King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 42:9 Mean?

Jeremiah 42:9 in the King James Version says “And said unto them, Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, unto whom ye sent me to present your supplication before him...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 42 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And said unto them, Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, unto whom ye sent me to present your supplication before him;”

Jeremiah 42:9 · KJV

Context

7

And it came to pass after ten days, that the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah.

8

Then called he Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces which were with him, and all the people from the least even to the greatest,

9

And said unto them, Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, unto whom ye sent me to present your supplication before him;

10

If ye will still abide in this land, then will I build you, and not pull you down, and I will plant you, and not pluck you up: for I repent me of the evil that I have done unto you.

11

Be not afraid of the king of Babylon, of whom ye are afraid; be not afraid of him, saith the LORD: for I am with you to save you, and to deliver you from his hand.

Read Jeremiah 42 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jeremiah begins delivering God's word: 'And said unto them, Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, unto whom ye sent me to present your supplication before him.' The prophetic formula 'Thus saith the LORD' establishes divine authority—this isn't Jeremiah's opinion but God's revealed will. The title 'the God of Israel' reminds them of covenant relationship: this is their God speaking, not a foreign deity, making disobedience covenant violation. The phrase 'unto whom ye sent me to present your supplication' recalls their own request (verses 2-3), holding them accountable to their commitment to obey whatever God said. By reminding them that they initiated this consultation, Jeremiah preemptively addresses potential objections: they asked for God's will, now they must accept it. The language 'present your supplication before him' uses formal covenant terminology, emphasizing that God heard their petition and is responding. This verse functions as preamble establishing grounds for what follows: God's command to remain in Judah, His promises of protection, and His warnings against Egypt. The careful setup demonstrates prophetic wisdom: before delivering difficult words, establish divine authority, remind people of their own request, and emphasize covenant relationship as context for obedience.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The phrase 'the God of Israel' carried deep covenant significance, reminding the remnant of their identity as God's chosen people with whom He had established binding relationship at Sinai, renewed under Joshua, and reaffirmed throughout their history. This title distinguished Yahweh from surrounding nations' deities and emphasized His particular commitment to Israel despite their rebellion and current suffering. That God heard their 'supplication' demonstrated His continued engagement with His covenant people even in their desperate circumstances—He hadn't abandoned them despite Jerusalem's destruction and the exile's horrors. The formal language 'unto whom ye sent me' established chain of accountability: they requested divine guidance, Jeremiah faithfully sought it, God responded, now they must honor their oath to obey (verse 5-6). Ancient Near Eastern treaty and covenant language regularly included such preambles identifying the sovereign speaking, recalling shared history, and establishing authority basis for commands that followed. This prophetic introduction thus fit both theological and cultural patterns for authoritative proclamation, making rejection of what followed inexcusable rebellion rather than mere disagreement.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the title 'the God of Israel' simultaneously emphasize both divine authority and covenant relationship as basis for obedience?
  2. What does God's response to their supplication teach about His continued engagement with His people even amid judgment and catastrophe?
  3. Why is it significant that Jeremiah reminds them they initiated this consultation before delivering God's answer?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
אָמַ֥ר1 of 14

“And said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵיהֶ֔ם2 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כֹּֽה3 of 14
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֥ר4 of 14

“And said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֖ה5 of 14

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵ֣י6 of 14

“the God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל7 of 14

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אֲשֶׁ֨ר8 of 14
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

שְׁלַחְתֶּ֤ם9 of 14

“unto whom ye sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֹתִי֙10 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֵלָ֔יו11 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לְהַפִּ֥יל12 of 14

“me to present”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

תְּחִנַּתְכֶ֖ם13 of 14

“your supplication”

H8467

graciousness; causatively, entreaty

לְפָנָֽיו׃14 of 14

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 42:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 42:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 19:62 Kings 19:4Jeremiah 42:22 Kings 19:20-372 Kings 22:15-20

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