Verse 1

As Jer 41 records the infamous treachery of Ishmael, so Jer 42records the obstinate disobedience of Johanan. These incidents are recorded (instead of many others) because they show us something of the moral character of the People; and thus furnish us with the reasons for the calamities which overtook them.

Jezaniah. In Jeremiah 43:2 he has a second name, "Azariah". The Septuagint reads this name here.

Verse 2

thy. A special various reading, called Sevir (App-34), reads "our", as in Jeremiah 42:20.

a few. Reference to Pentateuch (Leviticus 26:22).

as = according as.

Verse 3

thy. See note on Jeremiah 42:2; but here the reading "our" is supported by several codices and one early printed edition.

Verse 4

behold. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6.

Verse 6

evil = ill. Hebrew. ra"a". App-44.

that it may be well, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 6:3).

Verse 9

The Thirty-Seventh Prophecy of Jeremiah (see book comments for Jeremiah).

the LORD, the God of Israel. See note on Jeremiah 11:3.

Verse 10

build . . . pull you down . . . plant. . . pluck you up. Compare Jeremiah 1:10.

I repent Me. Reference to Pentateuch (Genesis 6:6. Deuteronomy 32:36).

Verse 11

saith the LORD = [is] Jehovah"s oracle.

I am with you. See the Structure, above.

Verse 12

land = soil.

Verse 14

hunger of bread. Which they had experienced.

Verse 15

And now = Now.

the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel. See note on Jeremiah 7:3. The same in Jeremiah 42:18.

wholly set your faces. Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 17:16).

Verse 16

afraid = apprehensive.

Verse 19

Go ye not into Egypt. This had ever been a standing command for Israel (Deuteronomy 17:16. Isaiah 31:1. Ezekiel 17:15).

admonished = testified against.

Verse 20

ye dissembled, &c. None but Jehovah could know this. Compare Jeremiah 41:17. Psalms 139:2. John 1:48; John 2:24, John 2:25.

hearts = souls. Hebrew. nephesh.

Verse 21

this day declared = declared this day. See note on Deuteronomy 4:26.

Verse 22

by the sword, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Leviticus 26:6, Leviticus 26:25, Leviticus 26:33, Leviticus 26:36. Deuteronomy 28:22). App-92.