Bible Commentaries
Jeremiah 42

Verse 1

As Jeremiah 41:0 records the infamous treachery of Ishmael, so Jeremiah 4:0 2 records the obstinate disobedience of Johanan. These incidents are recorded (instead of many others) because they show us something of the moral character of the People; and thus furnish us with the reasons for the calamities which overtook them.

Jezaniah. In Jeremiah 43:2 he has a second name, "Azariah". The Septuagint reads this name here.

Verse 2

thy. A special various reading, called Sevir ( App-34 ), reads "our", as in Jeremiah 42:20 .

a few. Reference to Pentateuch (Leviticus 26:22 ).

as = according as.

Verse 3

thy. See note on Jeremiah 42:2 ; but here the reading "our" is supported by several codices and one early printed edition.

Verse 4

behold. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6 .

Verse 6

evil = ill. Hebrew. ra'a'. App-44 .

that it may be well, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 6:3 ).

Verse 9

The Thirty-Seventh Prophecy of Jeremiah (see book comments for Jeremiah).

the LORD, the God of Israel. See note on Jeremiah 11:3 .

Verse 10

build . . . pull you down . . . plant. . . pluck you up. Compare Jeremiah 1:10 .

I repent Me. Reference to Pentateuch (Genesis 6:6 . Deuteronomy 32:36 ).

Verse 11

saith the LORD = [is] Jehovah's oracle.

I am with you. See the Structure, above.

Verse 12

land = soil.

Verse 14

hunger of bread. Which they had experienced.

Verse 15

And now = Now.

the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel. See note on Jeremiah 7:3 . The same in Jeremiah 42:18 .

wholly set your faces. Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 17:16 ).

Verse 16

afraid = apprehensive.

Verse 19

Go ye not into Egypt. This had ever been a standing command for Israel (Deuteronomy 17:16 . Isaiah 31:1 .Ezekiel 17:15; Ezekiel 17:15 ).

admonished = testified against.

Verse 20

ye dissembled, &c. None but Jehovah could know this. Compare Jeremiah 41:17 . Psalms 139:2 . Joh 1:48 ; John 2:24 , John 2:25 .

hearts = souls. Hebrew. nephesh.

Verse 21

this day declared = declared this day. See note on Deuteronomy 4:26 .

Verse 22

by the sword, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Leviticus 26:6 , Leviticus 26:25 , Leviticus 26:33 , Leviticus 26:36 . Deuteronomy 28:22 ). App-92 .