Introduction: Jerusalem and Judah had already fallen to the Babylonians. However, renegade soldiers had killed the governor that the Babylonians had set up for the people who remained in the land. Now, the people were afraid that they would all be destroyed. Since Jeremiah’s prophecies had always been true, they decided to ask him what they should do. This chapter tells of their response to God’s word.

1. THE PROMISE TO OBEY (Jeremiah 42:1-6)
2. THE WORD OF THE LORD (Jeremiah 42:7-22)
3. THE REJECTION OF GOD’S WORD (Jeremiah 42:1-7)
4. THE PROPHECY OF JUDGMENT (Jeremiah 42:8-13)

Conclusion: We consider the Jews foolish because they did not obey the commands of the Lord. They knew that His words were always true, but they still rejected them when they did not agree with their opinions. How often do we foolishly disobey God’s word as well?