Jeremiah 42:19

KJV

The LORD hath said concerning you, O ye remnant of Judah; Go ye not into Egypt: know certainly that I have admonished you this day.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} hath said {H1696} concerning you, O ye remnant {H7611} of Judah {H3063}; Go {H935} ye not into Egypt {H4714}: know {H3045} certainly {H3045} that I have admonished {H5749} you this day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"ADONAI has spoken concerning you, remnant of Y'hudah! Don't go to Egypt! You know for a fact that I have given you fair warning today.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD has told you, O remnant of Judah, ‘Do not go to Egypt.’ Know for sure that I have warned you today!

American Standard Version

Jehovah hath spoken concerning you, O remnant of Judah, Go ye not into Egypt: know certainly that I have testified unto you this day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 42:19 presents a direct and unequivocal divine command from the LORD to the surviving Jewish remnant in Judah. Having sought prophetic counsel from Jeremiah regarding their desperate situation and their inclination to seek refuge in Egypt, this verse delivers God's absolute prohibition against such a move. It powerfully asserts God's sovereign authority, His precise guidance for His people, and the profound solemnity of His warning, underscoring that they have received a clear and certain admonition concerning this pivotal decision.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 42:19 is strategically placed within a critical narrative section of the book, spanning [Jeremiah 40-44](/jeremiah/40 "Jeremiah 40-44 - After the Fall and Exile"). Following the devastating destruction of Jerusalem and its temple in 586 BCE and the subsequent assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor of Judah (events detailed in [Jeremiah 40-41](/jeremiah/40 "Jeremiah 40-41 - The Aftermath of Jerusalem's Fall")), the remaining Jewish population was consumed by fear of further Babylonian retribution. In their profound desperation, they turned to the prophet Jeremiah, earnestly requesting him to intercede with God on their behalf and solemnly promising absolute obedience to whatever the LORD commanded, as explicitly recorded in [Jeremiah 42:5-6](/jeremiah/42-5 "Jeremiah 42:5-6 - The Remnant's Solemn Oath"). After a ten-day period during which Jeremiah diligently sought God's word, this verse marks the commencement of God's clear, albeit challenging, response. It distinctly forbids their desired flight to Egypt and initiates the revelation of the severe consequences that would follow disobedience, consequences further elaborated in [Jeremiah 42:15-18](/jeremiah/42-15 "Jeremiah 42:15-18 - The Consequences of Disobedience").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Jeremiah 42:19 is the immediate, chaotic aftermath of the Babylonian conquest, with the majority of Judah's populace already exiled. Those who remained constituted a "remnant" living in a land laid waste and under foreign dominion. Egypt, a formidable neighboring power and a long-standing geopolitical rival of Mesopotamia, had historically served as a traditional sanctuary for those fleeing political instability in Judah, a pattern evident throughout Israelite history. Culturally, Egypt was synonymous with polytheism and idolatry, standing in stark contrast to the monotheistic worship of Yahweh. The people's fervent desire to flee to Egypt was rooted in a deeply human and understandable fear for their lives and security, as they sought what they perceived as a safe haven and a means of self-preservation. However, this choice also represented a potential regression to the very pagan influences from which God had miraculously liberated their ancestors, as recounted in the foundational narrative of the [Exodus](/exodus/1 "Exodus 1 - The Deliverance from Egypt"). Furthermore, it evinced a profound lack of trust in God's covenant faithfulness and His ability to protect them within the land He had promised.
* **Key Themes:** This verse serves as a powerful conduit for several overarching themes central to the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic corpus. A primary tension explored is that between **Divine Direction vs. Human Prudence**, where God's explicit command directly opposes the remnant's logical, fear-driven inclination to seek security in a foreign land. This highlights the paramount theme of **The Importance of Obedience** to God's revealed word, even when that word challenges human reasoning, comfort, or perceived safety. The emphatic declaration, "know certainly that I have admonished you this day," underscores the gravity of God's directive and the inescapable accountability of His people to His revealed will, emphasizing that God's word is not a mere suggestion but a binding and authoritative command. Moreover, the passage implicitly speaks to the critical theme of **Trust in God's Protection** versus reliance on worldly powers. Remaining in Judah, despite the apparent dangers, would have been a profound demonstration of their faith in the LORD's covenant faithfulness and His sovereign ability to preserve them in the land He had given them, standing in sharp contrast to the temptation to seek refuge in a land historically associated with idolatry and the bitter memory of bondage, as vividly depicted in the early chapters of [Exodus](/exodus/1 "Exodus 1 - The Deliverance from Egypt").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** From H1696, this primitive root, while perhaps properly meaning "to arrange," is primarily used figuratively to mean "to speak." When applied to the LORD, as it is here, it denotes a formal, authoritative declaration, a divine decree that carries the weight of absolute truth and certainty. It signifies a word that shapes reality and demands a response, emphasizing that the instruction comes directly from God with all His inherent authority and truth.
* **know certainly (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** From H3045, this term is emphatically repeated in the Hebrew text through an infinitive absolute construction, conveying the sense of "knowing, you shall know" or "you shall surely know." It implies not merely intellectual apprehension but a deep, experiential understanding, a recognition with absolute conviction. It is a divine call to acknowledge the undeniable clarity and certainty of God's message, highlighting the remnant's full accountability to this revealed truth.
* **admonished (Hebrew, _ʻûwd'_):** From H5749, this root means "to duplicate or repeat," and by implication, "to protest" or "testify (as by reiteration)." In this context, it signifies a solemn warning or a formal testimony. God is not simply offering advice but is solemnly testifying to the truth and gravity of His command, serving as a binding instruction and a clear declaration of the consequences of disobedience. It underscores God's earnest desire for His people to fully grasp the seriousness of their choice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD hath said concerning you, O ye remnant of Judah;":** This opening clause unequivocally establishes the divine origin and supreme authority of the message. "The LORD" (Yahweh, H3068) invokes God's covenant name, underscoring His unchanging faithfulness, power, and personal relationship with His people. The phrase "hath said concerning you" emphasizes that this is a direct, personal, and specific communication addressed to the surviving group, the "remnant of Judah" (H7611, H3063). This is not a general principle but a precise, timely directive for their immediate, desperate situation, highlighting God's active and intimate involvement in the affairs of His people, even in their broken and vulnerable state.
* **"Go ye not into Egypt:":** This is the core, unambiguous command of the verse. It is a negative imperative, a clear and absolute prohibition against their intended course of action. This instruction directly contradicts their human logic, their fear-driven desire for safety, and their preconceived plans. It represents a profound test of their faith and obedience, demanding that they trust God's revealed word over their own perceived security measures. The specificity of "Egypt" (H4714) emphasizes the forbidden destination, a place historically and theologically associated with bondage, idolatry, and a rejection of God's redemptive path for Israel.
* **"know certainly that I have admonished you this day.":** This concluding phrase powerfully reinforces the gravity, clarity, and finality of the divine communication. "Know certainly" (H3045, repeated for emphatic force in the Hebrew) demands absolute recognition, comprehension, and acceptance of the warning. "Admonished" (H5749) conveys the sense of a solemn, binding testimony or a formal, weighty warning, not a casual suggestion. "This day" (H3117) signifies the immediacy, present relevance, and unalterable nature of the declaration, leaving no room for misinterpretation, evasion, or future claims of ignorance. It places full responsibility for their subsequent actions squarely and undeniably on the remnant.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 42:19 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent and authoritative message. The most prominent is **Direct Address**, as the LORD speaks intimately yet authoritatively "concerning you, O ye remnant of Judah," creating a personal and demanding tone that compels attention and response. This is immediately followed by a clear and absolute **Divine Command** ("Go ye not into Egypt"), which is unequivocal and leaves no room for negotiation, thereby highlighting God's supreme sovereignty and the binding nature of His word. The phrase "know certainly" utilizes **Repetition** (in the original Hebrew, an infinitive absolute construction of the verb "to know") to create an emphatic declaration, underscoring the undeniable clarity and gravity of the warning. There is also an element of **Irony** present within the broader narrative context: the remnant explicitly sought God's counsel and promised unwavering obedience, yet God's answer directly challenges their deeply held, fear-driven plans, revealing the inherent tension between professed faith and practical trust. Ultimately, the verse functions as a profound **Solemn Admonition**, a formal and weighty warning that carries the full authority, wisdom, and protective love of God, aiming to safeguard His people from self-inflicted disaster.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 42:19 profoundly illustrates God's character as a sovereign, omniscient, and loving Father who actively guides, warns, and protects His children. His command, though appearing counter-intuitive to human fear and logic, originates from His perfect knowledge of what is truly best for His people and His unwavering desire to preserve their covenant relationship. It underscores the profound theological truth that genuine security and flourishing are found not in human strategies, worldly refuges, or self-preservation efforts, but in faithful, radical obedience to God's revealed will. Disregarding such a clear divine warning is not merely an act of disobedience but a profound rejection of God's providential care, His wisdom, and His love, inevitably leading towards self-inflicted harm. God's warnings are always given for our ultimate good, protection, and the preservation of our relationship with Him.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-19](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-19 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [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 those who go down to Egypt")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 42:19 offers timeless and profound lessons for believers navigating the complexities and uncertainties of contemporary life. Like the remnant of Judah, we frequently encounter daunting circumstances, and in our fear or desire for comfort, we are tempted to rely on our own understanding, worldly solutions, or perceived "safe havens" rather than trusting God's often counter-intuitive or challenging guidance. This verse serves as a powerful call to cultivate a deep and unwavering trust in God's perfect wisdom, even when His path seems difficult, dangerous, or contrary to our natural inclinations. It compels us to remember that true security, lasting peace, and genuine flourishing are found in radical, unwavering obedience to His word, not in human ingenuity, the fleeting promises of the world, or the illusion of self-sufficiency. Furthermore, it reminds us of the profound seriousness and loving intent of God's warnings, which are always given out of His perfect love and for our ultimate protection and good. To disregard them is to invite unintended and often painful consequences, whereas faithful adherence to His commands, even when accompanied by fear, demonstrates authentic faith and opens the door to His divine provision, peace, and blessing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Egypts" or perceived safe havens am I tempted to flee to when faced with fear, uncertainty, or discomfort, rather than trusting God's specific guidance?**
* **In what areas of my life am I currently prioritizing "human prudence" or worldly logic over "divine direction," and what steps can I take to cultivate deeper obedience to God's potentially challenging commands?**
* **How seriously do I truly take God's warnings and admonitions in Scripture, and what practical steps can I implement to ensure I am not consciously or unconsciously disregarding them in my daily decisions and long-term plans?**

### FAQ

**Why were the remnant of Judah so determined to go to Egypt despite God's clear warning?**

Answer: The remnant's determination to go to Egypt, despite God's explicit prohibition, stemmed primarily from intense fear and a deep-seated desire for immediate, tangible security. Following the assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor (as described in [Jeremiah 41](/jeremiah/41 "Jeremiah 41 - Gedaliah's Assassination and Flight")), they feared further and severe Babylonian reprisal. Egypt, being a powerful nation and a traditional refuge for those fleeing turmoil in Judah, seemed like the most logical and safest option from a purely human perspective. They likely believed that staying in Judah, a land devastated and under direct Babylonian control, was too dangerous. Their decision was driven by a profound lack of faith in God's ability or willingness to protect them within their own land, prioritizing perceived physical safety over divine command. This highlights a common human tendency to trust in visible, worldly solutions and human reasoning rather than invisible divine providence, even after explicitly seeking God's counsel and promising obedience.

**What happened to the remnant who disobeyed God's command and went to Egypt?**

Answer: The book of Jeremiah unequivocally states that the remnant ultimately disobeyed God's command and indeed went to Egypt, compelling Jeremiah himself to accompany them against his will (as detailed in [Jeremiah 43:5-7](/jeremiah/43-5 "Jeremiah 43:5-7 - The Remnant Goes to Egypt")). God's solemn warnings about the consequences of this disobedience, initially given in [Jeremiah 42:15-18](/jeremiah/42-15 "Jeremiah 42:15-18 - Consequences of Disobedience") and powerfully reiterated in [Jeremiah 44](/jeremiah/44 "Jeremiah 44 - God's Judgment on Judah in Egypt"), proved tragically true. They did not find the safety or security they desperately sought in Egypt. Instead, God declared that the very sword, famine, and plague they feared in Judah would relentlessly pursue them to Egypt, and they would ultimately perish there. Furthermore, they continued in their idolatrous practices in Egypt, incurring God's intensified wrath. The narrative serves as a stark and sobering example of the severe and inevitable consequences of choosing human wisdom, fear, and self-reliance over divine revelation and faithful obedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 42:19, with its profound emphasis on divine command, the challenging call to obedience despite overwhelming fear, and the solemn warning against choosing worldly refuge over God's appointed path, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the remnant of Judah tragically failed to obey God's clear voice, Jesus perfectly embodied radical and unwavering obedience, declaring, "I always do what pleases him" ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus' Perfect Obedience")). He is the true and faithful "remnant" who perfectly trusted God, even when that trust led Him to the agony of the cross, rather than seeking escape or worldly security. The "Egypt" that the remnant was warned against can be understood as a powerful metaphor for any human system, worldly solution, or self-devised refuge we turn to for salvation, security, or peace apart from God. In Christ, we find our ultimate and unshakeable refuge and safety; He is the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), delivering us from the bondage of sin and death, which are infinitely greater threats than any earthly army or political upheaval. The solemn warning to "know certainly that I have admonished you" is profoundly fulfilled in Christ's own teachings, where He calls for absolute commitment and warns against building one's life on anything other than His authoritative words ([Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")). Through the New Covenant, the Holy Spirit empowers believers to obey God's commands, enabling us to walk in the path of trust and obedience that the Old Testament remnant failed to maintain, finding our true home, identity, and security not in a geographical location or a worldly system, but eternally "in Christ" ([Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1 "Ephesians 1 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")).

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.

Nehemiah 9:26

Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations.

Nehemiah 9:29

And testifiedst against them, that thou mightest bring them again unto thy law: yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto thy commandments, but sinned against thy judgments, (which if a man do, he shall live in them;) and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear.

Nehemiah 9:30

Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by thy spirit in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the lands.

Isaiah 30:1

¶ Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:

Isaiah 30:7

For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength [is] to sit still.

1 Thessalonians 4:6

That no [man] go beyond and defraud his brother in [any] matter: because that the Lord [is] the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.