Old Testament

Jeremiah 42:2

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, a group of people approaches the prophet Jeremiah, asking him to pray to God on their behalf.

Author
Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
Written
Around 600 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
CBTClear Bible Translation

They said to Jeremiah the prophet, "Please hear our plea. Pray to the LORD your God for us — for all of us who are left. As you can see with your own eyes, only a few of us remain out of what was once a great number.

KJVKing James Version

And said unto Jeremiah the prophet, Let, we beseech thee, our supplication be accepted before thee, and pray for us unto the LORD thy God, even for all this remnant; (for we are left but a few of many, as thine eyes do behold us:)

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, a group of people approaches the prophet Jeremiah, asking him to pray to God on their behalf. They acknowledge their desperate situation, noting that they are just a small remnant of what was once a large community. This plea highlights their recognition of God's power and their need for divine intervention. They are aware of their vulnerability and the challenges they face, and they turn to Jeremiah, who has a direct connection with God, hoping for mercy and guidance. Their request reflects a deep sense of humility and a desire for restoration, as they seek reassurance and support in a time of uncertainty. This moment illustrates the importance of community and the role of spiritual leaders in interceding for others, especially during difficult times. It also emphasizes the need for prayer and reliance on God in moments of crisis, showing that even a small group can seek God's favor and help.

How to apply Jeremiah 42:2 to your life

When facing challenges, it's important to seek help through prayer, both for ourselves and for others. Just as the remnant turned to Jeremiah, we should reach out to spiritual leaders and support one another in faith, trusting in God's guidance and mercy.

Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Jeremiah 42:2 teach about prayer?

Jeremiah 42:2 emphasizes the importance of prayer, especially in times of crisis. The people approach Jeremiah, recognizing his connection to God, and ask him to pray for them. This shows that seeking prayer from spiritual leaders can be a vital step in seeking divine guidance and support during difficult times.

Who is the remnant mentioned in Jeremiah 42:2?

The remnant in Jeremiah 42:2 refers to the small group of people who survived after the destruction of Jerusalem. They acknowledge their vulnerability and the drastic reduction in their numbers, highlighting their need for God's mercy and intervention as they face uncertainty and challenges.

What can we learn about community from Jeremiah 42:2?

Jeremiah 42:2 illustrates the significance of community, as the people come together to seek help from Jeremiah. It shows that during tough times, individuals can find strength in unity and collective prayer, emphasizing the role of community support in faith and resilience.

How does Jeremiah 42:2 relate to seeking guidance in difficult times?

In Jeremiah 42:2, the people's plea for Jeremiah to pray for them reflects a common human experience of seeking guidance when facing challenges. It teaches us that turning to God through prayer, especially with the help of spiritual leaders, can provide comfort, direction, and hope in uncertain situations.

The Book of Jeremiah
Book Summary

The Book of Jeremiah

Jeremiah 1: The Call of Jeremiah

The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, a priest from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, are recorded. The word of the LORD comes to him in the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign over Judah. It continues to come to him through the reign of King Jehoiakim and until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, when Jerusalem is carried into captivity. The LORD states that before He formed Jeremiah in the womb, He knew him and ordained him as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah responds that he cannot speak because he is a child. The LORD commands him not to say he is a child, for he will go where the LORD sends him and speak what the LORD commands.

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