What is the meaning of Jeremiah 42:2? May our petition come before you • A posture of humility: the remnant approaches Jeremiah as one who can gain audience with the LORD, echoing Psalm 17:1 and 1 Timothy 2:1. • They recognize their need; requests to God are not demands but earnest appeals. Pray to the LORD your God • They trust Jeremiah’s standing with God, much like Israel did with Moses in Exodus 32:11. • “Your God” hints at their own spiritual distance (Jeremiah 15:1), yet they still believe intercession can bridge the gap (James 5:16). On behalf of this entire remnant • The plea is corporate; no one is left out (Jeremiah 23:3; Romans 11:5). • God’s pattern of preserving a faithful remnant (Isaiah 10:20-22) underlines hope that He will guide those who remain. For few of us remain of the many • The Babylonian judgment has reduced them, fulfilling warnings like Deuteronomy 28:62 and Isaiah 1:9. • Their words show contrition and realism: rebellion has tangible consequences (Lamentations 3:22-23). As you can see with your own eyes • The devastation is visible, undeniable proof urging action (Joel 1:2-4; Acts 3:16). • Inviting Jeremiah to look underscores urgency and sincerity. summary Jeremiah 42:2 portrays a humbled, battered remnant seeking divine direction. They respectfully lay a petition before Jeremiah, trust his intercession with the LORD, include every survivor in their plea, acknowledge their drastic reduction as deserved judgment, and point to the visible ruins as evidence of their need. The verse spotlights genuine dependence on God’s mercy and a longing for guidance for the few who remain. |
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