Jeremiah 42:15

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

And now therefore hear {H8085} the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}, ye remnant {H7611} of Judah {H3063}; Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}; If ye wholly {H7760} set {H7760} your faces {H6440} to enter {H935} into Egypt {H4714}, and go {H935} to sojourn {H1481} there;

Complete Jewish Bible

then hear what ADONAI says, remnant of Y'hudah - this is what ADONAI-Tzva'ot, the God of Isra'el, says: 'If you are determined to go to Egypt and stay there,

Berean Standard Bible

then hear the word of the LORD, O remnant of Judah! This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘If you are determined to go to Egypt and reside there,

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 42:15 presents a solemn divine warning to the surviving remnant of Judah, who, after the fall of Jerusalem, sought guidance from the prophet Jeremiah. Despite their outward promise of obedience, the LORD, through Jeremiah, reveals His awareness of their deep-seated intention to flee to Egypt for safety. This verse underscores God's omniscience, His absolute authority as "the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel," and the critical juncture at which His people must choose between fearful self-reliance and faithful obedience to His explicit command, which would ultimately determine their fate.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 42:15 is situated within a crucial dialogue in the book of Jeremiah, specifically following the assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor, and the subsequent fear gripping the remaining Judahites. Chapters 40-44 detail the events immediately after Jerusalem's fall. In [Jeremiah 42:1-6](/jeremiah/42-1 "Jeremiah 42:1-6 - The Remnant's Plea for Guidance"), a group of military leaders, including Johanan, and all the people, approach Jeremiah, earnestly requesting him to inquire of the LORD on their behalf regarding where they should go. They make a solemn oath to obey whatever the LORD commands, whether "good or evil" (meaning pleasant or difficult). This verse, however, serves as a direct divine response, cutting through their professed piety to address their true, hidden intentions, revealing that God already knows their hearts are set on going to Egypt, even before Jeremiah delivers His word. It sets the stage for the explicit divine prohibition against going to Egypt and the dire consequences for disobedience, detailed in the verses that follow.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the devastating aftermath of the Babylonian siege and destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, which led to the exile of the majority of the population. The small remnant left in Judah was living under immense trauma, fear, and uncertainty. The assassination of Gedaliah, a figure of stability, plunged them into further chaos, fearing Babylonian reprisal. Culturally, Egypt had historically been a place of refuge for Israelites during times of famine or political turmoil (e.g., Abraham, Jacob's family). It represented a powerful, established nation that could offer perceived security and provision, a stark contrast to the desolated land of Judah. The people's inclination to "sojourn there" reflects a human tendency to seek security in worldly powers and familiar patterns rather than trusting in God's unconventional and often challenging path.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Omniscience**, as God perceives the true intentions of the remnant's hearts, even when their words profess obedience. He is "the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel," emphasizing His absolute authority over all nations and His covenant relationship with His people. Secondly, it underscores the critical theme of **Obedience vs. Disobedience**, presenting a clear choice between trusting God's word and relying on human wisdom and fear. The people's desire to go to Egypt, despite God's clear warnings (as seen in [Jeremiah 42:10](/jeremiah/42-10 "Jeremiah 42:10 - God's Promise of Protection") if they remain), illustrates the danger of a divided heart. Finally, it reinforces the **Authority of the Prophetic Word**, as Jeremiah is the divinely appointed messenger through whom God's will is revealed, demanding absolute adherence from His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** H1697. This term is far more expansive than a mere utterance. It signifies not only a spoken word but also a matter, an affair, a thing, a decree, or a divine pronouncement. In this context, "the word of the LORD" carries the full weight of God's authoritative will and revealed truth, representing His active engagement with His people and His binding command.
* **Remnant (Hebrew, _shᵉʼêrîyth'_):** H7611. This refers to the surviving portion, those who have escaped destruction. Theologically, the concept of a "remnant" is crucial in prophetic literature, often signifying a small group preserved by divine grace, through whom God's covenant promises might be continued, or upon whom judgment is still pending. Here, it highlights the desperate state of those addressed and God's continued, though challenged, relationship with them.
* **Set your faces (Hebrew, _sûwm pânîym'_):** H7760 (sûwm, "to put, set") and H6440 (pânîym, "face"). This is a powerful Hebrew idiom signifying a determined, resolute, and unwavering intention to pursue a particular course of action, often with a sense of fixed purpose or stubborn resolve. It implies a deep-seated commitment, indicating that the remnant's desire to go to Egypt was not a fleeting thought but a firm, internal decision already made, despite their outward plea for divine guidance.
* **Sojourn (Hebrew, _gûwr'_):** H1481. This word means to turn aside for lodging, to reside temporarily as a guest or stranger. It implies a temporary stay, but in this context, it carries the weight of seeking refuge and establishing a new, albeit temporary, home in a foreign land. It highlights their desire to find security and stability outside of the land God had promised and commanded them to remain in.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And now therefore hear the word of the LORD, ye remnant of Judah;"**: This opening emphasizes the urgency and directness of the divine address. "Now therefore" signals a crucial moment of decision and consequence. The command to "hear" implies not just listening, but understanding and, critically, obeying. The address to the "remnant of Judah" specifically targets the survivors of the catastrophe, underscoring their unique, precarious position and their responsibility to God's covenant.
* **"Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel;"**: This declaration firmly establishes the speaker's identity and authority. "The LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) proclaims God's supreme power over all armies, celestial and earthly, signifying His ability to execute His will without hindrance. "The God of Israel" reaffirms His covenant relationship with His people, reminding them of His unique claim over them and His historical faithfulness, despite their current predicament. This double title reinforces the gravity and infallibility of the message.
* **"If ye wholly set your faces to enter into Egypt, and go to sojourn there;"**: This is the conditional clause that reveals God's prescient knowledge of their true intentions. The phrase "wholly set your faces" uses an idiom to convey a firm, unchangeable resolve to go to Egypt. "To enter into Egypt, and go to sojourn there" specifies the forbidden action: seeking refuge and dwelling in a land that God had explicitly warned them against returning to, representing a reliance on human strength and a rejection of divine protection within the promised land.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 42:15 employs several powerful **Literary Devices**. The most prominent is **Divine Address**, where God directly speaks to His people through His prophet, lending immense authority and urgency to the message. The phrase "Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel" serves as a **Formulaic Introduction** to a divine oracle, reinforcing the absolute truth and binding nature of the words that follow. The use of the **Idiom** "set your faces" (Hebrew: *sûwm pânîym*) is highly effective, conveying the deep-seated, determined intention of the remnant, revealing that their outward plea for guidance was a mere formality covering an already decided course of action. This idiom emphasizes their stubborn resolve. Furthermore, the verse uses **Conditional Language** ("If ye wholly set your faces..."), which, while presenting a choice, simultaneously exposes God's foreknowledge of their likely decision and foreshadows the inevitable consequences of that choice. The repetition of **Divine Titles** ("the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel") serves as an emphatic reminder of God's unparalleled power, sovereignty, and covenant fidelity, contrasting sharply with the people's fear-driven lack of trust.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 42:15 profoundly illustrates the tension between human fear and divine faithfulness, a recurring theme throughout biblical history. It reveals God's omniscience, His ability to discern the true intentions of the heart, even when veiled by outward expressions of piety or requests for guidance. This challenges believers to examine their motives when seeking God's will, reminding us that true obedience stems not merely from a desire for favorable outcomes, but from a heart wholly submitted to God's sovereign plan, regardless of perceived difficulty or danger. The passage underscores that seeking refuge in worldly solutions, rather than trusting in God's provision and protection, inevitably leads to dire consequences, as it did for the remnant of Judah.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [Isaiah 30:1-3](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-3 - Woe to Rebellious Children Who Seek Help from Egypt")
* [Hebrews 3:7-19](/hebrews/3-7 "Hebrews 3:7-19 - The Danger of Disobedience and Unbelief")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 42:15 offers timeless and profound lessons for believers navigating uncertain times. We often find ourselves in situations where fear, human logic, or perceived safety compels us toward a path that seems practical or comfortable, yet may be contrary to God's revealed will. This verse serves as a potent reminder that authentic obedience is not merely about asking for God's direction, but about a genuine commitment to follow it, even when it demands sacrifice, challenges our comfort zones, or seems illogical from a worldly perspective. It calls us to introspectively examine our hearts, recognizing that God discerns our deepest intentions and underlying motives, and addresses the heart of the matter before we even fully act. Choosing to lean on our own understanding or worldly solutions, driven by fear or self-reliance, inevitably leads to negative consequences, whereas trusting in God's protection and provision, even when it seems counter-intuitive, is always the wisest and most secure course.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to "set my face" toward a path of perceived safety or comfort, rather than seeking and obeying God's potentially challenging will?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart of genuine obedience that trusts God's wisdom more than my own fears or worldly logic?**
* **What does it mean for me that God knows my true intentions, even when my outward actions or words might suggest otherwise?**

### FAQ

**Why was going to Egypt so wrong for the remnant of Judah, especially when it seemed like a logical place for refuge?**

Answer: Going to Egypt was forbidden for several profound theological and historical reasons, despite its apparent logistical appeal. Firstly, it represented a return to a place of bondage from which God had miraculously delivered Israel (Exodus). God had explicitly warned His people not to return to Egypt for horses or military strength, as this implied a reliance on human power rather than divine protection ([Deuteronomy 17:16](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16 - Prohibition Against Returning to Egypt")). For the remnant, seeking refuge in Egypt was an act of profound distrust in God's ability and willingness to protect them in Judah, as He had promised in [Jeremiah 42:10](/jeremiah/42-10 "Jeremiah 42:10 - God's Promise of Protection"). It was a rejection of the covenant relationship and a practical denial of God's sovereignty as "the LORD of hosts." Prophets like Isaiah had also condemned alliances with Egypt, warning that such reliance would lead to shame and disappointment ([Isaiah 30:1-3](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-3 - Woe to Rebellious Children") and [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt for Help")). Thus, their desire to go to Egypt was not merely a pragmatic decision but a profound act of spiritual disobedience and a betrayal of their trust in the living God.

**What is the significance of the phrase "remnant of Judah" in this context?**

Answer: The "remnant of Judah" refers to the small number of survivors left in the land after the Babylonian destruction and exile of the majority of the population. Theologically, the concept of a remnant is significant throughout the Old Testament. It often signifies a preserved portion, chosen by God's grace, through whom His covenant promises might be continued or a future hope might be realized. However, in Jeremiah 42:15, this remnant is at a critical crossroads, embodying both the potential for God's continued work and the immediate danger of further judgment due to their disobedience. Their status as a "remnant" highlights their unique responsibility to be faithful to God's word, as they represent the last vestiges of the covenant people in the land, and their choices would determine the immediate future of that lineage.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 42:15, with its stark contrast between human fear-driven disobedience and God's demand for trust, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The remnant of Judah, despite their outward plea, had "set their faces" toward a path of self-reliance and worldly security in Egypt, ultimately leading to their destruction. In profound contrast, Jesus Christ perfectly embodied the obedient "remnant" of Israel. He consistently "set his face" towards Jerusalem ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem")), not to escape danger, but to fulfill the Father's will, even unto death on the cross. Where Israel repeatedly failed to trust God and sought refuge in foreign alliances or their own strength, Christ perfectly trusted the Father, even in the face of immense suffering. He is the true refuge and dwelling place for His people, the one in whom we find ultimate security, not in the fleeting powers of this world ([John 6:37](/john/6-37 "John 6:37 - All Who Come to Jesus")). Through His perfect obedience, Christ inaugurated a new covenant ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")) where God's law is written on the hearts of believers, empowering them by the Holy Spirit to genuinely "hear the word of the LORD" and obey it, no longer driven by fear but by faith and love. Thus, Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of God's desire for a people who truly trust and obey Him, leading them not into a foreign land for temporary safety, but into eternal life and true rest in Him ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")).

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

Deuteronomy 17:16

But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the LORD hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way.

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 44:14

So that none of the remnant of Judah, which are gone into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, shall escape or remain, that they should return into the land of Judah, to the which they have a desire to return to dwell there: for none shall return but such as shall escape.

Jeremiah 42:17

So shall it be with all the men that set their faces to go into Egypt to sojourn there; they shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: and none of them shall remain or escape from the evil that I will bring upon them.

Daniel 11:17

He shall also set his face to enter with the strength of his whole kingdom, and upright ones with him; thus shall he do: and he shall give him the daughter of women, corrupting her: but she shall not stand [on his side], neither be for him.

Genesis 31:21

So he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face [toward] the mount Gilead.

Luke 9:51

¶ And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,