study Bible

and if you say,
This phrase introduces a hypothetical scenario, reflecting the people's potential response to God's guidance. It highlights the human tendency to rely on personal judgment rather than divine direction. This is a common theme throughout the Bible, where God's people often struggle with obedience and trust.

‘No, but we will go to the land of Egypt
Egypt is historically significant as a place of refuge and bondage for the Israelites. It represents a return to a place of former oppression, symbolizing a lack of faith in God's promise of protection and provision. Biblically, Egypt often symbolizes reliance on worldly powers rather than God (Isaiah 31:1).

and live there,
The desire to live in Egypt suggests a longing for stability and security, which the people believe they can find outside of God's plan. This reflects a common biblical theme where God's people are tempted to seek comfort in familiar but spiritually detrimental places.

where we will not see war
The Israelites' fear of war is understandable given their recent experiences. However, this desire for peace through human means rather than divine protection shows a lack of trust in God's sovereignty. Throughout scripture, God promises peace to those who follow Him (Isaiah 26:3).

or hear the sound of the ram’s horn
The ram's horn, or shofar, was used in Israel for various purposes, including calling to battle and religious ceremonies. The avoidance of its sound indicates a desire to escape the responsibilities and challenges associated with being God's chosen people.

or hunger for bread,’
Hunger for bread signifies a fear of physical need and deprivation. In the Bible, God repeatedly demonstrates His ability to provide for His people, such as through manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16). This phrase underscores the people's lack of faith in God's provision.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah. He is known for his warnings about the consequences of disobedience to God.

2. The Remnant of Judah
The group of Israelites left in Judah after the Babylonian conquest. They are seeking guidance from Jeremiah about whether to stay in Judah or flee to Egypt.

3. Egypt
A neighboring nation to Judah, often seen as a place of refuge but also a symbol of reliance on human strength rather than God.

4. War and Famine
The immediate threats facing the people of Judah, which they hope to escape by fleeing to Egypt.

5. God's Warning
Through Jeremiah, God warns the people against going to Egypt, as it represents a lack of trust in His provision and protection.

Teaching Points

Trust in God's Plan
The remnant's desire to flee to Egypt reflects a lack of trust in God's plan. We must learn to trust God's guidance, even when it seems counterintuitive.

The Danger of Seeking Security Outside of God
Egypt symbolizes a false sense of security. True security comes from reliance on God, not on worldly solutions.

Consequences of Disobedience
Ignoring God's warnings can lead to dire consequences. We must heed God's instructions to avoid spiritual and physical peril.

The Illusion of Peace
The promise of peace in Egypt is an illusion. True peace is found in obedience to God, not in escaping difficult circumstances.

Learning from Past Mistakes
The Israelites' history with Egypt should have taught them the dangers of returning to old ways. We must learn from past mistakes and not repeat them.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the remnant of Judah's desire to go to Egypt reveal about their faith in God?

2. How can we apply the lesson of trusting in God's plan to our own lives when facing difficult decisions?

3. In what ways do we seek security in "modern-day Egypts," and how can we shift our reliance back to God?

4. How does the warning in Jeremiah 42:14 relate to the broader biblical theme of obedience and trust in God?

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

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 14
The Israelites' previous experience in Egypt and their deliverance by God, highlighting the danger of returning to a place of former bondage.

Isaiah 31:1
A warning against relying on Egypt for help, emphasizing trust in God rather than human alliances.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Encourages trust in the Lord with all your heart, rather than leaning on your own understanding, which parallels the decision facing the remnant of Judah.