But if ye say, We will not dwell in this land, neither obey the voice of the LORD your God,
In the order of the book chapter 42 comes after chapters 40 and 41 and before chapters 43 and 44, although the chapters of Jeremiah are not always placed in chronological order. The verse sets forth the refusal of the people to dwell and remain in the land of Judah and to obey the voice of the Lord their God, in rejection of the counsel to stay. That refusal followed their asking for God's direction, and their later actions proved that their request for guidance was not sincere.
They carried out the refusal by going to Egypt against instruction, with the chief men of Judah taking the remnant of Judah with them to Tahpanhes despite strong protest. They afterward accused Jeremiah of speaking under Baruch's influence, and their disobedience in refusing to remain and obey brought destruction and consequences upon them. Their example stands as a warning that God cannot hear and bless people who come to Him with words they do not mean.
In the order of the book chapter 42 comes after chapters 40 and 41 and before chapters 43 and 44, although the chapters of Jeremiah are not always placed in chronological order. The verse sets forth the refusal of the people to dwell and remain in the land of Judah and to obey the voice of the Lord their God, in rejection of the counsel to stay. That refusal followed their asking for God's direction, and their later actions proved that their request for guidance was not sincere.
They carried out the refusal by going to Egypt against instruction, with the chief men of Judah taking the remnant of Judah with them to Tahpanhes despite strong protest. They afterward accused Jeremiah of speaking under Baruch's influence, and their disobedience in refusing to remain and obey brought destruction and consequences upon them. Their example stands as a warning that God cannot hear and bless people who come to Him with words they do not mean.