Grasp the Gospel — Bible Comprehension Quizzes

Jeremiah 42 Devotional

Planted Where It Felt Unsafe

“‘If you will indeed stay in this land, then I will build you up and not tear you down; I will plant you and not uproot you, for I will relent of the disaster I have brought upon you.”Jeremiah 42:10 (BSB)

The survivors ask Jeremiah to pray and show them the way to walk, vowing to obey whether the answer is pleasant or not (42:2-6). Ten days later the word comes (42:7).

It is one of the book's kindest offers. If they stay in the land, God will build and plant them rather than tear down and uproot, because he is relenting of the disaster (42:10). These are the terms of Jeremiah's own call to uproot and tear down, to build and to plant (1:10). The tearing down is done. They need not fear the king of Babylon, because God is with them to save them and show compassion (42:11-12). But Jeremiah already sees the pull of Egypt, where they imagine there will be no war and no hunger (42:14), and says their request was self-deception (42:20). The psalmist calls God's people to trust him, do good, and remain in the land (Psalm 37:3). God's way may lead through the place that looks least safe, and his presence is the safety.

To think about: Where might God be asking you to stay put and trust him, when everything in you wants to run for safety?

About Jeremiah 42: Warning Against Going to Egypt

The survivors ask Jeremiah to pray for guidance and vow to obey whatever the LORD says. Ten days later the LORD promises to protect and plant them if they stay in Judah but warns that war and famine will find them in Egypt, and Jeremiah tells them they have fooled themselves.

Take the Jeremiah 42 quiz →Study notes

Get the next chapter and its devotional in your inbox each morning

One short email a day, no account needed. Stop anytime.