Jeremiah 42: No Sanctuary In Egypt

Johanan and his band of survivors have a dilemma.  On the run from the king of Babylon because his appointed governor over Judah, Gedaliah, has been assassinated, they are tempted to flee to apparent safety in Egypt.  But before they make their final decision, they decide to consult with Jeremiah the prophet and ask him to intercede for them before the Lord and seek divine guidance.

"Let the Lord your God show us where we should go and what we should do" (vs. 3).  That sounds like a humble plea when offered from a sincere heart.  Here, though, Johanan and the others may simply want the Lord to bless what they have already decided in their heart to do.  It will become clear in chapter 43 that they want to go to Egypt, no matter what God will tell them.

Jeremiah does what they ask, however.  And, after ten days, the prophet receives a response from God.  The Lord's answer is very clear: there is no sanctuary in Egypt for the Israelites.  "All the people who have determined to go to Egypt to settle there shall die by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence; they shall have no remnant or survivor from the disaster that I am bringing upon them" (vs. 17).  For those who believe in God and his prophet Jeremiah, after hearing this it simply wouldn't be an option to head to Egypt.  It would be suicidal.

The Lord already knows what they will do.  That is why this chapter concludes with Jeremiah's grim warning: "The Lord has said to you, O remnant of Judah, Do not go to Egypt.  Be well aware that I have warned you today that you have made a fatal mistake...So I have told you today, but you have not obeyed the voice of the Lord your God in anything that he sent me to tell you.  Be well aware, then, that you shall die by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence in the place where you desire to go and settle" (vs. 19-21).  As we have seen repeatedly with the people of God, Johanan and company will foolishly disregard the Word of the Lord at their own peril.

Do we ever sin in the same way?  Seeking guidance from God when we already know full well what we will do, no matter what we hear from Him?  Watch yourself that you aren't looking for God to simply bless what you have already decided in your heart to do by pretending to seek after Him for direction.  He just may decide to call you on it!