Jeremiah 42:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 42:20
20 For ye dissembled in your hearts, when ye sent me unto the LORD your God, saying, Pray for us unto the LORD our God; and according unto all that the LORD our God shall say, so declare unto us, and we will do it.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 42 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of grace, faith, prayer. 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 establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. 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 42:20
20 For ye dissembled in your hearts, when ye sent me unto the LORD your God, saying, Pray for us unto the LORD our God; and according unto all that the LORD our God shall say, so declare unto us, and we will do it.
Analysis
For ye dissembled in your hearts (כִּי הִתְעֵתֶם בְּנַפְשׁוֹתֵיכֶם)—the Hebrew hit'etem means 'you deceived yourselves,' from the root ta'ah (תָּעָה), to wander or err. Not merely lying to Jeremiah but self-deception—they believed their own false piety. When ye sent me unto the LORD your God—note the distance: 'your God,' not 'our God,' subtly distancing themselves from covenant accountability while using religious language.
Pray for us unto the LORD our God; and according unto all that the LORD our God shall say, so declare unto us, and we will do it—quoting their earlier vow (v. 5-6) highlights the duplicity. They swore absolute obedience, even calling down covenant curses: 'The LORD be a true and faithful witness' (v. 5). Yet they had already decided to flee to Egypt (43:2-3), making their inquiry theatrical—seeking prophetic endorsement, not divine guidance. Their sin wasn't disobeying after honest inquiry but dishonest inquiry masking predetermined rebellion.
Historical Context
This confrontation occurred after Jerusalem's fall (586 BC) and Gedaliah's assassination (41:1-3), when the remnant feared Babylonian retaliation. They approached Jeremiah seeking God's will (42:1-3), waited ten days for His answer (42:7), but rejected it when it contradicted their plan to flee to Egypt. This represents covenant community's final rebellion before Jeremiah's forced exile to Egypt.
Reflection
- When have you sought God's will while already knowing what you wanted, making prayer a formality rather than genuine submission?
- What's the difference between changing your mind after honest prayer and self-deception that pretends to seek God's guidance?
- How does using religious language ('pray for us,' 'we will obey') mask rather than express genuine faith commitment?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)