Pray that the LORD your God will tell us the way we should walk and the thing we should do." Pray that the LORD your GodThe survivors of Judah ask Jeremiah to intercede for them after the assassination of Gedaliah and their fearful gathering near Bethlehem. They recognize that the LORD reveals His will through His prophet, yet their wording may also expose a distance from the God of the covenant whom they have repeatedly resisted. Jer 33:3 Call to Me, and I will answer and show you… will tell us They seek an answer from God concerning their immediate danger and uncertain future. Jeremiah agrees to pray and promises to report everything the LORD answers, withholding nothing. Their request places them under responsibility to obey the revelation they receive. Psa 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go;… the way we should walk God’s guidance concerns the whole course of life, not merely a route of escape. The remnant stands at a decisive crossroads: remain in Judah under Babylonian rule or flee to Egypt for apparent security. The LORD’s way will require trust in His protection rather than reliance on human calculation. Isa 30:21 And whether you turn to the right or to the left,… and the thing we should do.” The people ask for clear direction about their next action, but the chapter reveals that their willingness to obey is tested when God’s command conflicts with their preferred plan. They promise obedience before hearing the answer, yet later reject God’s instruction to remain in the land. Their failure warns that seeking God’s will must be joined to submission to it. Mic 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good.… Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA 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 GuidanceJust 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 3:5-6This 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.
People Hoshaiah, Jeremiah, Jezaniah, Johanan, KareahPlaces Babylon, Egypt, JerusalemTopics Clear, Declare, Shew, Walk, WhereinDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 42:3-4Library Jeremiah, a Lesson for the Disappointed. "Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord."--Jeremiah i. 8. The Prophets were ever ungratefully treated by the Israelites, they were resisted, their warnings neglected, their good services forgotten. But there was this difference between the earlier and the later Prophets; the earlier lived and died in honour among their people,--in outward honour; though hated and thwarted by the wicked, they were exalted to high places, and ruled in the congregation. … John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII "The Carnal Mind is Enmity against God for it is not Subject to the Law of God, Neither Indeed Can Be. So Then they that Are Jeremiah Links Jeremiah 42:3 NIVJeremiah 42:3 NLT Jeremiah 42:3 ESV Jeremiah 42:3 NASB Jeremiah 42:3 KJV Jeremiah 42:3 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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