Jeremiah 42:20

For you have deceived yourselves by sending me to the LORD your God, saying, 'Pray to the LORD our God on our behalf, and as for all that the LORD our God says, tell it to us and we will do it.'

Study Bible

For you have deceived yourselves
This phrase highlights the self-deception of the people of Judah. In the broader context of Jeremiah 42, the remnant of Judah seeks guidance from God through the prophet Jeremiah. However, their hearts are not truly aligned with God's will. This self-deception is a common theme in Scripture, where individuals or groups claim to seek God's guidance but are unwilling to follow it when it contradicts their desires (James 1:22-24).

by sending me to the LORD your God
Jeremiah is acting as an intermediary between the people and God, a common role for prophets in the Old Testament. This reflects the people's recognition of Jeremiah's prophetic authority, yet their actions reveal a lack of genuine faith. The phrase "the LORD your God" indicates a personal relationship that the people are supposed to have with God, yet their actions suggest otherwise.

saying, ‘Pray to the LORD our God on our behalf
The people request intercession, acknowledging their need for divine guidance. This reflects a pattern seen throughout the Old Testament, where leaders and prophets intercede for the people (Exodus 32:11-14). However, their request is insincere, as their subsequent actions reveal a predetermined decision to go to Egypt, contrary to God's will.

and as for all that the LORD our God says, tell it to us
This phrase indicates a willingness to hear God's word, yet it is superficial. The people express a desire to know God's will, but their hearts are not truly open to it. This mirrors the parable of the sower in the New Testament, where some hear the word but do not let it take root (Matthew 13:20-21).

and we will do it
The people make a commitment to obey God's instructions, yet their actions later prove otherwise. This reflects a recurring biblical theme of lip service without true obedience (Isaiah 29:13). It serves as a warning against making vows to God without the intention of fulfilling them, emphasizing the importance of genuine faith and obedience.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah. Known for his perseverance in delivering God's word despite opposition.

2. The Remnant of Judah
The group of Israelites left in Judah after the Babylonian conquest. They sought guidance from God through Jeremiah.

3. Johanan
A leader among the remnant who sought Jeremiah's counsel, representing the people's desire for divine direction.

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

5. Babylonian Conquest
The historical backdrop of this passage, where Judah was conquered, and many were exiled.

Teaching Points

Sincerity in Seeking God's Will
When seeking God's guidance, ensure that your heart is genuinely open to His direction, even if it contradicts personal desires.

The Danger of Self-Deception
Be aware of the human tendency to deceive oneself, especially when it comes to spiritual matters. True obedience requires honesty with oneself and God.

Consequences of Disobedience
Understand that ignoring God's instructions can lead to negative consequences, as seen in the remnant's eventual downfall.

Trust in God's Plan
Trust that God's plan, even when it seems difficult or counterintuitive, is ultimately for our good and His glory.

Commitment to Action
Commit to acting on God's word, not just hearing it. True faith is demonstrated through obedience.

Bible Study Questions

1. What motivations might have led the remnant of Judah to seek Jeremiah's counsel, and how can we ensure our motivations align with God's will when seeking guidance?

2. How does the remnant's response to God's message through Jeremiah reflect our own struggles with obedience, and what steps can we take to overcome these struggles?

3. In what ways do we deceive ourselves in our spiritual walk, and how can we cultivate a heart of sincerity and truthfulness before God?

4. How does the account of the remnant's desire to flee to Egypt parallel other biblical accounts of disobedience, and what lessons can we learn from these parallels?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult decision. How did you seek God's guidance, and what was the outcome? How can this passage inform your approach to future decisions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 43
This chapter continues the account, showing the people's disobedience to God's command through Jeremiah, highlighting the consequences of not following divine guidance.

Exodus 14
The Israelites' initial desire to return to Egypt when faced with challenges, paralleling the remnant's inclination to seek refuge in Egypt.

James 1:22
This verse emphasizes the importance of being doers of the word, not just hearers, which relates to the remnant's failure to act on God's instructions.