Jeremiah 42:13

KJV

But if ye say, We will not dwell in this land, neither obey the voice of the LORD your God,

KJV (with Strong's)

But if ye say {H559}, We will not dwell {H3427} in this land {H776}, neither obey {H8085} the voice {H6963} of the LORD {H3068} your God {H430},

Complete Jewish Bible

"But if you say, 'We will not stay in this land,' thereby not heeding what ADONAI your God is saying,

Berean Standard Bible

But if you say, ‘We will not stay in this land,’ and you thus disobey the voice of the LORD your God,

American Standard Version

But if ye say, We will not dwell in this land; so that ye obey not the voice of Jehovah your God,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 42:13 encapsulates a pivotal moment of anticipated defiance from the remnant of Judah following the devastating fall of Jerusalem. Despite the Lord's clear and compassionate command delivered through Jeremiah—that they remain in the land for their safety and flourishing—this verse prophetically highlights their potential rejection of divine counsel. It reveals their inclination to prioritize perceived human security in Egypt over the explicit instruction and protective promise of Yahweh, thereby setting the stage for the dire consequences that inevitably follow a choice of self-will over divine obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 42:13 is strategically placed within a critical dialogue between the prophet Jeremiah and the desperate remnant of Judah after the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem and the subsequent assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor. Fearing further Chaldean reprisals, the people, led by Johanan, earnestly sought God's will through Jeremiah concerning their future—specifically, whether they should remain in the devastated land or flee to Egypt. They made a solemn, albeit ultimately disingenuous, promise to obey whatever the Lord commanded, as recorded in [Jeremiah 42:6](/jeremiah/42-6 "Jeremiah 42:6 - The Remnant's Promise of Obedience"). After a ten-day wait, Jeremiah delivered God's explicit message: they were to remain in the land, and God Himself would protect, build them up, and not destroy them if they stayed ([Jeremiah 42:10-12](/jeremiah/42-10-12 "Jeremiah 42:10-12 - God's Promise of Protection and Blessing")). Jeremiah 42:13 immediately anticipates their potential rejection of this divine counsel, serving as a prophetic warning that highlights the profound human temptation to prioritize perceived safety over divine instruction, thus setting up the stark choice and its consequences detailed in the subsequent verses.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the immediate and traumatic aftermath of the Babylonian conquest of Judah in 586 BC, which led to the complete destruction of Jerusalem, the desecration of Solomon's Temple, and the exile of the majority of the population to Babylon, as chronicled in [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Exile"). A small, vulnerable, and deeply traumatized remnant was left in the desolate land. Their fear of the Chaldeans was entirely rational, fueled by the recent violence and the profound uncertainty of their future. Culturally, Egypt held a complex significance for Israel: it was a historical place of refuge in times of famine (e.g., Joseph's time) but also the land of their bitter enslavement and a symbol of idolatry and reliance on human power. From the time of the Exodus, God had consistently warned His people against returning to Egypt, associating it with spiritual compromise and a lack of trust in His sovereign deliverance and provision. The people's inclination to flee to Egypt, therefore, represented a profound theological failure—a lack of faith in Yahweh's unique ability to protect and sustain them in the very land He had promised to their ancestors.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching theological and narrative themes prevalent in the book of Jeremiah and broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Disobedience and Rebellion**, a recurring motif throughout Israel's covenant history. The verse directly confronts the possibility of the people's refusal to "obey the voice of the LORD," illustrating the perilous danger of hearing God's word but choosing to disregard it. This pattern of stubbornness is seen repeatedly, from the wilderness generation's murmuring ([Deuteronomy 9:7](/deuteronomy/9-7 "Deuteronomy 9:7 - Israel's Rebellion in the Wilderness")) to the persistent unfaithfulness of the kings of Judah ([Jeremiah 7:24](/jeremiah/7-24 "Jeremiah 7:24 - The People's Stubborn Disobedience")). Secondly, it vividly highlights the tension between **Trust vs. Fear**. The underlying conflict is between trusting God's explicit provision and protection in the land He designated, and succumbing to overwhelming fear of their enemies, leading them to seek refuge in a foreign land. This reflects a fundamental lack of faith in God's power and faithfulness, reminiscent of Israel's fears and complaints in the wilderness ([Numbers 14:1-4](/numbers/14-1-4 "Numbers 14:1-4 - The People's Fear and Desire to Return to Egypt")). Finally, the verse serves as a crucial hinge, presenting the **Consequences of Choice**. It articulates the potential for severe judgment and destruction if they depart and disobey, standing in stark contrast to the promise of life and blessing if they remain and obey, a principle consistently taught and reinforced throughout the Mosaic covenant ([Deuteronomy 30:19-20](/deuteronomy/30-19-20 "Deuteronomy 30:19-20 - Choose Life and Blessing")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **say (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** From H559, a primitive root meaning "to say (used with great latitude)." This verb encompasses a broad spectrum of verbal expressions, including answering, commanding, declaring, demanding, and even the internal act of thinking or supposing. In Jeremiah 42:13, its use highlights a deliberate, vocalized decision or declaration by the people. It signifies a conscious and articulated choice to express their defiance against God's revealed will, indicating that their rebellion would not be merely a passive omission but an active, spoken intention.
* **dwell (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** From H3427, a primitive root properly meaning "to sit down," but by implication, "to dwell, to remain." This term denotes settling securely, inhabiting, continuing, or establishing oneself in a place. Their refusal to "dwell in this land" (H776, _ʼerets'_) is a direct and profound rejection of God's promise of security, rest, and provision for them specifically in the land of Judah. It implies a conscious decision to refuse to abide in God's designated place of safety and blessing, opting instead for a perceived alternative.
* **obey (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** From H8085, a primitive root meaning "to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)." This word is critically important as it implies far more than simply perceiving a sound; it denotes listening with understanding, giving careful attention, and, most significantly in this context, acting in accordance with what is heard. To "not obey the voice (H6963, _qôwl'_) of the LORD (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh'_) your God (H430, _ʼĕlôhîym'_)" means a deliberate, willful refusal to submit to the divine command, despite having clearly and audibly received it. It signifies a profound spiritual rebellion against divine authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if ye say,"**: This introductory conditional clause immediately sets a tone of anticipation, foreseeing a potential, yet stark, verbalized rejection of God's command. The "if" highlights the human capacity for free choice and the Lord's perfect foreknowledge of their potential defiance, even after they had explicitly promised unwavering obedience in [Jeremiah 42:6](/jeremiah/42-6 "Jeremiah 42:6 - The Remnant's Promise to Obey"). It underscores that the subsequent actions would be a direct consequence of their own declared will and deliberate choice, not a predetermined fate.
* **"We will not dwell in this land,"**: This clause articulates the first specific act of disobedience anticipated. The "land" (Hebrew: _ʼerets_) refers to the devastated but divinely appointed territory of Judah, the very land of promise. Their refusal to "dwell" there signifies a direct rejection of God's promise to protect and build them up in that very place ([Jeremiah 42:10](/jeremiah/42-10 "Jeremiah 42:10 - God's Promise to Build Them Up")). It reveals a deep-seated desire to seek security elsewhere, specifically in Egypt, rather than trusting in God's sovereign power to sustain them in their homeland, thereby abandoning their covenant heritage.
* **"neither obey the voice of the LORD your God,"**: This second clause broadens the scope of their anticipated rebellion beyond mere geographical relocation. It represents a comprehensive and profound rejection of divine authority and a breach of covenant. "The voice of the LORD your God" refers to the explicit, clear, and authoritative command delivered through Jeremiah. To "not obey" implies not merely a passive failure to act, but an active, willful defiance against the revealed will of the covenant God—Yahweh, their Elohim. This highlights the profound spiritual nature of their potential transgression, demonstrating a fundamental distrust in His character and His right to command.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 42:13 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. Firstly, it utilizes **Anticipation** or **Foreshadowing**, as Jeremiah, speaking on behalf of God, predicts the people's potential disobedience even before it occurs. This device not only heightens the dramatic tension but also underscores the gravity of the choice before them, showcasing God's omniscient awareness of human inclination to rebel against His benevolent will. Secondly, the verse functions as a **Conditional Statement** ("But if ye say..."), implicitly setting up a clear cause-and-effect relationship where their stated refusal to obey will inevitably lead to negative consequences, which are vividly detailed in the subsequent verses ([Jeremiah 42:14-18](/jeremiah/42-14-18 "Jeremiah 42:14-18 - The Consequences of Disobedience")). This grammatical structure emphasizes human agency, accountability, and the direct link between choice and outcome. Finally, there is a strong **Contrast** presented: God's clear, protective, and life-affirming command to remain in the land versus the people's self-willed desire to flee to a place of perceived, yet false, security. This contrast highlights the fundamental conflict between divine wisdom and human fear, and between reliance on God's covenant faithfulness versus reliance on one's own flawed solutions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 42:13 profoundly illustrates the perennial tension between divine command and human autonomy, a core theme woven throughout biblical theology. It reveals God's unwavering commitment to communicate His will clearly and compassionately, even when He foresees human rebellion. The verse underscores that true faith is demonstrated not merely by seeking God's will, but by a steadfast, courageous commitment to obey it, especially when His directives challenge human logic, personal comfort, or perceived security. The people's inclination to flee to Egypt, a place historically associated with both refuge and deep spiritual compromise, highlights the profound danger of prioritizing self-preservation and human strategies over divine instruction. This act of disobedience is not just a pragmatic choice but a deeply theological one, signifying a fundamental lack of trust in the covenant-keeping God who had previously delivered them from Egypt and promised to sustain them in the land. It serves as a stark reminder that rejecting God's voice is a rejection of His very nature as Lord and God, leading to inevitable spiritual and temporal consequences.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Rebellion as Witchcraft")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 42:13 offers profound and timeless lessons for believers today, resonating deeply with the challenges of contemporary faith. We frequently encounter situations where God's clear guidance—whether revealed through the explicit commands of Scripture, the promptings of the Holy Spirit in prayer, or the wisdom of godly counsel—seems counter-intuitive to our human logic, our desires for immediate security, or our pursuit of personal comfort. This verse serves as a powerful and sobering reminder that true, living faith is not merely about seeking God's will, but about a wholehearted, courageous commitment to follow it, even when the path is difficult, uncertain, or goes against our immediate inclinations. It challenges us to critically examine whether our pursuit of safety, stability, and well-being is genuinely rooted in unwavering trust in God's sovereign protection and provision, or if it's subtly driven by our own self-reliant strategies and anxieties. The people's desire to flee to Egypt was ultimately an attempt to control their own destiny rather than relying on God's promised presence and provision in the very land He had appointed. We must vigilantly guard against the temptation to lean on our own understanding or succumb to fear, choosing instead to trust in the Lord with all our heart, knowing that His ways are infinitely higher and His promises eternally true. While the New Covenant brings grace and forgiveness, a persistent pattern of disobedience to God's clear commands, though not always leading to immediate visible judgment, invariably leads to a loss of spiritual peace, a weakening of faith, and a departure from the abundant life and blessing found in His perfect will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life am I tempted to prioritize perceived safety, worldly comfort, or human logic over God's clear command or leading?**
* **How does my immediate response to challenging or counter-intuitive divine guidance reflect my true level of trust and surrender to God's sovereignty?**
* **What "Egypts" (places of perceived human security, self-reliance, or worldly refuge) do I tend to flee to instead of remaining steadfastly in God's designated "land" (His will, presence, and provision)?**
* **Beyond merely hearing God's word, how can I cultivate a deeper, more consistent commitment to truly obey the voice of the Lord in my daily decisions and walk of faith?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jeremiah anticipate their disobedience, even after they promised to obey?**

Answer: Jeremiah's anticipation of their disobedience stems from God's perfect foreknowledge of the human heart and its inherent inclination towards rebellion, particularly evident in Israel's historical pattern of unfaithfulness and lack of sustained trust. Despite their solemn and seemingly sincere promise in [Jeremiah 42:6](/jeremiah/42-6 "Jeremiah 42:6 - The Remnant's Promise to Obey"), God, through Jeremiah, knew the deep-seated fear, self-reliance, and spiritual stubbornness that frequently led His people astray. This prophetic insight is not about God predetermining or forcing their choice, but rather about His omniscient awareness of their free will and the strong likelihood that their overwhelming fear of the Babylonians would ultimately override their stated commitment to obedience. It powerfully highlights the recurring theme throughout Jeremiah of the people's hardened hearts and their consistent tendency to reject divine counsel, even when that counsel is explicitly for their own good and well-being ([Jeremiah 7:24](/jeremiah/7-24 "Jeremiah 7:24 - Judah's Stubborn Disobedience")).

**What was the significance of staying in "this land" (Judah) as opposed to fleeing to Egypt?**

Answer: Staying in "this land" was profoundly significant because it was the very land God had promised to Abraham and his descendants, the epicenter where His covenant promises were tied and where His presence was uniquely manifested ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")). Despite its current devastation, remaining there demonstrated an act of profound faith in God's ability to protect, restore, and ultimately fulfill His promises to them in the very place He had appointed. Fleeing to Egypt, on the other hand, represented a symbolic and literal return to a place of historical bondage, spiritual compromise, and idolatry. It symbolized relying on human strength, political alliances, and worldly wisdom rather than divine protection and provision. God had explicitly warned against returning to Egypt throughout Israel's history ([Deuteronomy 17:16](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16 - Warning Against Returning to Egypt")), associating it with a lack of trust and a departure from His covenant. Therefore, their choice was not merely geographical but deeply theological, reflecting their ultimate trust (or lack thereof) in the Lord their God, Yahweh.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 42:13, with its stark portrayal of human disobedience to the clear voice of the Lord, finds its ultimate and glorious Christ-centered fulfillment in the perfect, unwavering obedience of Jesus Christ. Where the remnant of Judah wavered in fear and ultimately chose their own path of perceived safety over God's explicit command, Jesus perfectly embodied the principle of absolute submission to the Father's will. The "voice of the LORD" that the remnant refused to obey is perfectly manifested in the person of Jesus, who is the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") and the ultimate, definitive revelation of God's will and character ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son")). Unlike the fearful remnant who sought refuge in Egypt to escape perceived danger, Jesus willingly faced the ultimate threat of death, trusting His Father's redemptive plan even to the point of agonizing crucifixion ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). He did not say, "We will not dwell in this land," but rather, in the Garden of Gethsemane, declared, "[Not my will, but yours be done](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")," thereby securing true spiritual dwelling, rest, and eternal life for all who believe. Through His perfect obedience, Christ became the true "land" of spiritual refuge and the ultimate source of security, offering a dwelling place in Him that transcends any physical location or human fear ([John 15:4](/john/15-4 "John 15:4 - Abide in Me")). His sacrificial death on the cross atones for our every act of disobedience and rebellion, enabling us, by faith in Him, to hear and obey the voice of God, finding our true home, protection, and abundant life eternally in Him.

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 44:16

[As for] the word that thou hast spoken unto us in the name of the LORD, we will not hearken unto thee.

Exodus 5:2

And Pharaoh said, Who [is] the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.

Jeremiah 42:10

If ye will still abide in this land, then will I build you, and not pull [you] down, and I will plant you, and not pluck [you] up: for I repent me of the evil that I have done unto you.