Jeremiah 42:3
That the LORD thy God may shew us the way wherein we may walk, and the thing that we may do.
Original Language Analysis
וְיַגֶּד
may shew
H5046
וְיַגֶּד
may shew
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
יְהוָ֣ה
That the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
That the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
4 of 13
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַדֶּ֖רֶךְ
us the way
H1870
הַדֶּ֖רֶךְ
us the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
6 of 13
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נֵֽלֶךְ
H1980
נֵֽלֶךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
8 of 13
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַדָּבָ֖ר
and the thing
H1697
הַדָּבָ֖ר
and the thing
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
11 of 13
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
Cross References
Psalms 86:11Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.Proverbs 3:6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.Jeremiah 6:16Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.Micah 4:2And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.Ezra 8:21Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.
Historical Context
This occurs after Gedaliah's assassination. The remnant feared Babylonian reprisal and contemplated fleeing to Egypt, despite God's previous warnings against this.
Questions for Reflection
- When do you seek God's guidance while already having made up your mind?
- How can you ensure you're truly seeking God's will rather than His endorsement of your plans?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The remnant asks Jeremiah to inquire of God concerning their next steps. Their request sounds pious - 'pray for us unto the LORD thy God' and desire to know 'the way wherein we may walk.' Yet verse 20 reveals they'd already decided to go to Egypt and were seeking confirmation, not direction. Seeking God's counsel while having predetermined the answer is self-deception.