Jeremiah 42:15 - now therefore hear Yahweh’s word, O remnant of Judah: Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, says, ‘If you indeed set your faces to enter into Egypt, and go to live there;

Generated Verse: Jeremiah 42:15

What does "Jeremiah 42:15" mean?


This verse is a key part of a warning from God delivered by the prophet Jeremiah to the remaining people of Judah after the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians. Let's break it down:

"Now therefore hear Yahweh’s word, O remnant of Judah:" This establishes the context. "Remnant of Judah" refers to the small group of Jews who were left in the land after the Babylonian conquest and exile. Jeremiah is about to deliver a message directly from God (Yahweh).

"Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, says:" This emphasizes the authority and power of the message. "Yahweh of Armies" (or Lord of Hosts) is a title that emphasizes God's sovereignty and might. "The God of Israel" connects him to the covenant made with their ancestors.

"‘If you indeed set your faces to enter into Egypt, and go to live there;'" This is the condition upon which the following consequences will be based. The people were considering fleeing to Egypt for safety and security, likely because they feared further attacks from the Babylonians or other groups. "Setting your faces" is an idiom implying determination and intent. It suggests they've made up their minds.

In Summary:

The verse is a warning from God to the remaining people of Judah. It specifically addresses their plan to migrate to Egypt. God, speaking through Jeremiah, is laying out a condition. This sets the stage for God to explain what the consequences will be if they choose to go to Egypt, which are described in the verses that follow.

Significance:

The verse highlights a critical decision point for the remnant of Judah. They have a choice: Trust in God's guidance and stay in the land (even though it's dangerous) or seek what seems like a safer option in Egypt. The subsequent verses reveal that God warns them not to go to Egypt, and that disobedience will lead to disaster. The overarching theme is trusting in God's provision and protection versus relying on human solutions and potentially turning back to the idolatry of Egypt.