What does Jeremiah 42:14 mean?
"Saying, No; but we will go into the land of Egypt, where we shall see no war, nor hear the sound of the trumpet, nor have hunger of bread; and there will we dwell:" - Jeremiah 42:14

Jeremiah 42:14 (KJV) says: "Saying, No; but we will go into the land of Egypt, where we shall see no war, nor hear the sound of the trumpet, nor have hunger of bread; and there will we dwell."
This verse comes from the book of Jeremiah in the Old Testament. It is part of a passage where the people of Judah, having narrowly escaped the destruction of Jerusalem at the hands of the Babylonians, are seeking guidance from the prophet Jeremiah about what they should do next. They are afraid of the Babylonians and are considering seeking refuge in Egypt.
The context of this verse is important for understanding its meaning. The people of Judah have just been through a traumatic experience – the destruction of their city and the temple, and the exile of many of their fellow countrymen. They are understandably anxious and uncertain about what the future holds for them. In this verse, they are expressing their desire to find a place of safety and security, free from the ravages of war and the threat of famine.
The verse reflects a common human desire for safety and comfort. The people of Judah are looking for a refuge from the storms of life, a place where they can live without fear or want. They see Egypt as a haven from the troubles that have befallen them, a place where they can start anew and rebuild their lives.
However, the prophet Jeremiah delivers a warning to the people in response to their desire to seek refuge in Egypt. He tells them that if they go to Egypt, they will not find the safety and security they are seeking. Instead, they will find only more trouble and hardship. The verse is a powerful reminder that we cannot find true peace and security by running away from our problems. We must face them head-on and seek guidance from God in navigating through them.
The themes of this verse are the dangers of seeking refuge in earthly solutions, the need to trust in God's guidance, and the consequences of disobedience. The people of Judah are looking for a quick fix to their problems, but Jeremiah warns them that their plan will only lead to further suffering. This serves as a cautionary tale for all of us – we cannot rely on worldly solutions to provide us with the security and peace that only God can give.
The symbolism in this verse is also significant. Egypt, in the Bible, often represents the world and its temptations. It is a symbol of worldly security and comfort that ultimately leads to spiritual enslavement. By choosing to seek refuge in Egypt, the people of Judah are turning away from God and His promises, seeking security in the things of this world rather than putting their trust in Him.
In conclusion, Jeremiah 42:14 is a powerful reminder of the dangers of seeking refuge in worldly solutions, the need to trust in God's guidance, and the consequences of disobedience. It is a timeless message that speaks to the human condition – our tendency to seek comfort and security in the things of this world, rather than turning to God for true peace and rest. It is a call to trust in God's faithfulness and to seek His guidance in all areas of our lives.
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Jeremiah 42:14 Artwork
Jeremiah 42:14 - "Saying, No; but we will go into the land of Egypt, where we shall see no war, nor hear the sound of the trumpet, nor have hunger of bread; and there will we dwell:"
"Saying, No; but we will go into the land of Egypt, where we shall see no war, nor hear the sound of the trumpet, nor have hunger of bread; and there will we dwell:" - Jeremiah 42:14
Jeremiah 42:7 - "¶ And it came to pass after ten days, that the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah."
Jeremiah 42:7 And it happened after ten days that the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah.
Jeremiah 42:7 And it happened after ten days that the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah.
Jeremiah 51:42 - "The sea is come up upon Babylon: she is covered with the multitude of the waves thereof."
Jeremiah 42:13 - "¶ But if ye say, We will not dwell in this land, neither obey the voice of the LORD your God,"
Jeremiah 42:5 - "Then they said to Jeremiah, The LORD be a true and faithful witness between us, if we do not even according to all things for the which the LORD thy God shall send thee to us."
"¶ And it came to pass after ten days, that the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah." - Jeremiah 42:7
Jeremiah 48:42 - "And Moab shall be destroyed from being a people, because he hath magnified himself against the LORD."
Mark 14:42 - "Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand."
Numbers 14:42 - "Go not up, for the LORD is not among you; that ye be not smitten before your enemies."
Jeremiah 42:3 - "That the LORD thy God may shew us the way wherein we may walk, and the thing that we may do."
Genesis 42:14 - "And Joseph said unto them, That is it that I spake unto you, saying, Ye are spies:"
Jeremiah 42:22 - "Now therefore know certainly that ye shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence, in the place whither ye desire to go and to sojourn."
Job 42:14 - "And he called the name of the first, Jemima; and the name of the second, Kezia; and the name of the third, Keren-happuch."
1 Samuel 14:42 - "And Saul said, Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken."
Jeremiah 42:12 - "And I will shew mercies unto you, that he may have mercy upon you, and cause you to return to your own land."
Jeremiah 42:8 - "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,"
Jeremiah 42:9 - "And said unto them, Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, unto whom ye sent me to present your supplication before him;"
Jeremiah 14:1 - "The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah concerning the dearth."
Jeremiah 42:1 - "Then all the captains of the forces, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least even unto the greatest, came near,"
Jeremiah 42:19 - "¶ The LORD hath said concerning you, O ye remnant of Judah; Go ye not into Egypt: know certainly that I have admonished you this day."
Jeremiah 42:13 "But if you say, 'We will not dwell in this land,' disobeying the voice of the Lord your God,
Jeremiah 42:2 - "And said unto Jeremiah the prophet, Let, we beseech thee, our supplication be accepted before thee, and pray for us unto the LORD thy God, even for all this remnant; (for we are left but a few of many, as thine eyes do behold us:)"
Jeremiah 42:11 - "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."
.Jeremiah 51:42 The sea has come up over Babylon; She is covered with the multitude of its waves.
Leviticus 14:42 - "And they shall take other stones, and put them in the place of those stones; and he shall take other morter, and shall plaister the house."
"The sea is come up upon Babylon: she is covered with the multitude of the waves thereof." - Jeremiah 51:42
Jeremiah 37:14 - "Then said Jeremiah, It is false; I fall not away to the Chaldeans. But he hearkened not to him: so Irijah took Jeremiah, and brought him to the princes."