Pray that the LORD your GodThis phrase highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance through prayer. In the context of
Jeremiah 42, the remnant of Judah, after the fall of Jerusalem, seeks Jeremiah's intercession to inquire of God. This reflects a common biblical theme where leaders and prophets intercede on behalf of the people (e.g., Moses in
Exodus 32:11-14). The use of "the LORD your God" indicates a recognition of Jeremiah's close relationship with God, emphasizing the need for a mediator in times of uncertainty.
will tell us
The people are seeking a direct revelation from God, which underscores the belief in God's active communication with His people. This request for divine instruction is reminiscent of other instances in the Old Testament where God provides guidance, such as through the Urim and Thummim (Exodus 28:30) or prophetic visions. It reflects a dependence on God's wisdom rather than human understanding, aligning withProverbs 3:5-6.
the way we should walk
This phrase metaphorically represents the path of life and conduct. In biblical terms, "walking" often symbolizes one's lifestyle and choices (Psalm 1:1,Micah 6:8). The remnant seeks to align their actions with God's will, acknowledging that only God can provide the right path. This is a recurring theme in Scripture, where God's law is described as a light and guide (Psalm 119:105).
and the thing we should do.”
Here, the focus is on specific actions and decisions. The people of Judah are in a precarious situation, facing the threat of Babylonian retribution and considering fleeing to Egypt. They seek God's direction for immediate and practical decisions. This reflects a broader biblical principle of seeking God's will in both major and minor life decisions (James 1:5). The request underscores the belief that God is concerned with the details of His people's lives and is willing to provide guidance.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JeremiahA 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.
Johanan and the Remnant of JudahJohanan was a military leader who, along with the remnant of Judah, sought guidance from Jeremiah after the Babylonian conquest. They were uncertain about their future and sought divine direction.
3.
Babylonian ConquestThe context of this passage is the aftermath of the Babylonian conquest of Judah, which led to the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of many Israelites.
4.
EgyptThe remnant of Judah was considering fleeing to Egypt for safety, fearing further Babylonian aggression.
5.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who is sought for guidance and direction in this passage.
Teaching Points
Seeking Divine GuidanceJust as the remnant of Judah sought God's direction, believers today should prioritize seeking God's will in their decisions through prayer and Scripture.
Trusting God's PlanEven in uncertain times, trust that God's plan is perfect. The remnant's situation teaches us to rely on God's wisdom rather than our own understanding.
The Importance of ObedienceIt's not enough to seek God's guidance; we must also be willing to follow it, even if it leads us in unexpected directions.
Community in Decision-MakingThe remnant approached Jeremiah as a community, highlighting the importance of seeking counsel and prayer support from fellow believers.
Avoiding Rash DecisionsThe remnant's consideration of fleeing to Egypt without God's direction serves as a warning against making hasty decisions without seeking divine guidance.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Jeremiah 42:3?
2.How can we seek God's guidance as in Jeremiah 42:3 in daily decisions?
3.What does Jeremiah 42:3 teach about God's will for our lives?
4.How does Jeremiah 42:3 connect with Proverbs 3:5-6 on trusting God?
5.In what ways can we discern God's "way we should walk"?
6.How can Jeremiah 42:3 inspire prayer for clarity in uncertain situations?
7.What does Jeremiah 42:3 reveal about seeking God's guidance in decision-making?
8.How does Jeremiah 42:3 emphasize the importance of prayer in understanding God's will?
9.Why is it significant that Jeremiah 42:3 requests God to show "the way we should walk"?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 42?
11.Can God be conceived as the greatest possible being?
12.Why do many self-proclaimed Christians behave worse than atheists?
13.Why does Isaiah 48:6-7 mention 'new things' suddenly revealed, if God's will or word is supposed to be consistent and unchanging?
14.What is the Bible's perspective on being woke?What Does Jeremiah 42:3 Mean
PrayJeremiah’s audience urges the prophet: “Pray that the LORD your God will tell us…” Genuine guidance begins with prayerful dependence.
• Prayer acknowledges God’s sovereign rule, just asJeremiah 33:3 invites, “Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things you do not know.”
• It shifts anxiety into trust, echoingPhilippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
• Persistent prayer is a lifestyle—1 Thessalonians 5:17 simply instructs, “Pray without ceasing.”
the LORD your GodThey recognize Jeremiah’s relationship with “the LORD your God,” the covenant name Yahweh, signalling the One true God who alone can direct them.
•Deuteronomy 6:4–5 reminds, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One… love the LORD your God with all your heart.”
•Psalm 100:3 grounds identity: “Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His.”
• Addressing Him as “your God” also exposes their own wavering loyalty; Elijah once challenged Israel, “If the LORD is God, follow Him” (1 Kings 18:21).
will tell usThey anticipate a clear answer. God speaks, and His word is trustworthy.
•Psalm 119:105 affirms, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
• Jesus promised the Spirit would “guide you into all truth” (John 16:13).
•Amos 3:7 assures, “Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.”
the way we should walk“Way” pictures the daily path of life. God’s guidance is moral and directional.
•Psalm 23:3: “He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”
•Isaiah 30:21 portrays intimate instruction: “Your ears will hear this command behind you: ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”
•Micah 6:8 distills God’s expectation: “He has shown you, O man, what is good… to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”
and the thing we should doBeyond general direction, they seek concrete steps of obedience.
•James 1:22 warns, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.”
• Paul prays believers “may be filled with the knowledge of His will… so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord… bearing fruit in every good work” (Colossians 1:9-10).
•Proverbs 3:5-6 ties trust to action: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.”
summaryJeremiah 42:3 captures a model response for every believer: turn first to prayer, recognize God as covenant Lord, expect Him to speak through His unerring word, receive guidance for life’s path, and translate that guidance into obedient action.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
[Pray] that the LORDיְהוָ֣ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069:YHWHyour Godאֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ(’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā)Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativemay tellוְיַגֶּד־(wə·yag·geḏ-)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5046:To be conspicuousus the wayהַדֶּ֖רֶךְ(had·de·reḵ)Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 1870:A road, a course of life, mode of actionwe should walkנֵֽלֶךְ־(nê·leḵ-)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walkand the thingהַדָּבָ֖ר(had·dā·ḇār)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a causewe should do.”נַעֲשֶֽׂה׃(na·‘ă·śeh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural
Strong's 6213:To do, make
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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 42:3 That Yahweh your God may show us (Jer.)