Jeremiah 42:21

KJV

And [now] I have this day declared [it] to you; but ye have not obeyed the voice of the LORD your God, nor any [thing] for the which he hath sent me unto you.

KJV (with Strong's)

And now I have this day {H3117} declared {H5046} it to you; but ye have not obeyed {H8085} the voice {H6963} of the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}, nor any thing for the which he hath sent {H7971} me unto you.

Complete Jewish Bible

Today I have told it to you, but you haven't heeded any part of what ADONAI your God gave me to tell you.

Berean Standard Bible

For I have told you today, but you have not obeyed the voice of the LORD your God in all He has sent me to tell you.

American Standard Version

And I have this day declared it to you; but ye have not obeyed the voice of Jehovah your God in anything for which he hath sent me unto you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 42:21 stands as a poignant and severe indictment from the prophet Jeremiah to the surviving remnant of Judah, laying bare their profound spiritual duplicity and premeditated rebellion. Despite their fervent plea for divine direction regarding their future—whether to remain in the land or flee to Egypt—and their solemn oath to abide by God's word irrespective of its content, this verse reveals their utter lack of genuine intent to submit to the will of the LORD their God or to any message He had faithfully delivered through His prophet. It encapsulates the tragic human propensity for rebellion against clear divine instruction, starkly illustrating the chasm between outward religious performance and an inward heart of integrity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 42:21 serves as the climactic and condemning conclusion to a significant narrative segment within the book of Jeremiah, beginning with the remnant's initial appeal in [Jeremiah 42:1-6](/jeremiah/42-1-6 "Jeremiah 42:1-6 - The Remnant Seeks God's Counsel"). Following the devastating fall of Jerusalem, a desperate remnant, led by military commanders such as Johanan, approached Jeremiah, imploring him to seek God's will concerning their future. They made an explicit and binding vow: "whether it be good, or whether it be evil, we will obey the voice of the LORD our God" ([Jeremiah 42:6](/jeremiah/42-6 "Jeremiah 42:6 - The Remnant's Solemn Vow")). After a ten-day period of waiting upon the Lord, Jeremiah delivered God's unequivocal response: remain in Judah, and God would protect and prosper them; flee to Egypt, and they would face certain death by sword, famine, and pestilence ([Jeremiah 42:7-18](/jeremiah/42-7-18 "Jeremiah 42:7-18 - God's Clear Command and Warning")). Verse 21 immediately follows Jeremiah's disclosure that he, and by extension God, was fully aware of their true, disobedient intentions even before the divine message was delivered, thus highlighting the depth of their pre-meditated rebellion and hypocrisy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This passage is situated in the immediate, chaotic aftermath of the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, an event that irrevocably altered the landscape of Judah and led to the exile of much of its population. The small, vulnerable remnant left behind was gripped by fear, particularly of further Babylonian reprisals, and saw escape to Egypt as a pragmatic solution and traditional haven. In the ancient Near East, consulting a prophet for divine guidance was a common, culturally accepted practice, especially during periods of national crisis or significant decision-making. However, the efficacy and integrity of such consultations hinged entirely on the sincerity of the petitioners. The remnant's inclination to flee to Egypt was not merely a practical consideration; it represented a profound theological rejection of God's covenant promises intrinsically linked to the land of Israel, opting instead for perceived security in a foreign land often associated with idolatry, rather than placing their trust in Yahweh. Their actions reflect a pervasive human tendency to seek divine affirmation for pre-conceived plans rather than genuine, humble divine direction.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme permeating [Jeremiah 42](/jeremiah/42 "Jeremiah 42 - The Remnant Seeks Counsel") and culminating in verse 21 is **willful disobedience** despite the reception of clear, unambiguous divine revelation. The stark contrast between the people's explicit vow of obedience and their immediate, demonstrable rejection of God's command underscores a profound **hypocrisy**. They ostensibly sought God's "voice" but harbored no genuine intention of submitting to it, thereby illustrating a superficial religiosity that prioritizes self-will and perceived safety over divine authority and covenant faithfulness. This passage also powerfully emphasizes the theme of **divine faithfulness in warning**, as God, through His prophet Jeremiah, meticulously communicated His will and the precise, inevitable consequences of their choices, presenting both the blessings of obedience and the judgments of rebellion. Ultimately, the verse serves as a grim foreshadowing of the **inevitable consequences of rejecting God's word**, setting the tragic stage for the events of [Jeremiah 43](/jeremiah/43 "Jeremiah 43 - The Flight to Egypt"), where the remnant indeed fled to Egypt, thereby bringing upon themselves the very curses God had so clearly warned them against.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **declared (Hebrew, _nâgad'_):** This verb (H5046) signifies "to front, i.e. stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to one present); specifically, to expose, predict, explain, praise." In the context of Jeremiah 42:21, it powerfully conveys that God's message was neither ambiguous nor concealed. Jeremiah delivered it with utmost clarity, directly and unequivocally to the people, leaving absolutely no room for misunderstanding, misinterpretation, or subsequent excuse. The truth of God's will was laid bare before them for all to hear and comprehend.
* **obeyed (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** The verb (H8085) means "to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)." While its primary meaning is "to hear," its specific usage in this verse, particularly in the negative construction ("ye have not obeyed"), carries a profound connotation of hearing with full comprehension and then failing to act in accordance with what has been heard. It implies a deliberate failure not merely to perceive the sound, but to heed and submit to the divine word. Their lack of obedience was a conscious, volitional choice to disregard the clear divine instruction they had received.
* **voice (Hebrew, _qôwl'_):** This noun (H6963) refers to "a voice or sound." When used in the phrase "the voice of the LORD your God," it transcends a mere auditory perception; it denotes the authoritative, direct, and living communication emanating from God Himself. It is not presented as a mere suggestion or an opinion, but as the very utterance of the covenant God, Yahweh, demanding a response of faithful submission and adherence. Their failure to obey His "voice" was a direct affront to His divine authority, a betrayal of their covenant relationship, and a rejection of His sovereign will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And now I have this day declared it to you;":** This opening clause underscores the immediacy and undeniable clarity of Jeremiah's prophetic declaration. The temporal phrase "this day" (H3117, _yôwm_) emphasizes that the divine message has been delivered freshly, directly from God, and is therefore irrefutable and without delay. Jeremiah stands as the faithful and diligent messenger of God, having fully and unequivocally discharged his sacred duty to communicate the divine will without reservation, omission, or personal bias.
* **"but ye have not obeyed the voice of the LORD your God,":** This constitutes the central accusation and a searing indictment of the remnant's spiritual rebellion. Despite their earlier, solemn pledge in [Jeremiah 42:6](/jeremiah/42-6 "Jeremiah 42:6 - The Remnant's Vow of Obedience") to obey "the voice of the LORD our God," they have demonstrably and willfully failed to do so. The profound emphasis on "the LORD your God" (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_; H430, _ʼĕlôhîym_) highlights that their disobedience is not merely directed at Jeremiah, the human prophet, but is a direct affront to the very God with whom they stand in a covenant relationship—the God who delivered them from Egypt, sustained them in the wilderness, and established them in the land.
* **"nor any thing for the which he hath sent me unto you.":** This concluding clause significantly broadens the scope of their disobedience beyond the immediate command concerning their migration to Egypt. It suggests a deeply entrenched pattern of rebellion against all of God's previous messages, warnings, and instructions that had been faithfully delivered through Jeremiah throughout his prophetic ministry. The verb "sent" (H7971, _shâlach_) powerfully underscores Jeremiah's divine commission and inherent authority; therefore, their rejection of his message is tantamount to a direct rejection of God Himself. Their failure is comprehensive, encompassing not just this specific, critical instance, but their overarching posture of defiance toward divine revelation and authority.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 42:21 employs several potent literary devices that amplify its message of divine condemnation and human rebellion. The most prominent device is **Direct Address** combined with **Prophetic Indictment**, as Jeremiah speaks directly and confrontatively to the remnant, laying bare the true, sinful condition of their hearts. There is profound **Irony** at play: the people earnestly sought God's word, even swearing a solemn oath of obedience, only to immediately and unequivocally reject that word once it was revealed. This starkly highlights the **Contrast** between their outward profession of piety and their inward, rebellious, and self-willed hearts. The verse also functions as a powerful **Climax** to the preceding narrative, delivering the ultimate divine verdict on the remnant's insincerity and setting the stage for the tragic fulfillment of God's warnings. Furthermore, the deliberate juxtaposition of Jeremiah's faithful "declaring" and God's "sending" His word with the people's "not obeyed" creates a powerful **Antithesis**, emphasizing the tragic and irreconcilable disconnect between divine faithfulness and persistent human rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 42:21 profoundly illustrates a foundational biblical truth: genuine faith is not merely expressed by seeking God's will, but by humbly and wholeheartedly submitting to it, even when such submission contradicts personal desires, perceived self-interest, or deeply ingrained fears. The remnant's actions serve as a stark warning against the peril of approaching God with a pre-determined agenda, seeking divine validation for one's own plans rather than truly desiring and embracing genuine divine direction. This passage powerfully reminds us that God's revelation is not a mere suggestion or a set of options, but a divine command, an authoritative utterance that demands a response of obedience. Our ultimate response to His "voice" fundamentally reveals the true condition and orientation of our hearts. Their profound disobedience foreshadows the persistent struggle throughout biblical history between God's clear, righteous commands and humanity's stubborn inclination towards self-will and rebellion—a recurring theme that resonates throughout the Old Testament and finds its ultimate, transformative resolution in the New Covenant.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Consequences of Disobedience for Disobedience")
* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1-samuel/15-22 "Obedience Is Better Than Sacrifice")
* [Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24-27 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 42:21 serves as a timeless and convicting mirror for profound self-examination, challenging every believer to honestly assess the sincerity and depth of their own spiritual inquiries. When we seek God's guidance, are our hearts truly open to His will, even if it demands that we step outside our comfort zones, radically alter our carefully laid plans, or courageously confront our deepest fears? Or do we, like the remnant of Judah, approach God with a hidden agenda, secretly hoping that He will simply rubber-stamp decisions we have already made or desires we have already embraced? True spiritual maturity is not merely about intellectually apprehending God's word, but about humbly, wholeheartedly, and actively submitting to it. This verse powerfully reminds us that genuine faith is inherently active obedience—a profound willingness to trust God's infinite wisdom and unfailing provision above our own limited understanding, our fleeting emotions, or our perceived sense of security. Our response to God's revealed will is the ultimate, litmus test of our love, devotion, and faithfulness, ultimately determining whether we walk in the path of His abundant blessing or in the self-imposed consequences of rebellion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When I seek God's guidance for significant decisions, what are my deepest, true motivations? Am I genuinely open to His will, or am I primarily seeking validation for my own desires or plans?**
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be subtly or overtly resisting God's clear instructions, perhaps out of fear, a desire for personal comfort, or an unwillingness to relinquish control?**
* **How does my daily life tangibly demonstrate a commitment to not just hearing, but actively and consistently obeying, the authoritative voice of the Lord in all circumstances?**
* **What are the potential, long-term consequences of choosing my own path over God's revealed will, both for my personal spiritual journey and for the broader community of faith to which I belong?**

### FAQ
**Why did the people ask for God's will if they didn't intend to obey?**

Answer: The biblical text suggests a complex interplay of motives within the remnant. On one hand, there was a deeply ingrained cultural practice, and perhaps even an initial, genuine impulse, to seek divine counsel through a prophet during a time of extreme national crisis and uncertainty. They were undoubtedly fearful and anxious about their future after the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem. However, their subsequent actions and Jeremiah's direct, damning accusation in [Jeremiah 42:21](/jeremiah/42-21 "Jeremiah 42:21 - The Remnant's Disobedience") reveal that their primary desire was likely not to humbly submit to God's will, but rather to gain divine endorsement or a "blessing" for their pre-determined plan to flee to Egypt. They sought reassurance and a clear conscience for a path they had already chosen, not necessarily a radical change of direction. This illustrates a common human failing, where individuals seek God's "yes" to their own desires rather than His sovereign "will" for their lives, often using spiritual consultation as a means to justify self-serving decisions.

**What were the consequences of their disobedience?**

Answer: The consequences of their profound disobedience were precisely what God, through His prophet Jeremiah, had explicitly warned them about. Despite God's clear and merciful command to remain in Judah, accompanied by promises of protection and blessing, the remnant defiantly chose to go to Egypt, even forcibly taking Jeremiah and his scribe Baruch with them ([Jeremiah 43:5-7](/jeremiah/43-5-7 "Jeremiah 43:5-7 - The Flight to Egypt")). Once established in Egypt, they tragically faced the very judgments of death by sword, famine, and pestilence that God had promised would befall them if they disobeyed ([Jeremiah 42:16-17](/jeremiah/42-16-17 "Jeremiah 42:16-17 - God's Warning of Judgment in Egypt")). Furthermore, they plunged deeper into idolatry in Egypt, provoking God's righteous wrath and ultimately being consumed by the very things they had sought to escape—namely, destruction and spiritual degradation ([Jeremiah 44:15-28](/jeremiah/44-15-28 "Jeremiah 44:15-28 - Judgment on Jews in Egypt")). Their willful disobedience led directly to their demise, powerfully demonstrating the severe and inevitable consequences of rejecting God's explicit commands.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 42:21, with its stark and sorrowful portrayal of Israel's persistent and willful disobedience to the divine "voice," powerfully highlights the absolute necessity of a new covenant and points forward with profound clarity to the perfect, unblemished obedience of Jesus Christ. The remnant's abject failure to obey the clear "voice of the LORD" underscores humanity's inherent inability, stemming from its fallen nature, to perfectly fulfill God's righteous law and commands. This continuous, tragic pattern of rebellion woven throughout the Old Testament narrative, where God's people repeatedly failed to heed His prophets and His life-giving word, ultimately demonstrates the desperate need for a divine intervention—a perfect mediator and redeemer. In glorious contrast to Israel's chronic and pervasive disobedience, Jesus Christ stands as the perfectly obedient Son, who unequivocally declared, "For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me" ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus' Perfect Obedience to the Father")). He perfectly embodied the "voice of the LORD," not only declaring God's will with unparalleled authority but living it out in every facet of His earthly existence, even to the ultimate point of humble, sacrificial death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philipians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience unto Death")). Through His singular, perfect obedience, Christ establishes the New Covenant, wherein God graciously promises to inscribe His law not on tablets of stone, but supernaturally on the very hearts of His people ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant Promise of Inward Law")), thereby enabling them by the power of the Holy Spirit to truly hear, understand, and obey His voice. Thus, the tragic disobedience depicted in Jeremiah 42:21 ultimately magnifies the glorious and redemptive obedience of Christ, who secures eternal salvation and reconciliation for all who, through faith, are brought into His perfect submission to the Father.

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

Ezekiel 2:7

And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they [are] most rebellious.

Zechariah 7:11

But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.

Zechariah 7:12

Yea, they made their hearts [as] an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the LORD of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the LORD of hosts.

Acts 20:26

Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I [am] pure from the blood of all [men].

Acts 20:27

For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

Acts 20:20

[And] how I kept back nothing that was profitable [unto you], but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,

Jeremiah 7:24

But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels [and] in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward.