Jeremiah 42:2

KJV

And said unto Jeremiah the prophet, Let, we beseech thee, our supplication be accepted before thee, and pray for us unto the LORD thy God, [even] for all this remnant; (for we are left [but] a few of many, as thine eyes do behold us:)

KJV (with Strong's)

And said {H559} unto Jeremiah {H3414} the prophet {H5030}, Let, we beseech thee, our supplication {H8467} be accepted {H5307} before {H6440} thee, and pray {H6419} for us unto the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}, even for all this remnant {H7611};(for we are left {H7604} but a few {H4592} of many {H7235}, as thine eyes {H5869} do behold {H7200} us:)

Complete Jewish Bible

and said to Yirmeyahu the prophet, "I beg you, approve our request: pray for us to ADONAI your God for all of this remnant. For, while once we were numerous, only a few of us are left, as you can see.

Berean Standard Bible

Jeremiah the prophet and said, “May our petition come before you; pray to the LORD your God on behalf of this entire remnant. For few of us remain of the many, as you can see with your own eyes.

American Standard Version

and said unto Jeremiah the prophet, Let, we pray thee, our supplication be presented before thee, and pray for us unto Jehovah thy God, even for all this remnant (for we are left but a few of many, as thine eyes do behold us),

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 42:2 vividly portrays the desperate plea of the Jewish remnant in Judah following Jerusalem's destruction and Gedaliah's assassination. This vulnerable group, reduced to a mere handful, approaches the prophet Jeremiah with profound urgency, earnestly requesting his intercession with the LORD their God for divine guidance concerning their perilous future. Their supplication underscores their precarious existence and sets the stage for a crucial test of their obedience to God's revealed will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the tumultuous events of [Jeremiah 41](/jeremiah/41 "Jeremiah 41 - The Assassination of Gedaliah"), which details the treacherous assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor, by Ishmael. This act plunged the already devastated Judean remnant into further chaos and fear, prompting their contemplation of fleeing to Egypt to escape anticipated Babylonian retribution. Jeremiah 42:2 marks a pivotal moment where the survivors, led by Johanan, turn to Jeremiah to seek divine counsel before making a definitive decision about their future. This request sets the narrative trajectory for the subsequent chapters, particularly [Jeremiah 43](/jeremiah/43 "Jeremiah 43 - The Flight to Egypt"), which reveals their ultimate disobedience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is the immediate aftermath of the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem in 586 BC, which resulted in the destruction of the Temple and the exile of the majority of the population to Babylon, as recorded in [2 Kings 25:8-12](/2_kings/25-8-12 "2 Kings 25:8-12 - The Destruction of Jerusalem and Exile"). The remaining populace in Judah consisted primarily of the poorest and those deemed least threatening by the Babylonians. Gedaliah's assassination removed the last vestige of stable leadership, leaving this small, vulnerable group without protection and in extreme fear of Babylonian reprisal, which was a very real threat given the empire's brutal methods of maintaining control over conquered territories. Culturally, it was customary for the people of Israel to seek a prophet's word from Yahweh during times of national crisis, reflecting their belief in God's active involvement in their affairs and the prophet's role as His direct mouthpiece.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 42:2 introduces and reinforces several significant themes. Firstly, it highlights the **human need for divine guidance in times of existential crisis**, as the remnant stands at a crossroads, unsure whether to remain in the desolate land or flee. Their plea to Jeremiah to "[pray for us unto the LORD thy God](/jeremiah/42-2 "Jeremiah 42:2 - The Plea to Jeremiah")" underscores the crucial **role of the prophet as an intermediary** between God and His people, a consistent motif throughout the Old Testament, as seen in the promise of a prophet like Moses in [Deuteronomy 18:18](/deuteronomy/18-18 "Deuteronomy 18:18 - The Promise of a Prophet"). Secondly, the concept of the **remnant** is central; the phrase "all this remnant" emphasizes their severely diminished numbers and precarious existence. This theological concept, often found in prophetic literature (e.g., [Isaiah 10:20-22](/isaiah/10-20-22 "Isaiah 10:20-22 - The Remnant of Israel")), signifies those preserved by God's grace amidst judgment, or simply those who survived catastrophe, carrying implications for God's ongoing covenant purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **supplication (Hebrew, _tᵉchinnâh'_):** From H8467, this term denotes "graciousness; causatively, entreaty; favour, grace, supplication." It conveys an earnest, humble, and urgent plea for mercy or a favorable response, typically made by one in a subordinate position to a superior. In this context, it emphasizes the people's perceived posture of humility and dependence before Jeremiah, and through him, before God, as they desperately seek divine grace and a positive answer to their dire situation.
* **pray (Hebrew, _pâlal'_):** From H6419, meaning "to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray." While its root can refer to judging, in this specific context, it signifies the act of intercession. The people are explicitly asking Jeremiah to act as an intermediary, to stand in the gap on their behalf and present their case to God, highlighting the prophet's unique and vital role as a conduit for divine communication and a spiritual advocate for the community.
* **remnant (Hebrew, _shᵉʼêrîyth'_):** From H7611, meaning "a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion; that had escaped, be left, posterity, remain(-der), remnant, residue, rest." This word is of paramount importance, underscoring the drastically reduced number of survivors after the Babylonian devastations. It conveys their extreme vulnerability, their sense of being the last vestige of a once-populous nation, and their desperate hope for preservation. The theological concept of the "remnant" is deeply significant in prophetic literature, often carrying implications of God's preserving grace and future plans for His covenant people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And said unto Jeremiah the prophet,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the direct and formal interaction between the fearful survivors and God's recognized messenger. It highlights Jeremiah's acknowledged prophetic authority and his crucial role as the one through whom God's divine word is expected to be revealed to the people.
* **"Let, we beseech thee, our supplication be accepted before thee,"**: This is the core of their earnest and humble request. The phrase "be accepted before thee" conveys their desire for their petition to be favorably received and acted upon, demonstrating their perceived deference to Jeremiah's spiritual standing and, by extension, to God's will. It implies a hope for a positive and merciful response.
* **"and pray for us unto the LORD thy God, even for all this remnant;"**: This further clarifies the specific nature of their request: they desire Jeremiah to intercede on their behalf with Yahweh. The use of "thy God" is noteworthy, subtly suggesting a potential distance or lack of full ownership in their own relationship with God, a point that will become critically relevant as the narrative unfolds. They explicitly identify themselves as "this remnant," emphasizing their small, vulnerable numbers and their desperate need for divine intervention and guidance.
* **"(for we are left but a few of many, as thine eyes do behold us:)"**: This parenthetical clause provides the compelling emotional and factual basis for their urgent plea. It powerfully underscores their dire situation, having been drastically reduced from a populous nation to a mere handful of survivors. This appeal to Jeremiah's visual witness ("as thine eyes do behold us") serves as a rhetorical device designed to evoke empathy and urgency, reinforcing their precarious state and the gravity of their request.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 42:2 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey the gravity of the situation and the people's desperation. **Direct Address** is central, as the remnant speaks directly and urgently to Jeremiah, creating an immediate and poignant tone. The use of **Pathos** is highly effective in their appeal to Jeremiah's empathy, particularly through their emphasis on their diminished numbers ("left but a few of many") and their visible vulnerability ("as thine eyes do behold us"). This emotional plea is strategically designed to elicit a compassionate and favorable response from the prophet. Furthermore, a subtle layer of **Dramatic Irony** is at play, which becomes fully apparent only as the narrative progresses. While the people earnestly *request* divine guidance, their subsequent actions reveal that their hearts were already inclined towards a specific course of action (fleeing to Egypt), regardless of God's actual answer. This foreshadows their ultimate disobedience, rendering their initial "supplication" ironically hollow in its sincerity of obedience, despite its genuine expression of desperation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse presents a profound theological statement on the nature of divine guidance, human responsibility, and the critical role of intercession. It illuminates the human tendency to seek God's will in moments of profound crisis, yet it subtly foreshadows the significant challenge of true obedience when that will contradicts personal desires or perceived safety. The remnant's earnest plea for Jeremiah to "pray for us unto the LORD thy God" underscores the biblical principle that God communicates His will through His chosen servants and that intercessory prayer is an essential means of seeking divine direction. The concept of the "remnant" itself is deeply significant, pointing to God's sovereign preservation of a portion of His people, even amidst devastating judgment, for the continuation of His covenant purposes and the eventual fulfillment of His promises.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [James 5:16](/james/5-16 "James 5:16 - The Effective Prayer of a Righteous Person")
* [Romans 9:27](/romans/9-27 "Romans 9:27 - A Remnant Will Be Saved")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 42:2 serves as a timeless mirror reflecting human behavior in moments of intense fear and uncertainty. It powerfully reminds us of our innate inclination to seek divine counsel when confronted with overwhelming circumstances, acknowledging a higher authority and wisdom beyond our own. However, the subsequent narrative in Jeremiah unveils a crucial and sobering lesson: true seeking of God's will is not merely an inquiry for information, but a commitment to wholehearted obedience, even when the answer challenges our preconceived plans, comforts, or perceived safety. This passage challenges us to deeply examine the sincerity of our own prayers for guidance: are we genuinely open to God's direction, or are we implicitly seeking validation for a path we have already chosen? It underscores the vital importance of cultivating a heart that not only asks, but also trusts and obeys, understanding that God's ways are always for our ultimate good and His glory, even when they lead us through uncomfortable or counter-intuitive paths.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I currently seeking God's guidance, and how genuinely open am I to an answer that might differ significantly from my desires or expectations?**
* **How does my posture of "supplication" reflect true humility and unwavering trust in God's sovereignty, especially when I feel like a vulnerable "remnant" in a challenging or uncertain situation?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my seeking of God's will is consistently accompanied by a genuine commitment to obedience, rather than merely seeking validation for my own pre-determined plans?**

### FAQ
**Why did the remnant specifically ask Jeremiah to pray for them, rather than praying themselves?**

Answer: The remnant recognized Jeremiah's unique and divinely appointed role as God's prophet, His chosen messenger and intercessor. In ancient Israel, prophets frequently served as intermediaries between God and the people, conveying divine messages and offering prayers on behalf of the community. The people believed that Jeremiah, as "the prophet" ([Jeremiah 42:2](/jeremiah/42-2 "Jeremiah 42:2 - The Plea to Jeremiah")), possessed a special relationship with "the LORD thy God" ([Jeremiah 42:2](/jeremiah/42-2 "Jeremiah 42:2 - The Plea to Jeremiah")), making his intercession particularly potent and authoritative in discerning God's will. Their request was a testament to his established prophetic credibility, even if their ultimate obedience would prove tragically lacking.

**What is the significance of the term "remnant" in this verse and in broader biblical theology?**

Answer: The term "remnant" (Hebrew: *shᵉʼêrîyth*) is profoundly significant in biblical theology. In [Jeremiah 42:2](/jeremiah/42-2 "Jeremiah 42:2 - The Plea to Jeremiah"), it literally refers to the small number of survivors left in Judah after the devastating Babylonian conquests and exiles. Theologically, the concept of a "remnant" appears consistently throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Isaiah 10:20-22](/isaiah/10-20-22 "Isaiah 10:20-22 - The Remnant of Israel"); [Micah 2:12](/micah/2-12 "Micah 2:12 - The Remnant of Israel")). It often signifies a faithful, preserved portion of God's people, chosen by divine grace to carry forward His covenant purposes and promises, even when the majority have fallen away or faced divine judgment. In Jeremiah's immediate context, it highlights God's sovereign preservation of a "seed" amidst devastating judgment, setting the stage for future restoration, though the immediate actions of this specific remnant would be disobedient.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 42:2, with its poignant depiction of a desperate remnant seeking divine guidance through an interceding prophet, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate provision of God's will and intercession found in Jesus Christ. The people's earnest plea for Jeremiah to "pray for us unto the LORD thy God" highlights humanity's inherent need for an advocate and a clear, authoritative word from God, a need perfectly and completely met in Christ. He is not merely a prophet, but the very [Word of God incarnate](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), through whom God has definitively and fully spoken to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). Furthermore, the longing for an accepted "supplication" points directly to Christ, our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), who eternally lives to make perfect intercession for His people ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus, Our Permanent Priest")). Unlike the remnant in Jeremiah's day who ultimately disobeyed the prophet's word, those who come to Christ find not only perfect guidance but also the empowering presence of His Spirit to obey. The concept of the "remnant" also finds its ultimate and spiritual fulfillment in Christ, as He gathers to Himself the [true Israel](/romans/9-6 "Romans 9:6 - Not All Israel is Israel"), those who believe in Him, forming a spiritual remnant preserved by grace for God's eternal purposes ([Romans 11:5-6](/romans/11-5-6 "Romans 11:5-6 - A Remnant Chosen by Grace")). Thus, the desperation and seeking of Jeremiah's day find their complete and perfect answer in the person and redemptive work of Jesus, who is both our divine guide and our eternal intercessor.

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 36:7

It may be they will present their supplication before the LORD, and will return every one from his evil way: for great [is] the anger and the fury that the LORD hath pronounced against this people.

Leviticus 26:22

I will also send wild beasts among you, which shall rob you of your children, and destroy your cattle, and make you few in number; and your [high] ways shall be desolate.

Lamentations 1:1

¶ How doth the city sit solitary, [that was] full of people! [how] is she become as a widow! she [that was] great among the nations, [and] princess among the provinces, [how] is she become tributary!

Isaiah 37:4

It may be the LORD thy God will hear the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God, and will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up [thy] prayer for the remnant that is left.

1 Samuel 7:8

And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the LORD our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines.

1 Samuel 12:19

And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the LORD thy God, that we die not: for we have added unto all our sins [this] evil, to ask us a king.

James 5:16

Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.