Jeremiah 42:9

KJV

And said unto them, Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, unto whom ye sent me to present your supplication before him;

KJV (with Strong's)

And said {H559} unto them, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, unto whom ye sent {H7971} me to present {H5307} your supplication {H8467} before {H6440} him;

Complete Jewish Bible

and said to them, "You sent me to present your request to ADONAI the God of Isra'el. This is what he says:

Berean Standard Bible

Jeremiah told them, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, to whom you sent me to present your petition:

American Standard Version

and said unto them, Thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, unto whom ye sent me to present your supplication before him:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 42:9 marks the critical juncture where the prophet Jeremiah, acting as God's divinely appointed messenger, begins to deliver the Lord's direct response to the desperate plea of the Jewish remnant. This verse unequivocally establishes the divine source of the message, affirming God's attentive ear to their "supplication" and validating Jeremiah's indispensable role as the conduit through whom the Almighty communicates His will to His people in a moment of profound uncertainty and fear.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 42:9 immediately follows a solemn request from the remnant of Judah, led by Johanan, to Jeremiah. After the assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor, the people were gripped by fear, contemplating fleeing to Egypt to escape further Babylonian retribution (cf. [Jeremiah 41:16-18](/jeremiah/41-16 "Jeremiah 41:16-18 - Fear of the Chaldeans")). They approached Jeremiah, urging him to "pray for us to the LORD your God" and promising, "Whatever the LORD our God says, we will tell you and we will do it" ([Jeremiah 42:2](/jeremiah/42-2 "Jeremiah 42:2 - The People's Plea to Jeremiah") and [Jeremiah 42:6](/jeremiah/42-6 "Jeremiah 42:6 - The People's Vow of Obedience")). This verse, delivered after a ten-day waiting period ([Jeremiah 42:7](/jeremiah/42-7 "Jeremiah 42:7 - Jeremiah's Ten-Day Wait")), initiates God's direct answer, setting the stage for a profound test of the remnant's sincerity regarding their vow of obedience.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the chaotic aftermath of Jerusalem's destruction by Babylon in 586 BC and the subsequent exile of many Jews. A small remnant, left in the land under Gedaliah's governorship, found a fragile peace shattered by his assassination. This event plunged the remaining population into deep fear, particularly of Babylonian retaliation, leading them to consider seeking refuge in Egypt. Culturally, in ancient Israel, prophets served as the primary means through which God communicated His will to His people. In times of national crisis or personal dilemma, it was customary to consult a prophet to discern the divine mind, especially regarding major decisions like migration or warfare. The people's act of sending Jeremiah to "present your supplication before him" reflects this deeply ingrained cultural practice and their recognition of Jeremiah's legitimate prophetic authority, despite their frequent rejection of his messages in the past.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Responsiveness**, demonstrating that even in the midst of judgment and national upheaval, the "God of Israel" remains accessible and attentive to the sincere cries of His people, even if their ultimate obedience falters. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Prophetic Authority and Commissioning**, as Jeremiah is explicitly affirmed as God's chosen messenger, validating his unique role as the conduit for divine revelation (cf. [Jeremiah 1:4-10](/jeremiah/1-4 "Jeremiah 1:4-10 - Jeremiah's Call")). Thirdly, it highlights the critical theme of **Obedience and Disobedience**, setting up the dramatic tension between the people's initial pledge to obey God's word and their subsequent, tragic rejection of it, a recurring motif throughout Jeremiah's ministry (cf. [Jeremiah 7:23-24](/jeremiah/7-23 "Jeremiah 7:23-24 - The Call to Obedience")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh_):** (H3068) This is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His self-existence, eternal nature, and His unique relationship with Israel. By using "Thus saith the LORD," the message is stamped with absolute divine authority and underscores that the God of Israel, the same God who established the covenant, is speaking directly to them. It's not merely a general deity, but the specific, personal God of their history and salvation.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym_):** (H430) While a plural form, when used with the definite article and referring to the God of Israel, it denotes the supreme, singular God. Its inclusion alongside "LORD" (Yᵉhôvâh) reinforces the majesty, power, and ultimate sovereignty of the One who is speaking. It signifies the Creator and Ruler of all, who is also intimately involved with His people, Israel.
* **supplication (Hebrew, _tᵉchinnâh_):** (H8467) This term signifies a humble, earnest plea for favor, mercy, or grace, often implying a deep sense of need and dependence. It is more than a casual request; it conveys a desperate and heartfelt appeal, acknowledging the petitioner's vulnerability and the petitioned's power to grant relief. Its use here highlights the gravity of the remnant's situation and their profound need for divine intervention and guidance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And said unto them,"**: This marks the beginning of Jeremiah's delivery of the divine message. After a ten-day period of waiting and prayer, Jeremiah now turns to the leaders of the remnant, specifically Johanan and his companions ([Jeremiah 42:1](/jeremiah/42-1 "Jeremiah 42:1 - Johanan and the Captains Approach Jeremiah")), to convey God's direct response.
* **"Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel,"**: This is the classic prophetic formula, unequivocally establishing the divine origin and absolute authority of the message. It is not Jeremiah's opinion or counsel, but the direct word of the sovereign, covenant-keeping God of Israel. This phrase elevates the pronouncement to an infallible declaration of divine will.
* **"unto whom ye sent me"**: This clause explicitly validates Jeremiah's role as the legitimate intermediary. It reminds the people that they themselves initiated this consultation, acknowledging Jeremiah as the one through whom they sought God's word. This sets up the moral accountability for their response to the message.
* **"to present your supplication before him;"**: This clarifies the specific purpose for which Jeremiah was sent: to bring their earnest plea directly into God's presence. The phrase "present... before him" (literally "to cause to fall before his face") emphasizes the act of humbly laying their petition before the Almighty, signifying their dependence and the expectation of a divine answer.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Direct Speech**, as Jeremiah quotes the Lord directly, using the formula "Thus saith the LORD." This device lends immediate authority and authenticity to the message, making it clear that the words are not Jeremiah's own but God's. It also utilizes **Divine Oracle**, a common feature in prophetic literature, where God's pronouncements are delivered through His chosen messenger. This emphasizes the supernatural origin and binding nature of the revelation. Furthermore, there is an element of **Prophetic Commissioning**, as the verse implicitly reaffirms Jeremiah's role as God's designated prophet, the one "whom ye sent me," thereby validating his unique position as the conduit for divine communication.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 42:9 serves as a powerful theological statement about God's active engagement with His people, even in their brokenness and fear. It demonstrates that the God of Israel is not distant or indifferent but remains attentive to the cries of His children, ready to offer guidance and direction. This verse underscores the principle that seeking God's will through prayer and His revealed word is paramount, especially in times of crisis. However, it also subtly introduces the theme of human responsibility in receiving divine revelation; the people's act of sending Jeremiah implies a commitment to obey, a commitment that will soon be tested and tragically found wanting. God's responsiveness is constant, but human obedience is often conditional.

* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Prayer and Peace")
* [1 John 5:14-15](/1_john/5-14 "1 John 5:14-15 - Confidence in Prayer")
* [Jeremiah 42:6](/jeremiah/42-6 "Jeremiah 42:6 - The People's Vow of Obedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound encouragement and a sober challenge for believers today. In a world fraught with uncertainty, fear, and difficult decisions, Jeremiah 42:9 reminds us that God is always accessible and willing to hear our "supplication." Like the remnant, we are called to bring our deepest concerns and most pressing decisions before the Lord, trusting in His divine responsiveness. However, the subsequent narrative in Jeremiah reveals that merely asking for God's will is insufficient; true faith is demonstrated in a radical commitment to obey that will, even when it runs contrary to our natural inclinations or perceived self-interest. This verse compels us to examine our own hearts: do we genuinely seek God's counsel with a readiness to follow, or do we merely seek validation for our pre-determined paths? Our spiritual maturity is measured not just by our prayers, but by our obedience to the answers we receive.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently seeking God's "supplication" or guidance?**
* **How does the knowledge that God is attentive to your prayers impact your willingness to bring all concerns before Him?**
* **What is the difference between seeking God's will and seeking validation for your own desires?**
* **What steps can you take to cultivate a heart that is truly ready to obey God's word, even when it's difficult?**

### FAQ
**Why did the people send Jeremiah to inquire of the LORD, and what does this reveal about their understanding of prophecy?**

Answer: The people sent Jeremiah because he was recognized as a true prophet of the LORD, a divinely appointed intermediary through whom God communicated His will. In times of national crisis, it was customary to consult a prophet for divine guidance, especially concerning significant decisions like fleeing to Egypt or remaining in the land. This act reveals their understanding that God speaks through His prophets and that His word is authoritative. While they acknowledged Jeremiah's prophetic office, their subsequent actions would tragically demonstrate that their initial "supplication" was not necessarily accompanied by a genuine commitment to obey the divine answer (see [Jeremiah 43:2-7](/jeremiah/43-2 "Jeremiah 43:2-7 - The People Disobey and Go to Egypt")).

**What is the significance of the phrase "the God of Israel" in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "the God of Israel" (Hebrew: _ʼĕlôhîym Yisrâʼêl_) emphasizes God's unique covenant relationship with His chosen people. It signifies that the message Jeremiah delivers comes from the very God who delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt, established a covenant with them at Sinai, and had been their faithful guide throughout their history. It underscores that even in their current state of judgment and dispersion, God had not abandoned His covenant people and was still intimately concerned with their welfare, speaking to them as their sovereign and faithful God. This reinforces the personal and authoritative nature of the divine communication.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 42:9, with its depiction of Jeremiah as the divinely appointed messenger presenting the people's supplication before God, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect Mediator, Jesus Christ. Just as the remnant sent Jeremiah to bridge the gap between their desperate plea and God's will, humanity, in its sin and separation from God, desperately needed a perfect Intercessor. Jesus, the true Prophet, is the one "unto whom ye sent me" in the deepest sense; He is the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the one through whom God fully reveals Himself. He not only presents our supplications but *is* our supplication, perfectly fulfilling the role of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Through His atoning sacrifice and ongoing intercession, Christ grants us direct access to the Father, making it possible for our prayers to be heard and our deepest needs met ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our Great High Priest")). He is the ultimate "way, the truth, and the life," through whom alone we can come to the Father ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")), making Him the supreme fulfillment of any prophetic or mediatorial role.

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 42:2

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:)

2 Kings 19:4

It may be the LORD thy God will hear all 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 are left.

2 Kings 19:6

And Isaiah said unto them, Thus shall ye say to your master, Thus saith the LORD, Be not afraid of the words which thou hast heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me.

2 Kings 19:20

¶ Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, [That] which thou hast prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria I have heard.

2 Kings 19:37

And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.

2 Kings 22:15

And she said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Tell the man that sent you to me,

2 Kings 22:20

Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place. And they brought the king word again.