Jeremiah 42:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 42:14
14 Saying, No; but we will go into the land of Egypt, where we shall see no war, nor hear the sound of the trumpet, nor have hunger of bread; and there will we dwell:
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 42 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of discipleship, holiness, faith. Written during the final years of Judah and early exile (c. 627-580 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Prophesied during Judah's final years as Babylon became the dominant power.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Jeremiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Jeremiah 42:14
14 Saying, No; but we will go into the land of Egypt, where we shall see no war, nor hear the sound of the trumpet, nor have hunger of bread; and there will we dwell:
Analysis
No; but we will go into the land of Egypt—The remnant's reply reveals their predetermined decision, rejecting Jeremiah's prophetic word despite their earlier vow to obey (42:5-6). The emphatic Hebrew lo (לֹא, no) introduces outright refusal of God's command to remain in Judah. Their reasoning exposes the root sin: where we shall see no war, nor hear the sound of the trumpet (shofar, שׁוֹפָר, the ram's horn signaling battle). They sought safety through human calculation rather than divine protection.
The threefold appeal—no war... no trumpet... no hunger—demonstrates pragmatic self-reliance. Egypt represented military power, agricultural abundance (the Nile's fertility versus Judah's drought), and distance from Babylon. Yet this 'wisdom' directly contradicted God's revealed will. Like Israel's earlier desire to return to Egypt's 'leeks and onions' (Numbers 11:5), this generation preferred Egypt's perceived security to trusting Yahweh's provision in the land of promise.
Their declaration there will we dwell seals their apostasy. Jesus later warned, 'He who seeks to save his life will lose it' (Matthew 16:25)—exactly what befell these refugees. By fleeing to Egypt for safety, they ran into the very judgment they hoped to escape (v. 17).
Historical Context
This occurred circa 582 BC, after Gedaliah's assassination left Judah's remnant leaderless and fearful of Babylonian retribution. Egypt, under Pharaoh Apries (Hophra), had recently provoked Babylon by supporting Zedekiah's rebellion (588-586 BC). Despite Egypt's disastrous failure to save Jerusalem, the remnant viewed Egypt as a safe haven. Historically, Egypt had been Israel's repeated temptation—Isaiah condemned alliances with Egypt (Isaiah 30:1-3, 31:1), and Hosea denounced Israel's diplomatic overtures there (Hosea 7:11). Archaeological evidence shows a significant Jewish refugee community developed in Egypt, including the Elephantine colony. Jeremiah himself was forcibly taken to Egypt (43:6-7), where tradition says he was stoned to death by his own people.
Reflection
- How does fear-based decision-making lead us to contradict God's revealed will while appearing 'reasonable'?
- In what ways do we seek 'Egypt'—worldly security—rather than trusting God's provision in difficult circumstances?
- How does the remnant's vow to obey (42:5-6) followed by immediate disobedience reveal the danger of presumptuous promises?
Cross-References
- References Egypt: Jeremiah 41:17, Exodus 16:3, Isaiah 31:1
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 4:19, 4:21