Jeremiah 42:16
Then it shall come to pass, that the sword, which ye feared, shall overtake you there in the land of Egypt, and the famine, whereof ye were afraid, shall follow close after you there in Egypt; and there ye shall die.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיְתָ֣ה
H1961
וְהָיְתָ֣ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 22
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הַחֶ֗רֶב
Then it shall come to pass that the sword
H2719
הַחֶ֗רֶב
Then it shall come to pass that the sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
2 of 22
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 22
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְרֵאִ֣ים
H3372
מִמֶּ֔נָּה
H4480
מִמֶּ֔נָּה
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
6 of 22
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
שָׁ֛ם
H8033
אֶתְכֶ֖ם
H853
אֶתְכֶ֖ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּאֶ֣רֶץ
you there in the land
H776
בְּאֶ֣רֶץ
you there in the land
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
10 of 22
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 22
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מִמֶּ֗נּוּ
H4480
מִמֶּ֗נּוּ
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
16 of 22
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
שָׁ֣ם
H8033
יִדְבַּ֧ק
shall follow close
H1692
יִדְבַּ֧ק
shall follow close
Strong's:
H1692
Word #:
18 of 22
properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit
אַחֲרֵיכֶ֛ם
after
H310
אַחֲרֵיכֶ֛ם
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
19 of 22
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
Cross References
Jeremiah 44:27Behold, I will watch over them for evil, and not for good: and all the men of Judah that are in the land of Egypt shall be consumed by the sword and by the famine, until there be an end of them.Ezekiel 11:8Ye have feared the sword; and I will bring a sword upon you, saith the Lord GOD.
Historical Context
The remnant wanted to flee to Egypt for safety, but God warned that Babylon would conquer Egypt too (43:10-13). Their fears would follow them.
Questions for Reflection
- How does running from God's will often lead to encountering what you most feared?
- What does this teach about where true security is found?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God warns that the sword they fear will 'overtake' them in Egypt, and the famine will 'follow close after' them. What they fear in Judah will find them in Egypt - a common biblical principle. Flight from God's will doesn't provide safety; it multiplies danger. Only obedience to God's revealed will provides genuine security, regardless of circumstances.