Tyndale Open Study NotesJeremiah 42

The group of Judean fighters and the people they had saved (Jeremiah 41:16) approached Jeremiah with a request for guidance that seemed sincere.

The phrase I have heard you shows that Jeremiah doubted the sincerity of the Judean group led by Johanan. However, the prophet agreed to pray for divine guidance and to share the complete message of the Lord's answer with them.

These people might have sensed that Jeremiah doubted their sincerity. They responded by making a serious promise. They committed to obey the Lord's instructions and agreed to accept punishment if they broke the promise. They felt sure that the Lord's answer would be what they wanted to hear.

• The Lord said he wanted the people to remain in Judea and settle there. He promised to establish them in the land (see Jeremiah 1:10). Judea's time of judgment had ended.

• I am with you to save you: The Lord urged the remaining people of Judea to trust him for protection from the king of Babylon.

Jeremiah had already predicted Egypt's fate; the Babylonians would destroy it (Jeremiah 46:2–26). This remaining group from Judah would face the Lord's judgment if they went to Egypt.

Like their ancestors, this group from Judah relied on the Egyptians for protection instead of trusting in the Lord.