Jeremiah 42:3

KJV

That the LORD thy God may shew us the way wherein we may walk, and the thing that we may do.

KJV (with Strong's)

That the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} may shew {H5046} us the way {H1870} wherein we may walk {H3212}, and the thing {H1697} that we may do {H6213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Pray that ADONAI your God will tell us what direction to take and what to do."

Berean Standard Bible

Pray that the LORD your God will tell us the way we should walk and the thing we should do.”

American Standard Version

that Jehovah thy God may show us the way wherein we should walk, and the thing that we should do.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 42:3 captures the earnest plea of a desperate remnant of Judah to the prophet Jeremiah, seeking divine direction after the devastating fall of Jerusalem. Overwhelmed by uncertainty and fear of further Babylonian aggression, they appeal to the LORD to reveal His specific will for their immediate future, promising obedience to whatever path or action He commands. This verse encapsulates a profound human need for divine guidance in times of profound crisis and transition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 42:3 is embedded within a critical juncture in the book of Jeremiah, immediately following the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by Babylon in 586 BC. Chapters 40-44 detail the aftermath of this catastrophe for the remaining Jewish population in Judah. Specifically, chapter 42 opens with Johanan and other military leaders, along with "all the people from the least even unto the greatest," approaching Jeremiah. They acknowledge his prophetic authority and desperately seek a word from the LORD regarding whether they should remain in Judah or flee to Egypt. Their plea in verse 3 is the core of their request, setting the stage for Jeremiah's seven-day wait for divine counsel and the subsequent revelation and their ultimate disobedience. The preceding chapters chronicle the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecies of judgment, making this remnant's request for guidance a crucial test of their faith and obedience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the immediate post-exilic period for those left in Judah. Jerusalem has been razed, the king exiled, and many of the populace deported to Babylon. Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor, has been assassinated, leading to widespread fear of Babylonian reprisal. The people are disoriented, leaderless, and facing an existential crisis. Culturally, the people of Judah, despite their idolatry and rebellion, still understood the concept of seeking divine oracles through prophets in times of national distress. Their appeal to Jeremiah reflects this tradition, even if their hearts were not fully committed to obedience. The choice between staying in a devastated land under Babylonian threat or fleeing to Egypt, a traditional refuge but also a place of spiritual compromise for Israel, was momentous. Their very survival, as they perceived it, hinged on this decision, highlighting the immense pressure and fear driving their request.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Guidance**, demonstrating God's ultimate authority to direct the paths of His people, even in their darkest hours. The people's request for the LORD to "shew us the way" underscores their recognition, however fleeting, of His ultimate control. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Human Dependence and Desperation**, particularly in times of national calamity. Stripped of their political and religious structures, the remnant is forced to confront their utter reliance on God for survival and direction, a theme often seen when Israel faced overwhelming odds, as in the wilderness wanderings or the period of the Judges. Lastly, and perhaps most poignantly, it sets up the theme of **Conditional Obedience and Unbelief**, which becomes tragically evident as the narrative unfolds. While they *profess* a desire to obey "whether it be good, or whether it be evil" (as stated in [Jeremiah 42:6](/jeremiah/42-6 "Jeremiah 42:6 - The People's Vow of Obedience")), their subsequent actions reveal their true intentions, ultimately choosing their own perceived safety over God's explicit command. This serves as a stark warning against feigned piety and the dangers of a divided heart, echoing similar warnings found throughout the prophetic books.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **shew (Hebrew, _nâgad'_):** From H5046, meaning "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 Jeremiah 42:3, this word conveys a strong sense of God revealing or declaring His will clearly and explicitly. The people are not asking for a vague impression but for a direct, unmistakable manifestation of God's instruction, indicating a desire for concrete guidance.
* **way (Hebrew, _derek'_):** From H1870, meaning "a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb." This term extends beyond a mere physical path to encompass one's entire conduct, lifestyle, and destiny. The remnant is asking for God to reveal not just a route to a destination but the very course of action and pattern of life they should adopt in their precarious situation, encompassing both their immediate movements and their future existence.
* **do (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** From H6213, a primitive root meaning "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." This comprehensive verb signifies performing, accomplishing, or carrying out an action. When paired with "thing" (dâbâr), it emphasizes the desire for specific, actionable commands. The people want to know not just the general direction but the concrete steps, the practical duties, and the specific behaviors God requires of them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That the LORD thy God may shew us the way":** This opening clause establishes the divine source of the desired guidance and the nature of the request. The remnant acknowledges the LORD as their God, implicitly appealing to the covenant relationship. Their plea is for God to "shew," or reveal, the "way," which signifies not merely a physical route but the correct course of action, the divinely ordained path for their lives and decisions in this critical moment of national crisis. It highlights their recognition of their own inability to discern the future or the right course independently.
* **"wherein we may walk":** This phrase further clarifies the practical dimension of the "way." The verb "walk" (yâlak) in Hebrew often refers to one's conduct, lifestyle, and journey through life. Thus, they are asking for God's clear instruction on how they should live, what direction they should take, and what their day-to-day actions should be. It implies a desire for comprehensive guidance that dictates their very movement and behavior in the wake of Jerusalem's destruction.
* **"and the thing that we may do":** This final clause complements the previous one by narrowing the focus from the general "way" or course of life to specific "things" or actions. The Hebrew word for "thing" (dâbâr) can also mean "word" or "matter," implying a concrete command or specific instruction. The remnant is seeking not just a general direction but precise, actionable steps from God, indicating their desire for explicit directives concerning their immediate choices and responsibilities.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several subtle but powerful literary devices. **Appeals to Authority** are evident in the direct address to "the LORD thy God," invoking His covenant relationship and supreme wisdom as the ultimate source of truth and guidance. The phrase "shew us the way wherein we may walk, and the thing that we may do" utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically a form of synonymous or complementary parallelism. "The way wherein we may walk" and "the thing that we may do" express similar ideas—divine guidance for action—but from slightly different angles, emphasizing both the overall direction and the specific steps. This repetition underscores the earnestness and comprehensiveness of their plea. Furthermore, the very act of seeking a prophetic word implies **Foreshadowing**, as the reader, knowing the subsequent narrative, anticipates the tension between their stated desire for obedience and their eventual rejection of God's revealed will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 42:3 profoundly illustrates the universal human need for divine guidance, particularly in times of uncertainty and distress. It underscores the theological truth that God is not a distant deity but one who actively desires to reveal His will and direct the paths of His people. The people's plea for God to "shew us the way" and "the thing that we may do" reflects a fundamental recognition that true wisdom and security come from aligning one's life with God's revealed purposes. While their subsequent disobedience highlights the challenge of genuine submission, the verse itself stands as a testament to God's accessibility and His willingness to provide clear direction when sought. It reminds us that seeking God's counsel is the first, crucial step in navigating life's complex decisions, acknowledging His sovereignty over all human endeavors.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord") - "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
* [Psalm 25:4-5](/psalms/25-4 "Psalm 25:4-5 - David's Prayer for Guidance") - "Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day."
* [Isaiah 30:21](/isaiah/30-21 "Isaiah 30:21 - Hearing God's Voice") - "And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 42:3 serves as a powerful mirror for contemporary believers, reflecting our own innate desire for clarity and direction in a world often fraught with uncertainty. In moments of personal crisis, significant life decisions, or collective societal upheaval, we, like the remnant, often find ourselves crying out for God to "shew us the way." This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of genuine dependence on God, acknowledging that our own wisdom is insufficient to navigate the complexities of life. It challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to God's sovereignty and to actively seek His counsel through prayer, diligent study of His Word, and listening to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The ultimate test, however, lies not just in seeking, but in the unwavering commitment to obey whatever God reveals, regardless of whether it aligns with our preferences or fears. True faith is demonstrated in our willingness to walk the path He shows, even when it leads through discomfort or requires significant sacrifice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently seeking God's "way" or "thing to do"?**
* **How genuinely are you committed to obeying God's direction, even if it contradicts your desires or seems difficult?**
* **What disciplines (e.g., prayer, Scripture reading, community wisdom) are you actively engaging to hear God's voice more clearly?**
* **How does the example of the remnant's initial plea (and subsequent failure) challenge or encourage your own walk of faith?**

### FAQ
**What was the immediate historical context surrounding Jeremiah 42:3?**

Answer: The immediate historical context was the period directly following the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by the Babylonians in 586 BC. A small remnant of Jews, led by Johanan, remained in Judah. Having witnessed the devastation and fearing further Babylonian reprisals, particularly after the assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor, they were in a state of profound fear and uncertainty about their future. They sought Jeremiah to intercede with God on their behalf, desiring divine guidance on whether to stay in Judah or flee to Egypt. This verse captures their earnest plea for that direction.

**Did the people genuinely desire to obey God's will as expressed in Jeremiah 42:3?**

Answer: While their words in Jeremiah 42:3 and their subsequent promise in [Jeremiah 42:6](/jeremiah/42-6 "Jeremiah 42:6 - The People's Vow of Obedience") express a strong desire to obey God's will "whether it be good, or whether it be evil," the narrative that unfolds in the rest of chapter 42 and into chapter 43 reveals their true intentions. After Jeremiah delivers God's explicit command for them to remain in Judah and not go to Egypt, they accuse him of lying and ultimately disregard the divine instruction, choosing instead to go to Egypt. This demonstrates that their initial plea, while seemingly sincere, was ultimately conditional on God's will aligning with their preconceived desires or perceived safety.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 42:3, with its desperate plea for divine guidance, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament remnant sought a "way" and a "thing to do" from the LORD, often struggling to truly obey, Jesus embodies the perfect revelation of God's way and the perfect doer of His will. He declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")). He is not merely the one who *shows* the way, but the very embodiment of the path to God. Furthermore, Jesus perfectly accomplished "the thing that we may do" through His obedient life, atoning death, and resurrection, fulfilling all righteousness and providing the means for humanity's reconciliation with God. He lived out the perfect obedience that the remnant of Judah failed to sustain, becoming the "Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through faith in Him, believers are not left to wander without direction but are given the Holy Spirit to guide them into all truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")) and empower them to walk in newness of life, doing the good works prepared for them ([Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - Created for Good Works")). Thus, the human longing for divine direction, so poignantly expressed in Jeremiah 42:3, is fully and eternally satisfied 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

Psalms 86:11

Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.

Proverbs 3:6

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Jeremiah 6:16

Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where [is] the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk [therein].

Micah 4:2

And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

Psalms 25:4

Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.

Psalms 25:5

Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou [art] the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.

Ezra 8:21

¶ Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.