Old Testament
Jeremiah 42:2
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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.
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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:)
What Jeremiah 42:2 means
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
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Illustrated scene from Jeremiah's story: Taken to Egypt (Jeremiah 42:1–43:7)
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Jeremiah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
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.
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