Jeremiah 42:17

So all who resolve to go to Egypt to reside there will die by sword and famine and plague. Not one of them will survive or escape the disaster I will bring upon them.'

Study Bible

So all who resolve to go to Egypt to reside there
This phrase addresses the remnant of Judah after the Babylonian conquest. Historically, Egypt was often seen as a place of refuge due to its relative stability and resources. However, God had warned the Israelites against seeking alliances with Egypt (Isaiah 30:1-3). The decision to go to Egypt reflects a lack of trust in God's promises and a return to old patterns of relying on foreign powers instead of God (Deuteronomy 17:16).

will die by sword and famine and plague.
These three forms of judgment—sword, famine, and plague—are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as instruments of divine punishment (Ezekiel 5:12). They signify total destruction and are reminiscent of the curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28 for disobedience. This triad of calamities underscores the severity of God's judgment against those who disobey His command to remain in the land He promised to them.

Not one of them will survive or escape
This phrase emphasizes the certainty and totality of the judgment. It reflects the prophetic nature of Jeremiah's message, where God's word is absolute and unchangeable. The idea of no escape is a recurring theme in prophetic literature, highlighting the inescapability of divine judgment (Amos 9:1-4).

the disaster I will bring upon them.
The disaster is a direct consequence of disobedience to God's command. It serves as a fulfillment of prophetic warnings and a demonstration of God's sovereignty and justice. This phrase also connects to the broader biblical theme of God's judgment against sin and rebellion, as seen in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19) and the Babylonian exile itself. The disaster is not merely a natural consequence but a divinely orchestrated event, reinforcing the seriousness of turning away from God's guidance.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah. He warned them of the consequences of their disobedience.

2. The Remnant of Judah
The group of Israelites left in Judah after the Babylonian exile, seeking guidance from Jeremiah about whether to flee to Egypt for safety.

3. Egypt
A neighboring nation where the remnant of Judah considered fleeing to escape the Babylonian threat, symbolizing reliance on worldly powers rather than God.

4. Sword, Famine, and Plague
The three forms of judgment God declared would follow those who disobeyed His command and went to Egypt, representing comprehensive divine retribution.

5. Babylonian Threat
The geopolitical context of the time, with Babylon as the dominant power, which the people of Judah feared and sought to escape.

Teaching Points

Trust in God's Guidance
The remnant's decision to seek refuge in Egypt reflects a lack of trust in God's protection. Believers are encouraged to seek and trust God's guidance, even when it seems counterintuitive.

Consequences of Disobedience
Disobedience to God's commands leads to dire consequences. This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning our actions with God's will.

Avoiding Worldly Reliance
Egypt symbolizes reliance on worldly solutions rather than divine provision. Christians are called to place their trust in God rather than in worldly powers or solutions.

The Certainty of God's Word
God's pronouncements through Jeremiah were certain and came to pass. This underscores the reliability and authority of God's Word.

Seeking God's Will in Uncertainty
In times of uncertainty, like the remnant faced, believers should earnestly seek God's will and be willing to follow it, even when it challenges our understanding or desires.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the decision of the remnant to consider fleeing to Egypt reveal about their faith and trust in God?

2. How can we apply the lesson of avoiding reliance on worldly solutions in our own lives today?

3. In what ways does Jeremiah 42:17 reflect the broader biblical theme of obedience and its consequences?

4. How can we discern God's guidance in our lives, especially when facing difficult decisions?

5. What are some modern-day "Egypts" that we might be tempted to turn to instead of trusting in God's provision and protection? How can we resist these temptations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 28
This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, similar to the consequences described in Jeremiah 42:17.

Isaiah 31:1
Warns against relying on Egypt for help, emphasizing trust in God rather than in human powers.

Psalm 91
Offers assurance of God's protection for those who trust in Him, contrasting with the fate of those who seek refuge in Egypt.