Categories: Jeremiah

Jeremiah 42

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Jeremiah 42 Commentary

by Brad Boyles

Bias. We all have it. There is a lot to be said in this chapter about predetermined thoughts. Johanan wants to flee to Egypt, but he seeks counsel from Jeremiah first. They ask for Jeremiah to pray to God for an answer. This was a wise move. In fact, the leaders along with Johanan go on to make a bold statement of personal accountability.

Whether it pleases us or not, we will obey the LORD our God, to whom we are asking you to pray. All will go well with us if we obey him.”
Jeremiah 42:6 GNB

However, it seems even though he asked for Jeremiah’s (and ultimately the Lord’s) counsel, he predetermined that he was not going to obey it unless it was exactly what he wanted to hear.

We do this sort of thing all the time. We have a preset way we believe things should go. We set limiting factors on the timing and circumstances of such events. And when a Word comes to us, even from someone like Jeremiah, it’s not what we want to hear.

The danger for Johanan and all the people who follow him is great. God has warned that Egypt will be destroyed if they go there. On the surface, it seems like the safe move. It was a place where there were no wars going on. It was a place they could live comfortably. Again, just like we’ve seen for this entire book, the people of Judah refused to face their pride issues.

I’m sure Johanan does not want to go back and face the humility of being governed by the Babylonians even as God has promised to restore them. And the peace over in Egypt is too enticing. He trusts in his own thoughts and ways instead of following the Lord’s.

Where does this strike your heart today? Are you hardened to the truth of where God is asking you to go? Are you predetermining your thoughts, or refusing to deal with your pride?

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