Jeremiah 42:5

KJV

Then they said to Jeremiah, The LORD be a true and faithful witness between us, if we do not even according to all things for the which the LORD thy God shall send thee to us.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then they said {H559} to Jeremiah {H3414}, The LORD {H3068} be a true {H571} and faithful {H539} witness {H5707} between us, if we do {H6213} not even according to all things {H1697} for the which the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} shall send {H7971} thee to us.

Complete Jewish Bible

They said to Yirmeyahu, "May ADONAI be a true and faithful witness against us if we fail to do any part of what ADONAI your God gives you to tell us.

Berean Standard Bible

Then they said to Jeremiah, “May the LORD be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act upon every word that the LORD your God sends you to tell us.

American Standard Version

Then they said to Jeremiah, Jehovah be a true and faithful witness amongst us, if we do not according to all the word wherewith Jehovah thy God shall send thee to us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 42:5 records a solemn oath made by the remnant of Judah to the prophet Jeremiah, affirming their commitment to obey completely whatever message the LORD their God would send through him. Facing an uncertain future after the fall of Jerusalem and the assassination of Gedaliah, this desperate group sought divine guidance, invoking God Himself as a "true and faithful witness" to their professed sincerity and willingness to follow His will, no matter the directive. This pivotal moment sets the stage for a crucial test of their faith and obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after the people's plea to Jeremiah for divine guidance following the assassination of Gedaliah and the subsequent fear of Babylonian reprisal. In [Jeremiah 41](/jeremiah/41 "Jeremiah 41 - Assassination of Gedaliah"), Ishmael's treachery leads to further chaos and the murder of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor. The remaining Judahites, led by Johanan, rescue captives from Ishmael and then gather near Bethlehem, contemplating fleeing to Egypt. [Jeremiah 42:1-3](/jeremiah/42-1 "Jeremiah 42:1-3 - The People's Request to Jeremiah") details their earnest request to Jeremiah to "pray for us to the LORD your God" and to tell them "the way in which we should walk and the thing that we should do." Jeremiah 42:5 is their emphatic response to his agreement, a powerful declaration of their intent to obey whatever God reveals, underscoring the gravity of their request. This oath, however, stands in stark contrast to their ultimate actions, which are revealed in [Jeremiah 43:1-7](/jeremiah/43-1 "Jeremiah 43:1-7 - Disobedience and Flight to Egypt"), highlighting a tragic failure of obedience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the immediate aftermath of the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC and the subsequent exile of much of the population. A small remnant was left in the land under Gedaliah, but his assassination plunged them into further instability and fear. The people's primary concern was survival and security, leading them to consider fleeing to Egypt, a traditional refuge but also a place of spiritual danger due as it represented a return to bondage and idolatry. In ancient Near Eastern culture, solemn oaths invoking a deity were binding agreements, often accompanied by imprecations (curses) if broken. By calling the LORD as a "true and faithful witness," the people were placing their promise under the highest possible divine scrutiny, acknowledging God's omniscience and His role in upholding covenant faithfulness. This cultural practice underscores the weight and seriousness they outwardly attributed to their pledge.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Guidance vs. Human Will**. While the people outwardly sought God's direction, their underlying desire was to validate their preconceived plan to flee to Egypt, rather than genuinely submit to God's perfect will. This tension is a recurring motif, demonstrating humanity's tendency to seek divine blessing on self-chosen paths. Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Seriousness of Oaths and Covenants with God**. By invoking the LORD as a witness, they elevated their promise to an unbreakable covenant, yet their subsequent disobedience reveals the profound spiritual disconnect between their words and their hearts, a theme explored throughout Jeremiah's prophecies concerning Judah's unfaithfulness (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:23-24](/jeremiah/7-23 "Jeremiah 7:23-24 - Disobedience of Israel")). Finally, it foreshadows the **Peril of Disobedience**, a central message of the book. The people's failure to adhere to their solemn vow, despite God's clear instruction through Jeremiah (as detailed in [Jeremiah 42:9-22](/jeremiah/42-9 "Jeremiah 42:9-22 - God's Answer and Warning")), serves as a powerful cautionary tale about the consequences of rejecting divine counsel and the ultimate futility of relying on human wisdom over God's revealed truth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Witness (Hebrew, _‘êd'_ H5707):** This term refers to someone who testifies or confirms. When applied to the LORD, it emphasizes His absolute knowledge, integrity, and omnipresence. He is the ultimate observer who sees all actions, hears all words, and knows the innermost intentions of the heart. Their invocation of Him as a "witness" signifies their acknowledgment that their oath was made before the highest authority, implying that He would hold them accountable for their promise.
* **True (Hebrew, _’emeth'_ H571):** Derived from the root H539 (_’âman'_), meaning "to be firm, faithful, trustworthy," this word denotes stability, certainty, and trustworthiness. When describing God as a "true witness," it underscores His unwavering character and the absolute reliability of His testimony. Unlike human witnesses who may err or deceive, God's witness is always accurate and unchangeable, making their appeal to Him incredibly weighty.
* **Faithful (Hebrew, _’âman'_ H539):** This root word implies firmness, support, and reliability. In the context of a "faithful witness," it speaks to God's unwavering commitment to His own character and His covenant. He is not only a witness who sees, but one who is steadfast and true to His word. Their appeal to His faithfulness was a profound recognition of His immutable nature, even as they themselves proved unfaithful.
* **Things (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_ H1697):** This highly versatile word means "word," "matter," or "thing." In this context, "all things" refers to the entirety of the divine message or instruction that Jeremiah would convey. It encompasses every detail, every command, and every directive, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of their professed obedience. It was not just a partial or conditional commitment, but a pledge to obey the "whole word" of the LORD.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then they said to Jeremiah":** This opening clause sets the scene, indicating the people's direct address to the prophet. It highlights their initiative in seeking divine counsel through God's appointed messenger, underscoring the perceived seriousness of their inquiry and their reliance on Jeremiah's intercessory role.
* **"The LORD be a true and faithful witness between us":** This is the core of their solemn oath. By invoking Yahweh (H3068, the covenant name of God) as a "true and faithful witness," the people call upon God's very character and omniscience to confirm the sincerity of their pledge. It signifies that their promise is not merely between themselves and Jeremiah, but a sacred vow made directly before God, who is inherently trustworthy and will hold them accountable for their words. This appeal to God's truthfulness and faithfulness elevates the gravity of their commitment.
* **"if we do not even according to all things for the which the LORD thy God shall send thee to us":** This clause specifies the content and scope of their oath. It is a conditional statement, essentially saying, "May the LORD hold us accountable if we do not obey completely." The phrase "all things" (H1697, _dâbâr'_) emphasizes the comprehensive nature of their promised obedience – they would follow every single instruction, every "word" or "matter," that God would reveal through Jeremiah. The inclusion of "the LORD thy God shall send thee to us" reaffirms their recognition of Jeremiah as God's legitimate messenger, whose words carry divine authority.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Oath-taking** is central, as the people formally invoke God as a witness to their promise, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern covenants to ensure solemnity and accountability. This act itself is a **performative utterance**, where the saying of the words ("The LORD be a true and faithful witness") constitutes the action of establishing a binding agreement. There is also a strong element of **Irony** present, as the reader, familiar with the subsequent narrative, knows that the people will utterly fail to uphold this very oath. Their fervent declaration of obedience stands in stark contrast to their eventual rebellion, creating a dramatic tension that highlights their hypocrisy and the tragic consequences of their actions. The use of "true and faithful witness" also serves as a form of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human qualities (witnessing, faithfulness) to God, making His role in the oath relatable and emphasizing His active involvement in human affairs and His commitment to justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 42:5 profoundly illustrates the human tendency to seek divine validation for preconceived plans rather than genuine submission to God's will. The people's solemn oath, invoking God's character as "true and faithful," underscores the high value placed on divine integrity and accountability in ancient Israelite thought. However, their subsequent disobedience reveals a fundamental theological tension: the gap between professed faith and practical obedience. God is indeed a witness to all human intentions and actions, and His truthfulness means He will hold His people accountable for their vows and their responses to His revealed word. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that true faith is demonstrated not merely by seeking guidance, but by humbly and completely obeying it, even when it challenges personal desires or perceived safety.

* [Deuteronomy 30:19](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19 - Choose Life")
* [Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a Lamp")
* [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Be Doers of the Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 42:5 challenges us to deeply examine the sincerity of our prayers and our commitment to God's will. It's easy to ask God for direction, especially when we face uncertainty or fear, but are we truly prepared to accept and obey His answer, even if it contradicts our preferred path or seems counter-intuitive? This verse serves as a stark reminder that God is indeed a "true and faithful witness" to our every word and the deepest intentions of our hearts. Our vows and promises made before Him are not taken lightly. True faith is not merely about seeking divine affirmation for our own plans, but about cultivating a heart posture of radical surrender, trusting that God's way is always best, even when it leads us into uncomfortable or challenging situations. The ultimate test of our devotion is not in the asking, but in the doing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When I seek God's will, am I genuinely open to any answer He might give, or am I subtly hoping He will confirm my own desires?**
* **How seriously do I take the promises and commitments I make to God in prayer or worship?**
* **What areas of my life might I be seeking God's "blessing" on, while secretly resisting His full direction?**
* **How does the knowledge that God is a "true and faithful witness" impact my integrity and obedience in daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why did the people ask Jeremiah for God's will if they weren't going to obey it?**

Answer: The text suggests a complex mix of fear, genuine desire for guidance, and underlying self-interest. They were genuinely afraid of Babylonian reprisal and sought a divine "stamp of approval" for their preferred course of action (fleeing to Egypt). While they outwardly professed absolute obedience in [Jeremiah 42:5](/jeremiah/42-5 "Jeremiah 42:5 - The People's Oath"), their hearts were not fully surrendered. They wanted God's blessing on their plan, not necessarily God's plan itself. This is a common human failing, where people seek divine counsel but only accept it if it aligns with their preconceived notions or comforts. Their subsequent rejection of God's clear directive in [Jeremiah 43:2-3](/jeremiah/43-2 "Jeremiah 43:2-3 - Azariah's Rejection of God's Word") reveals their true intentions.

**What does it mean for the LORD to be a "true and faithful witness"?**

Answer: For the LORD to be a "true and faithful witness" (H571, H539, H5707) means that God Himself is invoked as the ultimate guarantor of the oath's sincerity and the future accountability of those making it. "True" (H571, _’emeth'_) emphasizes His unwavering reality and integrity, while "faithful" (H539, _’âman'_) highlights His steadfastness and reliability. As a witness, God sees all, knows the heart's true intentions, and will ensure that justice is served if the oath is broken. It elevates the promise from a mere human agreement to a sacred covenant made before the omniscient and righteous Creator, implying severe consequences for disobedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 42:5, with its poignant display of human promise and subsequent failure, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate need for a perfect covenant keeper and a truly faithful witness. The people's inability to uphold their solemn oath, despite invoking the "true and faithful" LORD, highlights the pervasive sinfulness of humanity and our inherent inability to perfectly obey God's commands. This broken promise points forward to Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of perfect obedience and the ultimate "faithful witness" ([Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Jesus, the Faithful Witness")). Unlike the remnant of Judah, who sought their own way, Christ perfectly submitted to the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). He is the one in whom all God's promises are "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in Christ")). Furthermore, the very concept of God as a "witness" finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who perfectly reveals the Father ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Seeing the Father through Jesus")) and testifies to the truth of God's kingdom ([John 18:37](/john/18-37 "John 18:37 - Jesus Testifies to the Truth")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ provides the means for humanity to enter into a new covenant, not based on our flawed promises, but on His perfect obedience and the indwelling Spirit, enabling us to truly "do according to all things" that the Lord sends us ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - The New Covenant")).

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

Genesis 31:50

If thou shalt afflict my daughters, or if thou shalt take [other] wives beside my daughters, no man [is] with us; see, God [is] witness betwixt me and thee.

Judges 11:10

And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, The LORD be witness between us, if we do not so according to thy words.

Malachi 2:14

Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet [is] she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.

Micah 1:2

Hear, all ye people; hearken, O earth, and all that therein is: and let the Lord GOD be witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple.

Malachi 3:5

And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in [his] wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger [from his right], and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.

Revelation 3:14

¶ And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

Revelation 1:5

And from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, [and] the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,