Jeremiah 42:2

Jeremiah the prophet and said, "May our petition come before you; pray to the LORD your God on behalf of this entire remnant. For few of us remain of the many, as you can see with your own eyes.

Study Bible

Jeremiah the prophet and said
Jeremiah, a major prophet in the Old Testament, served during the final years of Judah before the Babylonian exile. His role was to convey God's messages to the people, often warning them of impending judgment due to their disobedience. This phrase highlights the people's recognition of Jeremiah's prophetic authority and their need for divine guidance.

May our petition come before you
The people are making a formal request, acknowledging their dependence on divine intervention. This reflects a common biblical theme where individuals or groups seek God's favor or guidance through prayer, as seen in other scriptures like 1 Samuel 1:17 and Psalm 141:2.

pray to the LORD your God
The request for Jeremiah to pray indicates their belief in his close relationship with God. The phrase "the LORD your God" suggests a recognition of Jeremiah's personal connection to God, which they hope to leverage for their benefit. This reflects a cultural understanding of prophets as intermediaries between God and the people.

on behalf of this entire remnant
The term "remnant" refers to the small group of Israelites who survived the Babylonian conquest. This concept is significant throughout the Bible, symbolizing hope and the continuation of God's covenant with His people, as seen in Isaiah 10:20-22 and Romans 11:5.

For few of us remain of the many
This acknowledges the drastic reduction in their numbers due to war, exile, and other calamities. It underscores the severity of their situation and the fulfillment of prophetic warnings about the consequences of disobedience, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:62.

as you can see with your own eyes
This phrase appeals to the observable reality of their circumstances, emphasizing the urgency and desperation of their situation. It serves as a reminder of the tangible consequences of turning away from God, reinforcing the need for repentance and divine intervention.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. The Remnant
The small group of Israelites who survived the Babylonian conquest and exile. They represent the faithful few who remain after a period of judgment and destruction.

3. The Petition
The request made by the remnant to Jeremiah to intercede with God on their behalf. This reflects their recognition of Jeremiah's role as a prophet and their need for divine guidance.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenantal name of God used in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing His relationship with Israel and His sovereignty over their fate.

5. Babylonian Conquest
The historical event where Babylon, under King Nebuchadnezzar, conquered Jerusalem, leading to the destruction of the city and the exile of its people.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Intercession
Just as the remnant sought Jeremiah's intercession, we are called to intercede for others in prayer, recognizing the power of seeking God's guidance and intervention.

Recognizing God's Sovereignty
The remnant's acknowledgment of their reduced numbers and their plea for divine help underscores the importance of recognizing God's control over our circumstances and our dependence on Him.

The Role of the Prophet
Jeremiah's role as an intermediary between God and the people highlights the importance of spiritual leaders who guide and direct us according to God's will.

Faithfulness Amidst Adversity
The remnant's survival serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to those who remain true to Him, even in the face of overwhelming challenges.

Seeking God's Will
The remnant's request for Jeremiah to pray for them emphasizes the need to seek God's will in our decisions, especially during times of uncertainty.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the remnant's request to Jeremiah reflect their understanding of his role as a prophet, and how can we apply this understanding to our relationship with spiritual leaders today?

2. In what ways does the concept of a "remnant" provide hope for believers facing difficult circumstances, and how can this be related to other biblical examples of God's faithfulness?

3. How can we practice intercession in our own lives, and what are some practical steps we can take to pray for others effectively?

4. What does the remnant's situation teach us about the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty in our lives, and how can this perspective change our approach to challenges?

5. How can we ensure that we are seeking God's will in our decisions, and what biblical principles can guide us in discerning His direction for our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 25
Provides historical context for the Babylonian conquest and the exile of the Israelites, which is the backdrop for the events in Jeremiah 42.

Isaiah 10:20-22
Speaks of a remnant returning to God, highlighting the theme of a faithful few who remain after judgment.

Ezra 9:8
Discusses the concept of a remnant being given grace, connecting to the hope and restoration themes found in Jeremiah 42.