Jeremiah 42:4

"I have heard you," replied Jeremiah the prophet. "I will surely pray to the LORD your God as you request, and I will tell you everything that the LORD answers; I will not withhold a word from you."

Study Bible

"I have heard you," replied Jeremiah the prophet.
Jeremiah, known as the "weeping prophet," is responding to the remnant of Judah who sought his counsel. This phrase indicates his attentiveness and willingness to engage with the people's request. Jeremiah's role as a prophet was to be a mediator between God and the people, often delivering messages that were difficult to hear. His response here shows his commitment to his prophetic duty despite the challenges he faced, including persecution and imprisonment.

"I will surely pray to the LORD your God as you request,"
Jeremiah's promise to pray underscores the importance of intercessory prayer in the life of a prophet. The phrase "the LORD your God" highlights the covenant relationship between God and Israel, reminding the people of their identity and obligations. Jeremiah's assurance to pray reflects his faithfulness and dedication to seeking God's will, even when the people themselves were often unfaithful.

"and I will tell you everything that the LORD answers."
This commitment to relay God's message in its entirety is crucial. Prophets were expected to convey God's words without alteration, emphasizing the integrity and reliability of true prophecy. Jeremiah's promise to communicate "everything" underscores the transparency and accountability required of a prophet. This mirrors the biblical principle that God's word is complete and sufficient, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:2 and Revelation 22:18-19.

"I will not withhold a word from you."
Jeremiah's assurance that he will not withhold any part of God's message highlights the prophet's role as a faithful messenger. This phrase reflects the seriousness with which prophets approached their task, as withholding God's word would be a grave sin. It also points to the nature of divine revelation, which is meant to be fully disclosed for the guidance and correction of God's people. This echoes the New Testament teaching in Acts 20:27, where Paul declares he did not shrink from declaring the whole counsel of God.

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. In this context, he is approached by the remnant of Judah for guidance.

2. The Remnant of Judah
The remaining people of Judah after the Babylonian conquest, seeking divine guidance through Jeremiah.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, to whom Jeremiah promises to pray and from whom he will receive guidance.

4. Egypt
The place the remnant of Judah is considering fleeing to for safety, against God's previous warnings.

5. Babylonian Conquest
The backdrop of this chapter, where Jerusalem has been destroyed, and the people are in a state of fear and uncertainty.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Seeking God’s Guidance
Just as the remnant sought Jeremiah's intercession, believers today should seek God's guidance in times of uncertainty.

Faithfulness in Delivering God’s Message
Jeremiah's commitment to relay God's message without omission is a model for believers to faithfully share God's truth.

Trust in God’s Sovereignty
Despite the fear of the unknown, trusting in God's plan is crucial, as He sees beyond our immediate circumstances.

The Role of Intercessory Prayer
Jeremiah's role as an intercessor highlights the power and importance of praying for others.

Obedience to God’s Word
The remnant's request for guidance implies a willingness to obey, which is essential for receiving God's direction.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jeremiah's response to the remnant of Judah demonstrate the role of a prophet, and how can we apply this in our own lives when seeking or delivering God's guidance?

2. In what ways does the situation of the remnant of Judah reflect our own times of uncertainty, and how can we apply Jeremiah 42:4 to find peace in God's plans?

3. How does Jeremiah's promise to not withhold any word from God challenge us in our own communication of God's truth to others?

4. What can we learn from the remnant's approach to seeking God's guidance through Jeremiah, and how does this relate to the New Testament teaching on prayer and seeking wisdom?

5. How does the context of Jeremiah 42:4 encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when His plans are not immediately clear to us?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 29:11
This verse speaks of God's plans for hope and a future, which contrasts with the fear and uncertainty faced by the remnant in Jeremiah 42.

1 Samuel 3:18
Samuel's commitment to relay God's message without omission parallels Jeremiah's promise to not withhold any word from God.

James 1:5
Encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, similar to how the remnant seeks guidance through Jeremiah.