Jeremiah 42:13

But if ye say, We will not dwell in this land, neither obey the voice of the LORD your God,

But if ye say {H559}, We will not dwell {H3427} in this land {H776}, neither obey {H8085} the voice {H6963} of the LORD {H3068} your God {H430},

"But if you say, 'We will not stay in this land,' thereby not heeding what ADONAI your God is saying,

But if you say, ‘We will not stay in this land,’ and you thus disobey the voice of the LORD your God,

But if ye say, We will not dwell in this land; so that ye obey not the voice of Jehovah your God,

Commentary

Jeremiah 42:13 presents a pivotal moment in the narrative of Judah's remnant after the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon. This verse captures the potential defiance of the people, setting the stage for the stark consequences of choosing their own path over God's clear command.

Context

Following the devastating fall of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile, a small remnant of Judah remained in the land. Fearing further reprisal from the Chaldeans (Babylonians), their leaders, including Johanan, approached the prophet Jeremiah. They earnestly sought God's will concerning their future, specifically whether they should stay in Judah or flee to Egypt. They made a solemn promise to obey whatever the LORD commanded. After ten days, Jeremiah delivered God's explicit message: they were to remain in the land, and God would protect and build them up (Jeremiah 42:7-12). However, Jeremiah 42:13 anticipates their potential rejection of this divine counsel, highlighting the very human temptation to prioritize perceived safety over divine instruction.

Key Themes

  • Disobedience and Rebellion: The verse directly confronts the possibility of the people's refusal to "obey the voice of the LORD," a recurring theme throughout Israel's history. It underscores the danger of hearing God's word but choosing to disregard it.
  • Trust vs. Fear: The underlying tension is between trusting God's provision and protection in the land He designated, and succumbing to fear of their enemies, leading them to seek refuge in Egypt, a place historically associated with bondage for Israel.
  • Consequences of Choice: This verse serves as a crucial hinge, presenting the people with a clear choice between life and blessing if they remain and obey, or judgment and destruction if they depart and disobey. It foreshadows the harsh realities that would follow their eventual decision.
  • God's Sovereignty and Warning: Even when anticipating rebellion, God, through Jeremiah, clearly articulates the path of life and the path of death, demonstrating His unwavering desire for His people's well-being and His commitment to justice.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "obey the voice of the LORD your God" (Hebrew: qol YHWH Eloheykhem) emphasizes the importance of not just hearing but actively submitting to God's direct command or revealed will. The word "dwell" (Hebrew: yasab) implies settling down, remaining securely, and finding rest in the land. Their refusal to "dwell in this land" is a rejection of God's promise of security and provision for them there.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 42:13 offers profound lessons for believers today. We often face situations where God's clear guidance, whether through Scripture, prayer, or godly counsel, seems counter-intuitive to our human logic or desires for security. This verse reminds us:

  • The Importance of True Obedience: It's not enough to merely seek God's will; true faith requires a commitment to follow it, even when it's difficult or goes against our immediate comfort. Jesus Himself emphasized obedience as a sign of love.
  • Beware of Self-Reliance: The people's desire to go to Egypt was an attempt to control their own destiny rather than relying on God's protection. We must guard against the temptation to lean on our own understanding instead of trusting in the Lord with all our heart.
  • Consequences are Real: Disobedience to God's clear commands has consequences, both temporal and spiritual. While God is merciful, He also holds us accountable for our choices.

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's ways are higher than our ways, and true peace and security are found in humble submission to His divine leading.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 44:16 (6 votes)

    [As for] the word that thou hast spoken unto us in the name of the LORD, we will not hearken unto thee.

  • Exodus 5:2 (3 votes)

    And Pharaoh said, Who [is] the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.

  • Jeremiah 42:10 (2 votes)

    If ye will still abide in this land, then will I build you, and not pull [you] down, and I will plant you, and not pluck [you] up: for I repent me of the evil that I have done unto you.