Jeremiah 42:5

Then they said to Jeremiah, "May the LORD be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act upon every word that the LORD your God sends you to tell us.

Study Bible

Then they said to Jeremiah
This phrase indicates a dialogue between the people and the prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah was a major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. The context here is after the fall of Jerusalem, when the remnant of Judah is seeking guidance. Jeremiah, as a prophet, served as a mediator between God and the people, often delivering messages that were difficult to hear.

“May the LORD be a true and faithful witness against us
Invoking the LORD as a witness underscores the seriousness of their commitment. In ancient Israel, oaths and covenants were often made before God, who was seen as the ultimate judge and witness. This reflects the cultural and religious practice of making solemn promises with divine accountability. The terms "true and faithful" emphasize God's nature as reliable and just, aligning with passages like Deuteronomy 32:4, which describes God as a God of truth.

if we do not act upon every word
This phrase highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands. In the biblical narrative, obedience is a central theme, as seen in Deuteronomy 28, where blessings and curses are contingent upon Israel's adherence to God's law. The commitment to act upon "every word" signifies total submission to divine instruction, a recurring expectation in the covenant relationship between God and His people.

that the LORD your God sends you to tell us.
Here, the people acknowledge Jeremiah's role as God's messenger. The phrase "the LORD your God" indicates a recognition of the personal relationship between Jeremiah and God, as well as the authority of the message. This reflects the prophetic tradition where prophets like Moses (Exodus 3:10) and Isaiah (Isaiah 6:8) were sent by God to deliver His words. The people's request for guidance through Jeremiah shows their dependence on divine direction during a time of crisis.

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. The Remnant of Judah
The group of Israelites who remained in Judah after the Babylonian conquest. They sought guidance from Jeremiah on whether to flee to Egypt or stay in the land.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenantal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing His faithfulness and sovereignty. The people invoke His name as a witness to their promise.

4. Egypt
A neighboring nation to which the remnant considered fleeing for safety. Historically, Egypt was both a place of refuge and a symbol of reliance on human strength rather than God.

5. Babylonian Conquest
The historical backdrop of this passage, where Babylon had conquered Judah, leading to the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of many Israelites.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Vows
Invoking God as a witness is a solemn act. Believers should be cautious and sincere when making commitments, understanding the weight of their words before God.

Seeking Divine Guidance
Like the remnant, we should seek God's guidance in our decisions. However, we must be prepared to follow through with obedience, regardless of personal desires.

God's Faithfulness
The passage underscores God's role as a "true and faithful witness." Believers can trust in God's faithfulness and truthfulness in all circumstances.

The Danger of Insincere Promises
The remnant's promise to obey God's word through Jeremiah was not kept, leading to dire consequences. This serves as a warning against making insincere commitments to God.

Reliance on God vs. Human Solutions
The temptation to flee to Egypt symbolizes reliance on human solutions rather than trusting in God's provision and protection.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does it mean to have God as a "true and faithful witness" in our lives today, and how can this understanding impact our daily decisions?

2. How can we ensure that our commitments to God are sincere and not just empty promises?

3. In what ways can we seek and discern God's guidance in our lives, similar to how the remnant sought Jeremiah's counsel?

4. Reflect on a time when you relied on human solutions instead of trusting in God. What were the outcomes, and what did you learn from that experience?

5. How can the principle of witnesses, as seen in both the Old and New Testaments, be applied in our relationships and community interactions today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 19:15
This verse discusses the requirement of two or three witnesses to establish a matter, highlighting the seriousness of invoking God as a witness.

Matthew 18:16
Jesus refers to the principle of witnesses in resolving disputes, showing the continuity of this concept in both Old and New Testaments.

Hebrews 6:13-18
Discusses God's unchangeable nature and His promises, reinforcing the idea of God as a faithful witness.