They both blind our judgement.
We find so much turmoil in the land, with only a few people left in Israel after Babylon comes and wipes most everything out. Ishmael staged a coup and assassinated the Babylonian appointed leader, and now those that are left are headed to Egypt to run from the possible retribution of Babylon.
They come to Jeremiah and ask him to seek the Lord in what they should do.
Jeremiah 42:3
Pray that the Lord your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do.”
They tell Jeremiah, “Scouts honour,” we will obey God, ” cross my heart,” no matter what God says.
Jeremiah 42:4-6
Then they said to Jeremiah, “May the Lord be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act in accordance with everything the Lord your God sends you to tell us. 6 Whether it is favorable or unfavorable, we will obey the Lord our God.”
Jeremiah goes to God and comes back and tells them God will provide and protect if they stay but He will curse them if they go to Egypt for safety and comfort.
Sadly, they already had their minds made up. They didn’t want to hear from God they wanted Jeremiah to affirm their decision. Jeremiah knows this:
Jeremiah 42:20-21
Pray to the Lord our God for us; tell us everything he says and we will do it.’ 21 I have told you today, but you still have not obeyed the Lord your God in all he sent me to tell you
But this is their response:
Jeremiah 43:2,4
the arrogant men said to Jeremiah, “You are lying! The Lord our God has not sent you to say, ‘You must not go to Egypt to settle there.’…
So Johanan son of Kareah and all the army officers and all the people disobeyed the Lord’s command to stay in the land of Judah.
The people were so afraid of the Babylonians that they could not hear God.
They were arrogant and proud. I find it interesting how pride can rise up in the midst of fear. People want to look strong and right.
They shut their ears and lead others into death.
Father, may that not be me.
May I come to you and to those who love and know you and seek your answer, not my own. May I hear your voice and not shut my ears. Calling those who tell me the truth liars, because I have already made up my mind.
Father, keep me from the arrogance of doing what I think best, justified and cloaked in my attempt to protect and help.
Lord, speak. Father, please tell us what it is you want us to do. Father, in your mercy, push past our fear and pride and help us to hear you.
