Commentary on Jeremiah 42:20
Verse Reference: Jeremiah 42:20
“For ye dissembled in your hearts, when ye sent me unto the LORD your God, saying, Pray for us unto the LORD our God; and according to all that the LORD our God shall say, so declare unto us, and we will do it.”
Contextual Overview
The Book of Jeremiah is a prophetic text that reflects the tumultuous period of Israel's history, particularly the Babylonian exile. Chapter 42 presents a poignant moment when remnants of the people of Judah seek guidance from the prophet Jeremiah. They inquire of the Lord concerning their future, demonstrating both desperation and a flickering hope in divine direction.
Exegesis of Key Themes
The Nature of Dissembling
Dissembling: The term “dissemble” indicates a form of deceit or insincerity that is foundational to the text. The people of Judah presented themselves as earnest seekers of God's will. Yet, in their hearts, there was duplicity. Albert Barnes notes that the people feigned sincerity, seeking to manipulate the prophetic word to align with their pre-established desires.
The Role of Prophets
According to Adam Clarke, the role of the prophet during this period was critical. Jeremiah was not merely a mouthpiece; he was a conduit of God’s truth. The people misunderstood the gravity of his prophetic calling, seeking assurances rather than genuine counsel. This reflects a common theme in biblical narratives where the human tendency is to align divine counsel with personal agendas.
Divine Communication and Human Response
There is a profound disconnect between divine intent and human action. The people instructed Jeremiah to pray and to deliver whatever message God would give. However, as Matthew Henry observes, their promise to follow God’s direction was superficial. Their ‘we will do it’ lacked conviction, revealing their reluctance to fully submit to God’s will, especially considering their historical backdrop of rebellion against Him.
Theological Implications
The Importance of Sincerity in Prayer
The plea for Jeremiah to intercede exemplifies the human reliance on intermediaries for divine guidance. However, this text raises critical questions about the sincerity behind such requests. God's omniscience perceives the heart’s true intent, as emphasized by Clarke, making it imperative for any prayer to be accompanied by authenticity and a willingness to heed God’s will.
God’s Sovereignty in Guidance
God's sovereignty is a recurring theme in Jeremiah. Despite the dissembling of Judah's leaders, God's purposes will ultimately prevail. Jeremiah’s mission was not merely to deliver favorable news but to communicate God’s will, even if it was difficult. Barnes highlights that this reflects broader theological themes regarding God’s omnipotence and the human struggle with faith and obedience.
Pastoral Applications
- Encouragement to Seek Authenticity: Pastors and spiritual leaders should encourage their congregations to seek God authentically, laying aside any pretense. This includes being honest about one’s desires and intentions in prayer.
- Understanding Prophetic Voices Today: Recognizing that prophetic voices in contemporary settings should not merely confirm what one already believes but challenge and direct in accordance with God’s purpose.
- Submission to God’s Will: Emphasizing the importance of not only seeking God’s direction but being prepared to accept it, even if it leads to discomfort or requires change.
Conclusion
Jeremiah 42:20 serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of insincerity in spiritual matters. The struggle between human desire and divine will is timeless. As reflected in the insights of Matthew Henry, Adam Clarke, and Albert Barnes, understanding this text requires a keen awareness of what it means to genuinely seek God. For pastors, students, theologians, and scholars, this serves as both a caution and a challenge— to pursue truth with sincerity, to listen to God's word without the filter of personal bias, and to submit fully to His sovereign guidance.
