Jeremiah 42:6

Whether it is pleasant or unpleasant, we will obey the voice of the LORD our God to whom we are sending you, so that it may go well with us, for we will obey the voice of the LORD our God!"

Study Bible

Whether it is pleasant or unpleasant
This phrase reflects a commitment to obedience regardless of circumstances. It echoes the biblical principle of submitting to God's will, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:5, where love for God is commanded with all one's heart, soul, and strength. The willingness to accept both favorable and unfavorable outcomes is a testament to faith and trust in God's sovereignty, similar to Job's declaration in Job 2:10, "Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?"

we will obey the voice of the LORD our God
Obedience to God's voice is a central theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of heeding divine instruction. In the context of Jeremiah, the people are seeking guidance during a time of crisis following the Babylonian conquest. This mirrors the call to obedience found in 1 Samuel 15:22, where Samuel states that obedience is better than sacrifice. The phrase underscores the covenant relationship between God and His people, where obedience is a response to God's faithfulness.

to whom we are sending you
This refers to the delegation of Jeremiah as a prophet to seek God's guidance. Prophets in the Old Testament served as intermediaries between God and the people, delivering messages and instructions. Jeremiah's role is crucial, as he is seen as a trustworthy conduit for God's will. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God using chosen individuals to communicate His purposes, as seen with Moses in Exodus 3:10.

so that it may go well with us
The desire for well-being is a common biblical motif, often linked to obedience and adherence to God's commandments. Deuteronomy 5:33 promises that walking in God's ways will lead to prosperity and longevity. This phrase highlights the belief that aligning with God's will results in blessings and protection, a recurring promise throughout the Old Testament.

when we obey the voice of the LORD our God!
Reiterating the commitment to obedience, this phrase emphasizes the conditional nature of God's blessings based on the people's response. The repetition underscores the seriousness of their pledge and the understanding that their future well-being is contingent upon their faithfulness. This is consistent with the covenantal framework found in passages like Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28, where blessings and curses are outlined based on obedience or disobedience to God's commands.

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 the mouthpiece of God in this passage.

2. Johanan and the Remnant of Judah
Johanan was a leader among the remnant of Judah who sought Jeremiah's counsel. The remnant refers to the small group of Israelites left in Judah after the Babylonian conquest.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who speaks through His prophet Jeremiah. The people are seeking His guidance for their future actions.

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

5. Babylonian Exile
The historical context of this passage, where the Israelites were taken captive by Babylon. The remnant is seeking guidance on whether to stay in Judah or flee to Egypt.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience
Obedience to God's word is crucial, whether His commands are pleasant or unpleasant. True faith is demonstrated through obedience.

Seeking God's Guidance
Like the remnant, we should seek God's guidance in all decisions, trusting that His plans are for our good.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Even when God's instructions seem counterintuitive, trusting in His sovereignty leads to blessings and protection.

Commitment to Follow Through
It's not enough to express a desire to obey; we must follow through with action, as the remnant pledged to do.

Consequences of Disobedience
The historical context reminds us that disobedience leads to negative consequences, reinforcing the need for adherence to God's will.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the remnant's commitment to obey God's voice, regardless of the outcome, teach us about the nature of true obedience?

2. How can we apply the principle of seeking God's guidance in our daily decision-making processes?

3. In what ways does trusting in God's sovereignty help us when His instructions seem difficult or unpleasant?

4. Reflect on a time when you committed to obeying God. How did you ensure that your commitment translated into action?

5. How do the consequences faced by the Israelites for disobedience serve as a warning for us today? How can we learn from their example?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 28
This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience to God's commands, which parallels the remnant's desire for things to "go well" with them through obedience.

1 Samuel 15:22
This verse emphasizes that obedience is better than sacrifice, highlighting the importance of obeying God's voice as the remnant pledges to do.

James 1:22-25
This New Testament passage encourages believers to be doers of the word, not just hearers, which aligns with the remnant's commitment to obey God's voice.