Jeremiah 42:3

Pray that the LORD your God will tell us the way we should walk and the thing we should do."

Study Bible

Pray that the LORD your God
This phrase highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance through prayer. In the context of Jeremiah 42, the remnant of Judah, after the fall of Jerusalem, seeks Jeremiah's intercession to inquire of God. This reflects a common biblical theme where leaders and prophets intercede on behalf of the people (e.g., Moses in Exodus 32:11-14). The use of "the LORD your God" indicates a recognition of Jeremiah's close relationship with God, emphasizing the need for a mediator in times of uncertainty.

will tell us
The people are seeking a direct revelation from God, which underscores the belief in God's active communication with His people. This request for divine instruction is reminiscent of other instances in the Old Testament where God provides guidance, such as through the Urim and Thummim (Exodus 28:30) or prophetic visions. It reflects a dependence on God's wisdom rather than human understanding, aligning with Proverbs 3:5-6.

the way we should walk
This phrase metaphorically represents the path of life and conduct. In biblical terms, "walking" often symbolizes one's lifestyle and choices (Psalm 1:1, Micah 6:8). The remnant seeks to align their actions with God's will, acknowledging that only God can provide the right path. This is a recurring theme in Scripture, where God's law is described as a light and guide (Psalm 119:105).

and the thing we should do.”
Here, the focus is on specific actions and decisions. The people of Judah are in a precarious situation, facing the threat of Babylonian retribution and considering fleeing to Egypt. They seek God's direction for immediate and practical decisions. This reflects a broader biblical principle of seeking God's will in both major and minor life decisions (James 1:5). The request underscores the belief that God is concerned with the details of His people's lives and is willing to provide guidance.

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 sins of his people.

2. Johanan and the Remnant of Judah
Johanan was a military leader who, along with the remnant of Judah, sought guidance from Jeremiah after the Babylonian conquest. They were uncertain about their future and sought divine direction.

3. Babylonian Conquest
The context of this passage is the aftermath of the Babylonian conquest of Judah, which led to the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of many Israelites.

4. Egypt
The remnant of Judah was considering fleeing to Egypt for safety, fearing further Babylonian aggression.

5. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is sought for guidance and direction in this passage.

Teaching Points

Seeking Divine Guidance
Just as the remnant of Judah sought God's direction, believers today should prioritize seeking God's will in their decisions through prayer and Scripture.

Trusting God's Plan
Even in uncertain times, trust that God's plan is perfect. The remnant's situation teaches us to rely on God's wisdom rather than our own understanding.

The Importance of Obedience
It's not enough to seek God's guidance; we must also be willing to follow it, even if it leads us in unexpected directions.

Community in Decision-Making
The remnant approached Jeremiah as a community, highlighting the importance of seeking counsel and prayer support from fellow believers.

Avoiding Rash Decisions
The remnant's consideration of fleeing to Egypt without God's direction serves as a warning against making hasty decisions without seeking divine guidance.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from the remnant of Judah's approach to seeking God's guidance in Jeremiah 42:3, and how can we apply this to our own decision-making processes?

2. How does the context of the Babylonian conquest influence the remnant's request for guidance, and what does this teach us about seeking God in times of crisis?

3. In what ways does Proverbs 3:5-6 complement the message of Jeremiah 42:3, and how can these verses guide us in trusting God's plan for our lives?

4. How can we ensure that we are not only seeking God's guidance but also prepared to obey it, even if it challenges our own plans or desires?

5. Reflect on a time when you sought God's guidance in a community setting. How did the support and counsel of others impact your decision, and how does this relate to the remnant's approach in Jeremiah 42:3?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 3:5-6
This passage emphasizes trusting in the Lord with all your heart and not leaning on your own understanding, which aligns with the remnant's request for divine guidance in Jeremiah 42:3.

Psalm 25:4-5
The psalmist's plea for God to show him His ways and teach him His paths mirrors the request made by the remnant of Judah for direction.

James 1:5
This New Testament verse encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, promising that He gives generously to all without finding fault, similar to the remnant's request for guidance.