Jeremiah 42:15
And now therefore hear the word of the LORD, ye remnant of Judah; Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; If ye wholly set your faces to enter into Egypt, and go to sojourn there;
Jeremiah 42:15 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of Jeremiah, the prophet delivers a message from the Lord to the remnant of Judah. The Lord warns the people of Judah against seeking refuge in Egypt instead of trusting in Him. By choosing to flee to Egypt, they would be turning away from God's protection and provision. The Lord is calling on them to fully commit to following Him and to place their trust in His promises. The verse serves as a reminder to the people of Judah that they should not rely on their own understanding or solutions, but instead trust in the Lord's guidance and direction. It emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience in God's plan, rather than seeking worldly solutions or temporary relief. Ultimately, the verse highlights the eternal significance of following God's will and trusting in His provision, even in times of uncertainty and fear.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse reveals a warning from the prophet Jeremiah to the remnant of Judah. The Lord is cautioning the people against seeking refuge in Egypt instead of trusting in Him. By choosing to flee to Egypt, they would be turning away from God's protection and provision. This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance and following His will, rather than relying on human solutions or worldly sources of security. The phrase "if ye wholly set your faces" suggests a deliberate and determined turning away from God, indicating the seriousness of the decision facing the people of Judah. The use of the term "remnant of Judah" emphasizes that even though the nation was facing judgment, there was still a chance for a faithful few to repent and return to God. Through this verse, the Lord calls for obedience and trust in Him alone, rather than seeking solutions outside of His will.
Jeremiah 42:15 in other translations
American Standard Version
now therefore hear ye the word of Jehovah, O remnant of Judah: Thus saith Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel, If ye indeed set your faces to enter into Egypt, and go to sojourn there;
World English Bible
now therefore hear Yahweh’s word, O remnant of Judah: Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, If you indeed set your faces to enter into Egypt, and go to live there;
Douay-Rheims
For this now hear the word of the Lord, ye remnant of Juda: Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: If you set your faces to go into Egypt, and enter in to dwell there:
Geneva Bible (1599)
(And nowe therefore heare the worde of the Lord, ye remnant of Iudah: thus sayeth the Lord of hostes the God of Israel, If ye set your faces to enter into Egypt, and goe to dwell there)