Jeremiah 42: Group Study Handout

Overview

The captains of the forces, including Johanan and Jezaniah, approach Jeremiah to seek guidance from Yahweh regarding their next steps (vv. 1-3). Jeremiah agrees to pray for them and promises to relay Yahweh's response without holding back (vv. 4-6). After ten days, Yahweh speaks to Jeremiah, instructing him to tell the remnant of Judah that they should remain in their land where He will protect and build them (vv. 7-10). He assures them not to fear the king of Babylon, for He is with them to save them (vv. 11-14). However, if they choose to flee to Egypt, they will face death by sword, famine, and pestilence (vv. 15-19). Jeremiah confronts the people’s deceit in seeking guidance while planning to disobey Yahweh (vv. 20-22).

Key verse

“Don’t be afraid of the king of Babylon, of whom you are afraid. Don’t be afraid of him,’ says Yahweh: ‘for I am with you to save you, and to deliver you from his hand.”

Jeremiah 42:11 (WEB)

Outline

1. Jeremiah 42:1–3 The Remnant Seeks Guidance
2. Jeremiah 42:4–6 Jeremiah Promises to Pray
3. Jeremiah 42:7–10 God's Response After Ten Days
4. Jeremiah 42:11–14 Assurance Against Fear
5. Jeremiah 42:15–19 Warning Against Going to Egypt
6. Jeremiah 42:20–22 Confrontation of Deceit

Discussion questions

1. In v2, why do the captains and people approach Jeremiah the prophet?
2. What does Jeremiah promise to do in v4 when he hears their request?
3. In v13, why do the people express a desire to go into Egypt against God's warning?
4. In v21, what does Jeremiah mean by saying they have not obeyed God's voice?
5. What does it mean for you to obey 'the voice of Yahweh' in your life?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Jeremiah 42: Jeremiah 44, Jeremiah 41, Jeremiah 7.

Before next time: read Jeremiah 43.