Bible Commentaries
Jeremiah 42

Verses 1-22

Before going forward, Johanan and those associated with him, gathered to Jeremiah, and asked that he pray for them and seek divine guidance. He consented at once to their request, and they promised obedience to whatever command was laid upon them. Ten days elapsed, and then Jeremiah delivered the message of the Lord in answer to Johanan.

It was a distinct command to remain in the land, and not to go into Egypt. Divine protection was promised them if they were obedient, but they were warned solemnly that if they went to Egypt in the hope of escaping from war and hunger, they would find there both the sword and famine.

The end of Jeremiah's message shows that he knew, in all probability by divine revelation, that the prayer they had asked him to offer for them had not been honest. He seems to have known that, in spite of his message, they would go down into Egypt, and he told them so; and finally declared to them that they would die in Egypt by the sword, famine, and pestilence.