Jeremiah 42:17

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

So shall it be with all the men {H582} that set {H7760} their faces {H6440} to go {H935} into Egypt {H4714} to sojourn {H1481} there; they shall die {H4191} by the sword {H2719}, by the famine {H7458}, and by the pestilence {H1698}: and none of them shall remain {H8300} or escape {H6412} from {H6440} the evil {H7451} that I will bring {H935} upon them.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is how it will be for all the people determined to go to Egypt and stay there - they will die by sword, famine and plague; none of them will remain or escape the disaster that I will bring upon them.'

Berean Standard Bible

So all who resolve to go to Egypt to reside there will die by sword and famine and plague. Not one of them will survive or escape the disaster I will bring upon them.’

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 42:17 delivers a severe prophetic warning from the Lord to the Jewish remnant in Judah following the destruction of Jerusalem. It unequivocally declares that those who defiantly choose to disregard God's explicit command to remain in the land and instead migrate to Egypt for refuge will face certain and comprehensive divine judgment. Their self-chosen path, rooted in fear and distrust of God's provision, will inevitably lead to their demise by sword, famine, and pestilence, with no possibility of escape from the very calamities they sought to avoid.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a critical narrative segment in the book of Jeremiah (chapters 40-44) that immediately follows the fall of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile of the majority of the population. A small remnant, including the prophet Jeremiah, was left in Judah under the governorship of Gedaliah. After Gedaliah's assassination, the people, led by Johanan son of Kareah, feared Babylonian reprisal and contemplated fleeing to Egypt. They approached Jeremiah, earnestly requesting him to inquire of the Lord on their behalf and promising absolute obedience to whatever God commanded ([Jeremiah 42:5-6](/jeremiah/42-5 "Jeremiah 42:5-6 - The Remnant's Promise to Obey")). After ten days, Jeremiah delivered God's clear instruction: remain in Judah, and God would protect, build them up, and have compassion on them ([Jeremiah 42:10-12](/jeremiah/42-10 "Jeremiah 42:10-12 - God's Promise of Protection in Judah")). However, if they refused and went to Egypt, they would face the very calamities they sought to escape. Jeremiah 42:17 is the stark pronouncement of judgment for their anticipated disobedience, which indeed came to pass as recorded in [Jeremiah 43:7](/jeremiah/43-7 "Jeremiah 43:7 - The Remnant Goes to Egypt")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period immediately after the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC was one of immense trauma, instability, and fear for the surviving Jewish remnant. The land was devastated, and the powerful Babylonian empire loomed large. Historically, Egypt had often been seen by Israel as a potential ally or place of refuge from stronger Mesopotamian powers, despite repeated prophetic warnings against such alliances (e.g., [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to Rebellious Children Seeking Help from Egypt")). The people's desire to "sojourn" (H1481, _gûwr_) in Egypt stemmed from a perceived need for security and sustenance in a time of famine and political upheaval. However, this move represented a profound distrust in Yahweh's ability and willingness to protect them in their own land, directly contradicting the covenant promises and the Lord's explicit, fresh revelation through Jeremiah. Their choice to "set their faces" towards Egypt was a deliberate and determined act of self-reliance over divine instruction.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 42:17 powerfully encapsulates several foundational themes central to the book of Jeremiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **Consequences of Disobedience**, particularly when God's will is clearly revealed and defiantly rejected. The severity of the threatened judgment underscores the seriousness of covenant infidelity. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **False Security vs. Divine Protection**. The remnant sought safety in Egypt, a human solution, rather than trusting God's promise to protect them in Judah, demonstrating the futility of relying on worldly strength apart from divine guidance ([Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Some Trust in Chariots, Some in Horses")). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **God's Sovereignty in Judgment**. The phrase "the evil that I will bring upon them" makes it clear that the impending calamities were not random misfortunes but divinely orchestrated consequences, demonstrating God's active involvement in the affairs of His people, both in blessing and in judgment. This also ties into the broader theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, where blessings are promised for obedience and curses for disobedience, as outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sojourn (Hebrew, _gûwr'_):** This primitive root signifies "to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e. sojourn (as a guest)." It implies a temporary stay, often with the connotation of being a stranger or foreigner. In this context, the people's intention to "sojourn" in Egypt was a deliberate choice to leave their God-given land and seek temporary residence in a foreign nation, thereby placing themselves outside the sphere of God's promised protection for those who remained in Judah. The term also carries a secondary meaning of fear or gathering for hostility, subtly hinting at the underlying fear driving their decision and the hostile outcome awaiting them.
* **die (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** A primitive root meaning "to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill." This word emphasizes the absolute and inescapable nature of the judgment. The three specified means of death—sword, famine, and pestilence—underscore the comprehensive and devastating end awaiting those who defy God. This is not merely a threat of hardship but of complete annihilation for the disobedient remnant, signifying a finality from which there is no recovery.
* **evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** This term refers to "bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral); adversity, affliction." In Jeremiah 42:17, "the evil that I will bring upon them" refers to the calamitous, destructive consequences of their disobedience, directly orchestrated by God. It signifies the adversity and affliction that would befall them as a direct result of rejecting divine counsel, highlighting God's active role in executing judgment and the moral dimension of their rebellion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So shall it be with all the men that set their faces to go into Egypt to sojourn there;":** This clause establishes the target of the judgment: "all the men" (H582, _ʼĕnôwsh_, referring to mortals, humanity in general) who, with determined resolve ("set their faces," H7760, _sûwm_, and H6440, _pânîym_), choose to migrate to Egypt (H4714, _Mitsrayim_) with the intention of dwelling there as temporary residents (H1481, _gûwr_). The phrase "set their faces" indicates a fixed, unwavering purpose, a stubborn determination to pursue a course of action contrary to God's revealed will.
* **"they shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence:":** This is the core pronouncement of judgment, detailing the three specific means of their demise. "Die" (H4191, _mûwth_) signifies a literal and comprehensive end. The "sword" (H2719, _chereb_) represents violent death, likely from war or conflict; "famine" (H7458, _râʻâb_) denotes death by starvation due to lack of food; and "pestilence" (H1698, _deber_) refers to death by disease or plague. This triad represents a complete and inescapable judgment, encompassing various forms of destruction.
* **"and none of them shall remain or escape from the evil that I will bring upon them.":** This final clause emphasizes the totality and certainty of the judgment. "None of them shall remain" (H8300, _sârîyd_, survivor) means no one will be left alive, and "none...escape" (H6412, _pâlîyṭ_, refugee) signifies that there will be no successful flight or evasion from the decreed fate. The "evil" (H7451, _raʻ_) here refers to the comprehensive calamity and destruction that God Himself (H935, _bôwʼ_, "I will bring") will inflict upon them, underscoring His sovereignty over judgment and the direct consequence of their rebellion.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 42:17 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its stark message. The most prominent is the **Tricolon** or **Merism** found in the phrase "by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence." This recurring prophetic motif in the Old Testament signifies a comprehensive and inescapable judgment, indicating that death will come from all directions and by multiple means, leaving no avenue for escape. It emphasizes the totality of God's wrath against disobedience. The phrase "set their faces" functions as an **Idiom**, vividly portraying a fixed, determined, and stubborn resolve. It is not merely a thought or inclination but a firm decision, highlighting the deliberate nature of the people's rebellion against God's explicit command. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Prophetic Declaration**, a direct and authoritative pronouncement of future events contingent upon human choices. Jeremiah speaks with the voice of God, leaving no ambiguity about the source or certainty of the impending doom. The entire verse also carries a strong tone of **Irony**, as the very refuge the people seek (Egypt) will become the place of their destruction, turning their perceived safety into their ultimate demise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 42:17 is a profound theological statement on the nature of divine authority, human free will, and the inevitable consequences of disobedience. It underscores the principle that God's commands are not arbitrary suggestions but expressions of His perfect will, designed for the ultimate good and protection of His people. When His clear directives are rejected in favor of human wisdom or fear-driven self-preservation, the outcome is not merely a missed opportunity but a divinely ordained judgment. This verse highlights God's unwavering commitment to His word, demonstrating that His warnings are as certain as His promises. It also speaks to the danger of seeking security in worldly alliances or perceived human strength rather than in the sovereign power and faithful provision of God, a recurring theme throughout biblical history.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Isaiah 30:1-3](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-3 - Woe to Rebellious Children Seeking Help from Egypt")
* [Proverbs 14:12](/proverbs/14-12 "Proverbs 14:12 - A Way That Seems Right to a Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 42:17 serves as a timeless, sobering reminder of the critical importance of discerning and obeying God's will, particularly when facing fear, uncertainty, or seemingly insurmountable challenges. In moments of crisis, our natural inclination might be to seek the most logical or seemingly safest human solution, much like the remnant sought refuge in Egypt. However, this verse powerfully warns against such self-reliance when it contradicts God's explicit guidance. True security and prosperity are found not in human strategizing or external circumstances, but in faithful obedience to God's word, even when His path seems counter-intuitive or difficult. It challenges us to examine our hearts: do we truly trust God's promises and provision, or do we, like the remnant, ultimately "set our faces" toward our own perceived solutions, risking divine judgment? This passage calls us to a deeper level of faith, where obedience is seen not as a burden but as the very pathway to life and protection.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to "set my face" toward my own plans or worldly solutions, rather than seeking and obeying God's clear direction?**
* **How does fear or uncertainty influence my decision-making process, and how can I cultivate greater trust in God's provision and protection, even when His path seems risky?**
* **What are the "Egypts" in my life—the perceived safe havens or human solutions—that might actually be leading me away from God's best for me?**
* **How does this passage encourage me to prioritize obedience to God's revealed will above all other considerations, even my own perceived safety or comfort?**

### FAQ
**Why was going to Egypt considered such a severe act of disobedience?**

Answer: Going to Egypt was a severe act of disobedience for several reasons. Firstly, God had explicitly commanded the remnant to remain in Judah, promising His protection and blessing there ([Jeremiah 42:10-12](/jeremiah/42-10 "Jeremiah 42:10-12 - God's Promise of Protection in Judah")). Their decision to go to Egypt was a direct rejection of this divine word, despite their initial promise to obey ([Jeremiah 42:5-6](/jeremiah/42-5 "Jeremiah 42:5-6 - The Remnant's Promise to Obey")). Secondly, it represented a profound distrust in God's ability to protect them from the Babylonians and provide for them in the devastated land. Instead of relying on Yahweh, they sought refuge in a foreign nation, echoing a long history of Israel's unfaithfulness in seeking alliances with Egypt rather than trusting God (e.g., [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to Rebellious Children Seeking Help from Egypt")). This act was not merely a practical decision but a spiritual rebellion, prioritizing perceived human security over divine faithfulness.

**What does the phrase "set their faces" imply in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "set their faces" (Hebrew: _śāmû pĕnêhem_) is an idiom that signifies a firm, fixed, and unwavering determination or resolve. It implies a stubborn and resolute decision to pursue a particular course of action, often despite obstacles or warnings. In Jeremiah 42:17, it highlights that the remnant's decision to go to Egypt was not a hesitant or accidental choice, but a deliberate and intentional act of defiance against God's explicit command. It underscores their hardened hearts and their unyielding commitment to their own plan, even when confronted with divine truth. This idiom is also used elsewhere in scripture to denote strong resolve, such as Jesus "setting His face" to go to Jerusalem ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 42:17, with its stark warning of judgment for those who reject God's protective command and seek refuge in foreign lands, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "sword, famine, and pestilence" that awaited the disobedient remnant represent the comprehensive judgment of God against sin and rebellion. Yet, in Christ, this judgment is fully borne and overcome. He is the ultimate refuge, the true "land" of safety and provision, where all who "sojourn" in Him find eternal security, not temporal destruction. Unlike the remnant who sought a false haven in Egypt, believers are called to find their complete safety and sustenance in Christ alone. He is the one who delivers us from the "evil" (H7451, _raʻ_) of sin and its consequences, having become sin for us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). The fear of death and judgment, which drove the remnant to their doom, is conquered by Christ's triumph over death itself ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Frees from Fear of Death")). In Him, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")), for He has absorbed the full weight of God's righteous wrath. Thus, the warning in Jeremiah 42:17 points forward to the absolute necessity of trusting God's appointed deliverer, Jesus, who offers true and lasting escape from spiritual death and eternal judgment, inviting all who are weary and burdened to find 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

Jeremiah 42:22

Now therefore know certainly that ye shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence, in the place whither ye desire to go [and] to sojourn.

Jeremiah 44:13

For I will punish them that dwell in the land of Egypt, as I have punished Jerusalem, by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence:

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 44:28

Yet a small number that escape the sword shall return out of the land of Egypt into the land of Judah, and all the remnant of Judah, that are gone into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, shall know whose words shall stand, mine, or theirs.

Jeremiah 24:10

And I will send the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, among them, till they be consumed from off the land that I gave unto them and to their fathers.