Jeremiah 42:1

KJV

¶ Then all the captains of the forces, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least even unto the greatest, came near,

KJV (with Strong's)

Then all the captains {H8269} of the forces {H2428}, and Johanan {H3110} the son {H1121} of Kareah {H7143}, and Jezaniah {H3153} the son {H1121} of Hoshaiah {H1955}, and all the people {H5971} from the least {H6996} even unto the greatest {H1419}, came near {H5066},

Complete Jewish Bible

Then all the military commanders, Yochanan the son of Kareach, Y'zanyah the son of Hosha'yah and all the people, from the least to the greatest, approached

Berean Standard Bible

Then all the commanders of the forces, along with Johanan son of Kareah, Jezaniah son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least to the greatest, approached

American Standard Version

Then all the captains of the forces, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least even unto the greatest, came near,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 42:1 marks a critical juncture for the remnant of Judah following the assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor. In a state of profound fear and uncertainty regarding their future, the surviving leaders and people collectively approach the prophet Jeremiah, seeking divine counsel and a clear word from the Lord concerning whether they should remain in Judah or flee to Egypt. This verse sets the stage for a dramatic test of their willingness to obey God's will, even when it directly conflicts with their human inclinations and fears.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 42:1 immediately follows a period of intense national trauma and political upheaval. Chapters 40 and 41 detail the aftermath of Jerusalem's destruction in 586 BC, specifically focusing on the appointment of Gedaliah as governor by the Babylonians and his subsequent assassination by Ishmael. This act of violence plunged the remaining Jewish population into deep fear, not only of Ishmael but also of severe Babylonian reprisal for Gedaliah's death. The people, including the military captains and prominent figures like Johanan and Jezaniah, are now leaderless and desperate for direction, prompting their unified appeal to Jeremiah. Their coming "near" to the prophet signifies a formal and urgent plea for divine guidance in a time of existential crisis, setting up the direct confrontation between God's will and the people's desires that unfolds in the rest of [Jeremiah 42](/jeremiah/42 "Jeremiah 42 - The Remnant Seeks Counsel").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the immediate post-exilic period for the remnant left in Judah. After the Babylonian siege and destruction of Jerusalem, the temple, and the exile of the elite, a small, vulnerable population remained. The assassination of Gedaliah, who represented the last vestige of stable governance, created a power vacuum and exacerbated the people's terror. Culturally, in ancient Israel, prophets like Jeremiah served as direct conduits for divine revelation, especially during national crises. When faced with overwhelming uncertainty, it was customary and expected to seek a word from Yahweh through His chosen mouthpiece. The people's fear of Babylonian retribution for Gedaliah's death, coupled with the famine and desolation of the land, made the prospect of fleeing to Egypt seem like a rational and safer alternative, despite God's previous warnings against relying on Egypt for deliverance (e.g., [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to the Rebellious Children")). Their approach to Jeremiah underscores their recognition of his prophetic authority, even if their subsequent actions reveal a lack of genuine commitment to obey.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several crucial themes that permeate the subsequent narrative. First, it highlights the theme of **Seeking Divine Counsel**, as the people, from leaders to the common folk, acknowledge their dire need for God's direction in a desperate situation. They turn to Jeremiah, recognizing his role as a conduit for God's will and a source of divine revelation. Second, the presence of "all the captains" and specific leaders alongside "all the people from the least even unto the greatest" emphasizes **Leadership and Unity** in seeking guidance, underscoring the widespread concern and the communal nature of their inquiry during a critical juncture for the Jewish remnant. Finally, the underlying tension of **Human Fear vs. God's Plan** is immediately evident. Their request is driven by a deep-seated fear of the Babylonians and a strong inclination to flee to Egypt, despite God's previous warnings against such actions (as seen later in [Jeremiah 42:19](/jeremiah/42-19 "Jeremiah 42:19 - Warning Against Going to Egypt")). This verse initiates the dramatic conflict between their perceived safety and the divine path God would reveal.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **captains (Hebrew, _sar'_):** H8269. From a root meaning "to rule," this term denotes a head person of any rank or class, including chief, general, governor, or ruler. In this context, it refers to military commanders or high-ranking officials among the remnant, indicating that the request to Jeremiah came from those with authority and influence, not just common individuals. Their presence signifies a formal and weighty delegation.
* **came near (Hebrew, _nâgash'_):** H5066. This primitive root means "to be or come near," often implying an approach for a specific purpose, such as a formal consultation, a plea, or a request. It suggests a deliberate and earnest act of drawing close to Jeremiah, indicating the urgency and solemnity of their appeal for divine intervention and guidance. It is not a casual encounter but a purposeful seeking.
* **from the least even unto the greatest (Hebrew, _qâṭân'_ H6996 and _gâdôwl'_ H1419):** This idiomatic expression signifies inclusivity, encompassing everyone regardless of their age, social status, or importance. "Least" (qâṭân) refers to someone or something small, young, or insignificant, while "greatest" (gâdôwl) refers to someone or something large, old, or important. Their combined use emphasizes that the entire community, from the youngest or lowest-ranking to the oldest or highest-ranking, was united in this appeal, highlighting the universal nature of the crisis and the collective desire for direction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then all the captains of the forces,"**: This phrase identifies the primary initiators of the delegation. "Captains of the forces" (sar chayil) refers to military leaders or commanders, indicating that the people seeking counsel were not merely a desperate mob but an organized group with established leadership, underscoring the gravity of their situation and the formal nature of their appeal.
* **"and Johanan the son of Kareah, and Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah,"**: These are specific individuals, likely prominent figures or key leaders among the military captains or the broader remnant. Naming them adds specificity and highlights their central role in leading the delegation, giving a personal face to the collective appeal. Johanan, in particular, is a significant figure in the immediate preceding and succeeding chapters.
* **"and all the people from the least even unto the greatest,"**: This idiomatic expression emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the delegation. It means that every person, regardless of age, social standing, or influence, was represented and united in this desperate plea for divine guidance. It underscores the widespread fear and uncertainty that gripped the entire surviving community.
* **"came near,"**: This concluding phrase describes the action of the delegation. "Came near" (nâgash) implies a deliberate, formal, and earnest approach. It signifies that they did not merely pass by or casually inquire, but they drew close to Jeremiah with a specific, urgent request, acknowledging his prophetic authority and their desperate need for a word from God.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 42:1 employs several literary devices to convey the urgency and scope of the situation. The phrase "from the least even unto the greatest" is a classic example of **Merism**, a rhetorical device where two contrasting parts of a whole are used to represent the whole itself. Here, "least" and "greatest" encompass everyone in the community, emphasizing the universal participation and collective desperation. This also functions as an **Idiom**, a common expression whose meaning is not predictable from the usual meanings of its constituent elements, signifying "everyone" or "all people." Furthermore, the solemn act of "came near" carries a sense of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the profound and challenging divine revelation that is about to be delivered. The formal and unified approach of the people, including military leaders and common folk, sets the stage for the dramatic tension between human will and divine command that will define the subsequent narrative, creating an expectation of a pivotal moment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 42:1 powerfully illustrates the universal human tendency to seek divine guidance in times of profound crisis, especially when faced with overwhelming fear and uncertainty. The remnant of Judah, having witnessed the catastrophic consequences of disobedience, now turns to God's prophet, acknowledging their desperate need for a word from the Lord. This act underscores the theological principle that true wisdom and security are found not in human strategizing or perceived safe havens, but in obedient reliance upon God's revealed will. However, the subsequent narrative reveals the tragic reality that seeking counsel does not always equate to a commitment to obedience, highlighting the ongoing struggle between human fear and divine faithfulness. The people's initial plea for guidance, though seemingly sincere, ultimately serves as a backdrop against which their true hearts are exposed.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord") - This passage directly addresses the theme of trusting in the Lord with all one's heart and not leaning on one's own understanding, which is precisely the challenge faced by the remnant in Jeremiah 42.
* [Isaiah 30:1-2](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-2 - Woe to Rebellious Children") - This earlier prophetic word warns against seeking help from Egypt and relying on human strength rather than God's counsel, a direct parallel to the temptation the remnant faces.
* [1 Samuel 15:22-23](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22-23 - To Obey is Better Than Sacrifice") - This classic text emphasizes that obedience is more pleasing to God than sacrifice, a lesson the remnant of Judah desperately needed to learn, and one that resonates with their ultimate failure to heed Jeremiah's prophecy.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 42:1 offers a timeless and poignant lesson for believers today, reminding us of our fundamental need for divine guidance, especially when navigating life's most challenging and uncertain seasons. Like the remnant of Judah, we often face overwhelming situations—personal crises, national anxieties, or difficult decisions—where human reasoning and perceived safety might lead us astray. This verse calls us to recognize our dependence on God and to actively seek His will through His Word, prayer, and wise counsel. However, it also serves as a crucial warning: merely seeking God's counsel is not enough; true faith is demonstrated by a willingness to obey whatever He reveals, even when it contradicts our fears, preferences, or what seems "logical" from a worldly perspective. Our sincerity in seeking God's will is ultimately tested by our commitment to walk in the path He illuminates, trusting that His ways are always higher and ultimately for our good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently facing uncertainty or fear that might be prompting you to seek human solutions over divine guidance?**
* **How genuinely do you seek God's will, and are you prepared to obey His direction even if it goes against your personal desires or perceived safety?**
* **What role does collective counsel and communal prayer play in your decision-making processes, especially when facing shared challenges?**

### FAQ
**Who were "all the captains of the forces" and the specific individuals mentioned?**

Answer: "All the captains of the forces" refers to the military commanders and leaders who remained in Judah after the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem and the subsequent exile. These were the surviving figures of authority among the Jewish remnant. Johanan the son of Kareah was a prominent military leader who had previously warned Gedaliah of Ishmael's plot (see [Jeremiah 40:13-16](/jeremiah/40-13 "Jeremiah 40:13-16 - Johanan Warns Gedaliah")), and after Gedaliah's assassination, he led the pursuit of Ishmael (see [Jeremiah 41:11-16](/jeremiah/41-11 "Jeremiah 41:11-16 - Johanan Pursues Ishmael")). Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah is also mentioned as a leader, though less is known about him beyond this context. Their presence signifies that the delegation approaching Jeremiah was not a random group but a formal representation of the remaining leadership and people, seeking a binding word from the Lord.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 42:1, with its depiction of a desperate people seeking divine guidance through a prophet, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate and perfect revelation of God's will in Jesus Christ. The remnant of Judah sought a word from Jeremiah, a human prophet, to navigate their immediate crisis, yet their hearts were prone to disobedience. In contrast, Jesus is not merely a prophet but the very Word of God incarnate (as described in [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Became Flesh")). He is the ultimate source of all wisdom and truth, through whom God has spoken His final and complete revelation (as affirmed in [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). While the people in Jeremiah's day struggled with human fear and the temptation to flee to Egypt, Christ offers true rest and security, inviting all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for guidance and peace (as promised in [Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). He embodies the perfect obedience that the remnant lacked, and through His atoning work, He provides the means for humanity to truly walk in God's will, not out of fear, but out of a transformed heart. In Christ, the seeking of divine counsel finds its ultimate fulfillment, as He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, leading His people into the very presence and purposes of God (as declared in [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 6:13

For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one [is] given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.

Jeremiah 41:11

¶ But when Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces that [were] with him, heard of all the evil that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had done,

Jeremiah 40:13

Moreover Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces that [were] in the fields, came to Gedaliah to Mizpah,

Jeremiah 44:12

And I will take the remnant of Judah, that have set their faces to go into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, and they shall all be consumed, [and] fall in the land of Egypt; they shall [even] be consumed by the sword [and] by the famine: they shall die, from the least even unto the greatest, by the sword and by the famine: and they shall be an execration, [and] an astonishment, and a curse, and a reproach.

Jeremiah 42:8

Then called he Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces which [were] with him, and all the people from the least even to the greatest,

Jeremiah 40:8

Then they came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan and Jonathan the sons of Kareah, and Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth, and the sons of Ephai the Netophathite, and Jezaniah the son of a Maachathite, they and their men.

Acts 8:10

To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.