This verse reminds the people that choosing what seems like worldly security outside of God’s will can lead to greater hardship.
Jeremiah, who prophesied in the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC (circa 627-580 BC), speaks to a community of Judahites left behind after the fall of Jerusalem (in 586 BC). Desiring security, these people contemplate fleeing southward to the land of the Pharaohs. In this verse, he proclaims, “So now, therefore, listen to the word of the LORD, O remnant of Judah: thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, ‘If you really set your mind to enter Egypt and go in to reside there,” (v.15). By calling them the “remnant of Judah,” Jeremiah underlines that only a fraction of God’s chosen people remain in their devastated homeland. Through the phrase “listen to the word of the LORD” (v.15), the prophet strongly urges them not to take matters into their own hands, but to heed divine guidance before deciding whether to travel to Egypt.
The mention of “Egypt” (v.15) evokes images of the affluent kingdom on the Nile, a land once home to the descendants of Jacob during a severe famine (Genesis 46:6). Bound by centuries of history, Egypt had been the crucible of Israel’s eventual exodus under Moses many centuries earlier (Exodus 12:40-41). Now, in Jeremiah’s day, the people consider returning there to escape Babylonian pressures. However, Jeremiah cautions that moving back to a place historically associated with enslavement is essentially turning away from trust in God. The prophet highlights that self-reliant decisions cannot guarantee security; instead, true protection comes from wholehearted obedience to the LORD, as seen in many parts of the Old and New Testaments (Matthew 6:33).
This verse also foreshadows the unfolding of God’s plan—the remnant stands at a critical juncture, similar to how the early disciples of Jesus had to choose between earthly safety and a call to trust the divine path (Matthew 16:24-25). The core message challenges believers to trust God’s promise even when circumstances appear dire. Jeremiah’s warning underscores that following one’s own inclinations—going down to Egypt—would invite dire consequences, whereas relying on the LORD’s provision will ultimately prove the only lasting refuge.
Set to dark mode
Jeremiah 42:15 meaning
Jeremiah, who prophesied in the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC (circa 627-580 BC), speaks to a community of Judahites left behind after the fall of Jerusalem (in 586 BC). Desiring security, these people contemplate fleeing southward to the land of the Pharaohs. In this verse, he proclaims, “So now, therefore, listen to the word of the LORD, O remnant of Judah: thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, ‘If you really set your mind to enter Egypt and go in to reside there,” (v.15). By calling them the “remnant of Judah,” Jeremiah underlines that only a fraction of God’s chosen people remain in their devastated homeland. Through the phrase “listen to the word of the LORD” (v.15), the prophet strongly urges them not to take matters into their own hands, but to heed divine guidance before deciding whether to travel to Egypt.
The mention of “Egypt” (v.15) evokes images of the affluent kingdom on the Nile, a land once home to the descendants of Jacob during a severe famine (Genesis 46:6). Bound by centuries of history, Egypt had been the crucible of Israel’s eventual exodus under Moses many centuries earlier (Exodus 12:40-41). Now, in Jeremiah’s day, the people consider returning there to escape Babylonian pressures. However, Jeremiah cautions that moving back to a place historically associated with enslavement is essentially turning away from trust in God. The prophet highlights that self-reliant decisions cannot guarantee security; instead, true protection comes from wholehearted obedience to the LORD, as seen in many parts of the Old and New Testaments (Matthew 6:33).
This verse also foreshadows the unfolding of God’s plan—the remnant stands at a critical juncture, similar to how the early disciples of Jesus had to choose between earthly safety and a call to trust the divine path (Matthew 16:24-25). The core message challenges believers to trust God’s promise even when circumstances appear dire. Jeremiah’s warning underscores that following one’s own inclinations—going down to Egypt—would invite dire consequences, whereas relying on the LORD’s provision will ultimately prove the only lasting refuge.