Topical Bible: Intercession: Solicited: And by Johanan

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Intercession, the act of intervening or mediating on behalf of another, is a significant theme throughout the Bible. It is often depicted as a powerful and compassionate act, where individuals or groups seek divine intervention for others. One notable instance of solicited intercession is found in the actions of Johanan, a leader during the tumultuous period following the destruction of Jerusalem.

Biblical Context

Johanan, son of Kareah, was a military leader during the time of the Babylonian conquest of Judah. After the fall of Jerusalem, the remnant of the people faced uncertainty and fear under Babylonian rule. Johanan emerged as a leader among the remaining Judeans, seeking to protect and guide them through this period of crisis.

Solicitation of Intercession

In the book of Jeremiah, Johanan and the people approached the prophet Jeremiah to seek divine guidance. They were contemplating fleeing to Egypt to escape the Babylonian threat and sought the Lord's will in this matter. This act of soliciting intercession is recorded in Jeremiah 42:1-3 :

"Then all the commanders of the forces, along with Johanan son of Kareah, Jezaniah son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least to the greatest, approached Jeremiah the prophet and said, 'Please let our petition come before you; pray to the LORD your God on behalf of this entire remnant. For as you can see, though we were once many, only a few of us remain. Pray that the LORD your God may tell us the way we should walk and the thing we should do.'"

The Role of the Prophet

Jeremiah, as a prophet, served as an intermediary between God and the people. His role was to convey God's messages and guidance to the Israelites. In this instance, Johanan and the people recognized Jeremiah's unique position and sought his intercession to discern God's will for their future.

God's Response

Jeremiah agreed to intercede on their behalf and sought the Lord's guidance. After ten days, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, providing a clear directive. The Lord instructed the people to remain in the land of Judah and not to flee to Egypt, promising protection and blessing if they obeyed. This response is detailed in Jeremiah 42:9-12 :

"He said to them, 'This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, to whom you sent me to present your petition, says: If you will indeed stay in this land, then I will build you up and not tear you down; I will plant you and not uproot you, for I will relent of the disaster I have brought upon you. Do not be afraid of the king of Babylon, whom you now fear. Do not be afraid of him, declares the LORD, for I am with you to save you and deliver you from him. I will show you compassion, and he will have compassion on you and restore you to your own land.'"

Significance of Johanan's Solicitation

Johanan's solicitation of intercession highlights several key aspects of biblical intercession:

1. Recognition of Divine Authority: Johanan and the people acknowledged the authority of God and the role of the prophet as His spokesperson. Their request for intercession demonstrated their dependence on divine guidance.

2. Community Involvement: The solicitation was not just an individual act but involved the entire remnant, emphasizing the communal aspect of seeking God's will.

3. Faith and Obedience: The response from God required faith and obedience from the people. It underscored the importance of trusting in God's promises and His plans, even when they seemed counterintuitive to human reasoning.

4. Consequences of Disobedience: Despite the clear guidance, the people ultimately chose to disobey God's command and fled to Egypt, leading to further calamity. This outcome serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of ignoring divine instruction.

Johanan's solicitation of intercession is a profound example of the biblical principle that seeking God's guidance through prayer and intercession is vital, especially in times of uncertainty and crisis.

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Jeremiah 42:1-6
Then all the captains of the forces, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least even to the greatest, came near,
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