Jeremiah 42:11

KJV

Be not afraid of the king of Babylon, of whom ye are afraid; be not afraid of him, saith the LORD: for I [am] with you to save you, and to deliver you from his hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

Be not afraid {H3372} of {H6440} the king {H4428} of Babylon {H894}, of whom {H6440} ye are afraid {H3373}; be not afraid {H3372} of him, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}: for I am with you to save {H3467} you, and to deliver {H5337} you from his hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't be afraid of the king of Bavel - of whom you are afraid. Don't be afraid of him,' says ADONAI, 'for I am with you to save you and to rescue you from his power.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not be afraid of the king of Babylon, whom you now fear; do not be afraid of him, declares the LORD, for I am with you to save you and deliver you from him.

American Standard Version

Be not afraid of the king of Babylon, of whom ye are afraid; be not afraid of him, saith Jehovah: for I am with you to save you, and to deliver you from his hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 42:11 delivers a profound divine assurance to the fearful Jewish remnant in Judah, directly confronting their terror of the mighty Babylonian empire. Through the prophet Jeremiah, the LORD commands them to abandon their fear, reiterating His unwavering presence and commitment to actively save and deliver them from the power of their formidable enemy. This verse serves as a powerful declaration of God's sovereignty and faithfulness, calling His people to trust in His protective care rather than succumbing to human fear or seeking their own solutions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 42:11 is situated within a pivotal section of the book of Jeremiah (chapters 40-44) that chronicles the events immediately following the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC and the initial stages of the Babylonian exile. Specifically, this verse is part of God's direct response to a desperate plea from Johanan, the military leader, and the remnant of Judah who remained in the land. After the assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor, the people feared retaliation from Nebuchadnezzar and contemplated fleeing to Egypt for safety. Before making this crucial decision, they approached Jeremiah, solemnly promising to obey whatever word the LORD gave them (as seen in [Jeremiah 42:5-6](/jeremiah/42-5-6 "Jeremiah 42:5-6 - The Remnant's Promise to Obey")). Jeremiah 42:11 is a core component of God's unambiguous instruction for them to remain in the land, a command directly addressing their overwhelming fear of Babylon.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the devastating aftermath of the Babylonian conquest of Judah. Jerusalem had been destroyed, the Temple burned, and many of the population exiled to Babylon. A small, vulnerable remnant was left behind, living under the shadow of Babylonian imperial power. The "king of Babylon," Nebuchadnezzar, represented an overwhelming military and political force, known for his ruthless campaigns and the complete subjugation of conquered peoples. The people's fear was entirely rational from a human perspective; they had witnessed Babylon's might firsthand. Culturally, fleeing to Egypt was a recurring temptation for Israel in times of crisis, often viewed as a place of refuge and strength, yet frequently condemned by prophets as a reliance on human power rather than divine provision (e.g., [Isaiah 30:1-3](/isaiah/30-1-3 "Isaiah 30:1-3 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt")). God's command here directly challenges this deeply ingrained cultural inclination to seek security in worldly alliances or geographical escape.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 42:11 powerfully articulates several key themes pervasive throughout the book of Jeremiah and the Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty over Nations**, demonstrating that even mighty empires like Babylon are instruments in God's hand, subject to His ultimate control (cf. [Jeremiah 27:6-7](/jeremiah/27-6-7 "Jeremiah 27:6-7 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant")). Secondly, the repeated command "Be not afraid" underscores the theme of **Trust vs. Fear**, urging God's people to place their confidence in His character and promises rather than succumbing to human anxieties. Thirdly, the declaration "I am with you" is a foundational expression of **Covenant Faithfulness and God's Presence**, a recurring motif throughout redemptive history, assuring His people of His active, intimate involvement in their lives (e.g., [Genesis 28:15](/genesis/28-15 "Genesis 28:15 - God's Promise to Jacob")). Finally, the promise "to save you, and to deliver you from his hand" emphasizes God's unwavering commitment to **Deliverance and Salvation** for His obedient remnant, even amidst seemingly insurmountable odds.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **afraid (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** This root (H3372, H3373) appears multiple times in the verse, underscoring the intensity of the people's fear and the divine insistence on overcoming it. While it primarily means "to fear," it can also carry the nuance of "to revere" or "to dread." In this context, it speaks to a profound terror that threatens to paralyze and misdirect the remnant. God acknowledges their very real human fear but commands them to shift their focus from the object of their dread (Babylon) to the object of their reverence and trust (Himself).
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This (H3068) is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His self-existence, eternality, and His personal relationship with Israel. When the verse states, "saith the LORD," it signifies that this is not merely a human opinion or prophetic counsel, but a direct, authoritative utterance from the sovereign God who keeps His promises. His name undergirds the reliability of the assurance that follows.
* **save (Hebrew, _yâshaʻ'_):** This primitive root (H3467) means "to be open, wide, or free," and by implication, "to be safe." Causatively, it means "to free or succor," encompassing concepts like deliverance, help, preservation, and salvation. In Jeremiah 42:11, it signifies God's comprehensive action to bring His people to a state of safety and well-being, not just from physical harm but from the oppressive power and control of Babylon. It speaks to a holistic rescue and restoration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be not afraid of the king of Babylon, of whom ye are afraid;"**: This opening clause directly addresses the people's primary and overwhelming fear. The repetition of "afraid" emphasizes the depth of their terror and God's direct confrontation of it. He acknowledges their very real human emotion but immediately issues a divine counter-command, setting the stage for a call to trust over fear.
* **"be not afraid of him, saith the LORD:"**: The command is reiterated for emphasis and reinforced by the divine authority, "saith the LORD." This phrase underscores that the instruction is not merely Jeremiah's advice but a direct, authoritative word from the covenant-keeping God. The repetition serves to firmly implant the command in the hearers' minds, highlighting its critical importance and the necessity of absolute obedience.
* **"for I am with you to save you, and to deliver you from his hand."**: This is the theological bedrock of the command. The divine presence, "I am with you," is the foundation for overcoming fear. This is a foundational covenant promise, assuring intimate involvement and active help. God then specifies the outcome of His presence: "to save you" (from danger, bringing to safety) and "to deliver you from his hand" (from the power, control, or grasp of the king of Babylon). The "hand" here is a powerful symbol of authority and dominion.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 42:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, particularly of the phrase "Be not afraid" (Hebrew: _al-tira_). This immediate and repeated command serves to underscore the intensity of the people's fear and the divine insistence on overcoming it. The repetition acts as a forceful rhetorical device, aiming to engrave the command into the hearts of the fearful remnant. Another key device is **Divine Assurance**, encapsulated in the foundational covenant formula, "I am with you." This phrase, frequently used throughout the Old Testament, functions as a powerful declaration of God's unwavering presence, active support, and intimate involvement with His people. It directly counteracts the people's sense of abandonment and vulnerability. Furthermore, there is a clear **Contrast** established between the object of human fear (the king of Babylon) and the object of divine trust (the LORD). This highlights the spiritual battle between reliance on human strength/circumstances and faith in God's sovereign power. Finally, the use of "hand" in "deliver you from his hand" is a form of **Synecdoche** or **Metonymy**, where a part (the hand) represents the whole (the king's power, authority, and oppressive control). This vividly portrays the extent of the deliverance God promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 42:11 resonates deeply with the overarching biblical narrative of God's faithfulness to His covenant people, even when they are disobedient or fearful. It affirms God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers, including the most formidable empires like Babylon. The divine command "Be not afraid" is not a dismissal of legitimate danger but a call to reorient one's trust from human might or perceived threats to the omnipotent and ever-present LORD. God's promise "I am with you" is the bedrock of His covenant relationship, signifying His active, protective presence and His commitment to deliver His people from any adversary. This verse teaches that true security is found not in strategic alliances or geographical escape, but in obedient reliance on God's unfailing word and His powerful hand. It foreshadows the ultimate deliverance God provides through His redemptive plan.

* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")
* [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - God's Presence and Strength")
* [Psalm 23:4](/psalm/23-4 "Psalm 23:4 - The Lord is With Me")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 42:11 offers timeless encouragement and a profound challenge for believers today. Just as the ancient Israelites faced a formidable "king of Babylon" in the form of a terrifying empire, we too encounter situations that incite deep fear: economic instability, global pandemics, political unrest, personal health crises, relational conflicts, or spiritual attacks. This verse reminds us that God is intimately aware of our anxieties and directly addresses them with His unchanging promise: "I am with you." It calls us to actively choose trust over terror, to anchor our hope in His sovereign power and abiding presence rather than succumbing to panic or seeking our own solutions apart from His will. The command "Be not afraid" is not a passive suggestion but an imperative to engage our will, to consciously lean into God's protective care, knowing that He is able to save and deliver us from any "hand" that seeks to oppress. Our peace is found in His presence and His power, enabling us to walk in obedience even when circumstances seem dire.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "king of Babylon" (source of overwhelming fear or anxiety) are you facing in your life today?**
* **How does God's promise "I am with you" challenge your natural inclination to fear or to seek human-devised solutions?**
* **In what practical ways can you demonstrate active trust in God's presence and power, even when circumstances seem insurmountable?**

### FAQ
**Why were the people afraid of the king of Babylon?**

Answer: The people were afraid of the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, for very legitimate reasons. Babylon had recently conquered Judah, destroyed Jerusalem, and exiled a significant portion of the population. The remnant left in the land had witnessed firsthand Babylon's overwhelming military might and ruthless tactics. Furthermore, the assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor, by Ishmael (as detailed in [Jeremiah 41](/jeremiah/41 "Jeremiah 41 - The Assassination of Gedaliah")) created a deep fear of severe Babylonian retaliation against those who remained. Their fear was a rational response to a powerful and vengeful empire.

**What does "I am with you" signify in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "I am with you" (Hebrew: _ani itchem_) is a profound declaration of God's covenant faithfulness and active presence. In this context, it signifies that despite the overwhelming power of Babylon, the LORD Himself is personally present with His people, not as a distant observer but as an active protector and deliverer. It implies His unwavering commitment, His intimate involvement in their circumstances, and His assurance that they are not abandoned. This promise is a recurring motif throughout the Bible, often given to individuals or groups facing daunting tasks or dangers, such as to Jacob ([Genesis 28:15](/genesis/28-15 "God's Promise to Jacob")) and Joshua ([Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "God's Command to Joshua")).

**Did the people obey God's command in Jeremiah 42:11?**

Answer: Tragically, no. Despite their solemn promise to obey whatever the LORD commanded (as seen in [Jeremiah 42:5-6](/jeremiah/42-5-6 "Jeremiah 42:5-6 - The Remnant's Promise to Obey")), the remnant ultimately chose to disregard God's clear instruction through Jeremiah. Driven by their persistent fear of Babylon and a misguided trust in Egypt, they migrated to Egypt, taking Jeremiah with them against his will. This act of disobedience is recounted in [Jeremiah 43:7](/jeremiah/43-7 "Jeremiah 43:7 - Disobedience and Flight to Egypt"), leading to further judgment and demonstrating the severe consequences of choosing human wisdom and fear over divine command.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 42:11, with its divine command to "Be not afraid" grounded in the promise "I am with you to save you, and to deliver you from his hand," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's promised presence, Immanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - The Prophecy of Immanuel")). While the remnant feared the temporal power of the king of Babylon, humanity's greatest fear is the spiritual dominion of sin and death, and the ultimate adversary, Satan. Christ came to confront this ultimate "king of Babylon," not with military might, but through His sacrificial death and resurrection. He disarmed the powers and authorities, triumphing over them by the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Through Him, we are delivered from the "hand" of spiritual darkness and transferred into the kingdom of His beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). Jesus's final promise to His disciples, "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission and Christ's Presence")), echoes Jeremiah's assurance, providing an eternal and indissoluble presence that conquers all fear and guarantees ultimate salvation from every spiritual enemy.

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

Romans 8:31

¶ What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?

Jeremiah 1:8

Be not afraid of their faces: for I [am] with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 43:2

When thou passest through the waters, I [will be] with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

Jeremiah 1:19

And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I [am] with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.

Isaiah 43:5

Fear not: for I [am] with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;

2 Chronicles 32:7

Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that [is] with him: for [there be] more with us than with him:

2 Chronicles 32:8

With him [is] an arm of flesh; but with us [is] the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.