Jeremiah 42:7

KJV

¶ And it came to pass after ten days, that the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass after {H7093} ten {H6235} days {H3117}, that the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came unto Jeremiah {H3414}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Ten days later the word of ADONAI came to Yirmeyahu.

Berean Standard Bible

After ten days the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah,

American Standard Version

And it came to pass after ten days, that the word of Jehovah came unto Jeremiah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 42:7 marks a pivotal moment in the post-fall of Jerusalem narrative, detailing the precise timing of God's response to the remnant of Judah. After a ten-day period of waiting and prayer, the divine word, sought by the fearful survivors concerning their future in the land or flight to Egypt, finally came to the prophet Jeremiah, affirming his indispensable role as God's authoritative messenger amidst a people grappling with profound uncertainty and fear.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 42:7 serves as the direct divine response to the earnest plea initiated in [Jeremiah 42:1-3](/jeremiah/42-1 "Jeremiah 42:1-3 - The Remnant's Request"). Following the assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor, the remaining Jewish population, led by Johanan, approached Jeremiah. They implored him to inquire of the LORD on their behalf, promising to obey whatever God commanded, whether good or bad, as explicitly stated in [Jeremiah 42:5-6](/jeremiah/42-5 "Jeremiah 42:5-6 - The People's Vow of Obedience"). This verse, "after ten days," marks the end of the period of intercession and the beginning of the prophetic revelation, setting the stage for God's clear, though ultimately rejected, instructions found in [Jeremiah 42:9-22](/jeremiah/42-9 "Jeremiah 42:9-22 - God's Answer to the Remnant").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the chaotic aftermath of the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC and the subsequent assassination of Gedaliah, the governor appointed over the remaining populace. This event plunged the already traumatized remnant into deeper fear, particularly of Babylonian retribution. Culturally, the act of seeking divine counsel through a prophet was a common and expected practice in ancient Israel during times of national crisis and uncertainty. The people's solemn vow to obey God's word, irrespective of its content, reflects a desperate attempt to secure divine favor and guidance, even if their subsequent actions would contradict this promise, as seen in [Jeremiah 43:1-7](/jeremiah/43-1 "Jeremiah 43:1-7 - The Flight to Egypt").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Timing**, emphasizing that God operates according to His sovereign schedule, not human urgency. The ten-day delay highlights the importance of patient waiting on the LORD, a concept echoed throughout Scripture (e.g., [Psalm 27:14](/psalms/27-14 "Psalm 27:14 - Waiting on the LORD")). Secondly, it reinforces the **Authenticity and Authority of Prophecy**, as the declaration "the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah" is a classic prophetic formula, affirming that the message is not Jeremiah's own but a direct, divinely inspired communication. This validates Jeremiah's consistent role as God's chosen mouthpiece, even when his messages were unpopular or rejected, as was often the case (e.g., [Jeremiah 26:7-15](/jeremiah/26-7 "Jeremiah 26:7-15 - Jeremiah's Prophecy and Arrest")). Thirdly, it illustrates God's **Continued Engagement with His People**, demonstrating His faithfulness to respond to their inquiries and provide guidance, even when they are on the brink of disobedience and despite their past failures.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **dâbâr (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This word, translated "word," is rich in meaning, encompassing not just spoken words but also matters, affairs, things, decrees, and even deeds. In the context of "the word of the LORD," it signifies an authoritative, active, and potent communication from God that carries the weight of His will and often results in action or consequence. It is God's revealed will, His instruction, and His declaration of truth.
* **Yᵉhôvâh (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often rendered "LORD" in English translations, signifying "the Self-Existent One" or "the Eternal." Its presence here emphasizes that the message is from the sovereign, covenant-keeping God of Israel, the one who is unchanging and always present, thus lending ultimate authority and reliability to the "word" that follows.
* **yôwm (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** Translated "days," this term refers to a literal day (from sunrise to sunset or sunset to sunset), but can also figuratively denote a period of time. In "after ten days," it specifies a distinct, measurable period of waiting, underscoring the deliberate nature of God's timing and perhaps a period of preparation or testing for both Jeremiah and the remnant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And it came to pass after ten days,"**: This clause establishes a specific timeframe, indicating a period of waiting or delay between the people's request (Jeremiah 42:1-6) and God's response. This delay is significant, suggesting divine deliberation, a test of the people's patience and sincerity, or a period for Jeremiah's spiritual preparation to receive such a weighty message. It highlights God's sovereign timing, which often differs from human urgency.
* **"that the word of the LORD"**: This phrase identifies the source and nature of the ensuing revelation. It is not Jeremiah's personal opinion or human wisdom, but a direct, authoritative communication originating from YHWH, the covenant God of Israel. This is a standard prophetic formula, emphasizing the divine origin and infallible authority of the message.
* **"came unto Jeremiah."**: This final clause specifies the recipient of the divine message. Jeremiah, despite his personal struggles and the people's frequent rejection of his prophecies, remains God's chosen and faithful vessel. It signifies an active, personal, and undeniable encounter between God and His prophet, through whom His will is revealed to His people.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 42:7 masterfully employs several literary devices. The most prominent is **Divine Timing**, highlighted by the precise phrase "after ten days." This specific temporal marker creates a sense of **Anticipation** for the reader, building suspense as the narrative pauses before the crucial divine answer. It also serves as a thematic emphasis on God's sovereignty over time, contrasting with human impatience and immediate desires. Furthermore, the phrase "the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah" is a classic **Prophetic Formula**, a recurring literary convention throughout the prophetic books. Its repetition lends **Authority** and **Credibility** to the message that follows, unequivocally establishing its divine origin and distinguishing it from human counsel or opinion. This formula also reinforces Jeremiah's consistent role as God's authentic mouthpiece, even in a time of national decline and spiritual confusion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 42:7 profoundly illustrates God's active engagement with His people, even in their brokenness and fear. The ten-day waiting period before the "word of the LORD came" underscores the theological principle of divine sovereignty over time and the importance of patient reliance on God. It teaches that God does not always respond immediately to human demands, but His timing is perfect, often designed to cultivate trust, reveal sincerity, or prepare hearts. This verse also reaffirms the enduring truth that God communicates His will through chosen vessels, and His word, once given, carries absolute authority and demands obedience, regardless of how challenging or unpopular it may be. It is a testament to God's faithfulness to provide guidance, even when His people ultimately choose a path of disobedience.

* [Psalm 27:14](/psalms/27-14 "Psalm 27:14 - Waiting for the LORD")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes His Purpose")
* [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 42:7 offers a powerful reminder for believers navigating life's uncertainties. In moments of fear, confusion, or significant decision-making, our natural inclination is to seek immediate answers or to rush into action. However, this verse teaches us the profound value of patient waiting on the Lord. The ten-day delay was not an absence of God's care, but perhaps a period for the remnant to truly reflect on their promise of obedience, or for Jeremiah to be fully prepared to receive and deliver a potentially unpopular message. For us, this means cultivating a posture of prayerful patience, trusting that God's timing is always perfect and His wisdom surpasses our own. It also reinforces the truth that God continues to speak today, primarily through His inspired Word, the Bible, which serves as our ultimate guide and source of truth, providing the clarity and direction we need in a complex world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently tempted to rush ahead without seeking or waiting for God's clear guidance?**
* **How does the "ten days" of waiting in this verse challenge your understanding of God's timing and your own patience?**
* **What does it mean for you personally that "the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah," and how does God's Word "come" to you today?**

### FAQ
**Why did the LORD wait "ten days" to respond to the remnant's plea?**

Answer: The text does not explicitly state the reason for the ten-day delay, but biblical scholars offer several plausible interpretations. Firstly, it could signify a period of divine deliberation, emphasizing God's sovereignty and His perfect timing, which is not dictated by human urgency. Secondly, it might have been a test of the remnant's sincerity and patience, allowing them time to reflect on their solemn vow to obey whatever God commanded, whether good or bad ([Jeremiah 42:5-6](/jeremiah/42-5 "Jeremiah 42:5-6 - The People's Vow of Obedience")). Thirdly, it could have been a period of spiritual preparation for Jeremiah, allowing him to commune with God and be fully ready to receive and deliver a message that he knew would be difficult for the people to accept. This delay underscores that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His timing is always for His purposes and our ultimate good, even if it feels prolonged to us.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 42:7, with its emphasis on "the word of the LORD" coming to Jeremiah, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Jeremiah received God's word in spoken form, Jesus *is* the living Word of God, as declared in [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"). Just as the "word of the LORD" came to Jeremiah to provide guidance and reveal God's will to His people, so too did God's ultimate Word, Jesus, "come unto" humanity, not merely to speak a message, but to embody it fully. He is the perfect revelation of God's character and purpose, the one through whom God has spoken definitively in these last days ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son")). The waiting period in Jeremiah 42:7 can also be seen as a foreshadowing of the long centuries of waiting for the Messiah, the ultimate divine response to humanity's desperate need. In Christ, God's word is not just heard, but seen, touched, and experienced, offering not just guidance for a specific crisis, but eternal life and reconciliation with God ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")).

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 27:14

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Isaiah 28:16

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner [stone], a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

Habakkuk 2:3

For the vision [is] yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.