Jeremiah 42:14
Saying, No, but we will goe into the land of Egypt, where we shall see no warre, nor heare the sound of the Trumpet, nor haue hunger of bread, and there will we dwell: Jeremiah 42:14 (KJV)
Jeremiah 42:1‑22 forms a larger narrative in which the people of Judah, after the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians, sought the prophet Jeremiah’s counsel concerning their future. Having witnessed the destruction, they feared the consequences that would follow and asked Jeremiah to inquire of the Lord on their behalf, promising to follow whatever God revealed to them.
In response, Jeremiah sought the Lord and received a message. God told the people that if they stayed in Judah He would bless and protect them; however, if they decided to go to Egypt they would face calamity and destruction. Jeremiah 42:13 records the people’s reply to this warning: “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 we will dwell.” Their reasoning was that Egypt would provide peace, stability, and security, free from war, the sounds of battle, and scarcity of food.
The passage reveals a stark contrast between divine instruction and human reasoning. The people’s refusal to follow God’s warning serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience. Even when God’s instructions seem difficult or run counter to our own understanding, we must trust in His wisdom and submit to His will, as Proverbs 3:5‑6 urges: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
The narrative also underscores the need to seek God’s guidance through prayer and Scripture. The people of Judah turned to Jeremiah because they recognized his connection to God; likewise, believers are called to seek the Lord earnestly, as Jeremiah 29:13 promises, “And ye shall seek me, and find me when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”
Finally, the episode warns that disobedience often brings far‑reaching consequences. The Judahites believed Egypt would bring safety, yet they failed to consider the spiritual ramifications of rejecting God’s counsel. Their choice ultimately led to destruction, reminding us to weigh potential outcomes carefully before making decisions that oppose divine direction.
