Jeremiah 42:15-16
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The phrase "set your faces" isn't just about making a decision; it reveals a deep, stubborn resolve that turns the heart away from God's intended path. It's a deliberate redirection of their entire being, a willful embrace of a dangerous alternative despite God's clear word.
then hear the word of the LORD, O remnant of Judah. Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: If you set your faces to enter Egypt and go to live there, then the sword that you fear shall overtake you there in the land of Egypt, and the famine of which you are afraid shall follow close after you to Egypt, and there you shall die.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After a desperate remnant of Judah has pressured Jeremiah for guidance on whether to flee to Egypt, God's message through the prophet directly addresses their resolute decision to go. Jeremiah warns them that if they are determined to enter Egypt and settle there, the very dangers they fear—war and famine—will find them there and ultimately lead to their death.
Ever felt absolutely certain about a decision, only to later realize it was a terrible idea? Sometimes, we're so set on a path that we ignore even divine warnings.
In Jeremiah 42:15, God addresses the remnant of Judah who are determined to flee to Egypt. The phrase 'set your faces' isn't just about a casual decision; it signifies a resolute, stubborn commitment. This language highlights their fixed intention, even in the face of potential divine counsel. God sees this unwavering resolve, understanding that it stems from a deeper issue than just seeking safety. It's a choice to disregard His voice and His will, prioritizing their own perceived solutions over His guidance.
What happens when we believe a sinful or disobedient path is our only escape from trouble? God's Word shows that such 'escapes' often lead us directly into the danger we sought to avoid.
The people of Judah were fleeing to Egypt to escape war and famine, believing Egypt offered safety and security. However, God's word, as recorded by Jeremiah, reveals the tragic irony: the very dangers they feared would follow them to Egypt. The phrase 'and go to sojourn there' points to their intention to live as foreigners, a status that offered no inherent protection. God's message isn't just about punishment; it's about exposing the futility of seeking refuge in disobedience. True security and peace are found in trusting and obeying God, not in fleeing to worldly solutions that contradict His will.
Understand the original words
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she'erith · Hebrew Noun
A small part of a larger whole that remains or survives. In the Old Testament, it refers to the faithful portion of Israel that continues to exist after divine judgment or exile.
tsaba · Hebrew Noun
A title emphasizing God's sovereignty over the heavenly armies (angels and celestial bodies). It portrays Him as the Almighty Commander who directs the forces of the universe.
chereb · Hebrew Noun
A literal weapon used in war, often serving as a synecdoche for war itself, divine judgment, or sudden destruction in the Old Testament.
ra'ab · Hebrew Noun
A severe shortage of food, frequently portrayed in the Bible as a divine instrument of discipline, judgment, or testing upon a nation or individual.
This passage is deeply rooted in the trauma of Jerusalem's destruction and the subsequent exile. The remnant's desperate decision to flee to Egypt, a land God had forbidden them to trust in, highlights their fear, disbelief, and ultimate disobedience in the face of overwhelming hardship.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon deports Judean nobles and skilled workers, including the prophet Daniel, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile and a significant blow to Judah's sovereignty.
597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Following a rebellion by King Jehoiachin, Nebuchadnezzar deports more Judeans, including the prophet Ezekiel, and significant temple treasures to Babylon. Jerusalem remains under Babylonian control.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Third Deportation
After a prolonged siege and further rebellion, Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its temple, and deports the majority of the remaining population to Babylon. A small group of survivors remains in Judah.
c. 586-582 BC— this verse
Assassination of Gedaliah
Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor of the remnant in Judah, is assassinated by Jewish nationalists. This act sparks fear of Babylonian reprisal and leads many survivors to flee to Egypt.
c. 581 BC
Flight to Egypt
Following Gedaliah's assassination, a large group of Judeans, including the prophet Jeremiah, reluctantly flee to Egypt. They seek refuge and hope for a better life, despite Jeremiah's warnings.
This passage directly warns against returning to Egypt, echoing God's earlier commands and setting the stage for Jeremiah's pronouncements against such a move.
Jeremiah 37:7This verse highlights the general policy against seeking help or refuge in Egypt, showing it as a misguided and ultimately unhelpful alliance from God's perspective.
Jeremiah 44:12-14This passage shows the grim fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy, detailing the destruction that befell those who ignored God's word and fled to Egypt, emphasizing the consequences of disobedience.
Isaiah 30:2-3Isaiah also prophesied against relying on Egypt, framing it as a rejection of God's provision and a foolish pursuit of safety that would lead to shame and confusion, mirroring Jeremiah's message.
Luke 9:51The phrase 'set your faces' is used here in the Greek translation for Jesus resolutely setting out for Jerusalem, showing how this strong determination can be directed towards either obedience or stubborn rebellion.
calvinJeremiah 42:13-17: "But if ye say, We will not dwell in this land, neither obey the voice of the LORD your God,"
Nunc propterea audite sermonem Jehovae, residuum Jehudah, quia sic dicit Jehova exercituum, Deus Israel, Si vos ponendo posueritis facies vestras ad ingrediendum Aegyptum (ut ingrediamini in Aegyptum,) et ingressi fueritis illic ad peregrinandum;
Then it shall come to pass, that the sword, which ye feared, shall overtake you there in the land of Egypt; and the famine, whereo…
pooleJeremiah 42:15: "And now therefore hear the word of the LORD, ye remnant of Judah; Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; If ye wholly set your faces to enter into Egypt, and go to sojourn there;"
This verse is wholly prefatory. to what followeth. If, saith God, all your mind be upon Egypt, and you he resolved thither you will go,
The phrase "set your faces" isn't just about making a decision; it reveals a deep, stubborn resolve that turns the heart away from God's intended path. It's a deliberate redirection of their entire being, a willful embrace of a dangerous alternative despite God's clear word.
After a desperate remnant of Judah has pressured Jeremiah for guidance on whether to flee to Egypt, God's message through the prophet directly addresses their resolute decision to go. Jeremiah warns them that if they are determined to enter Egypt and settle there, the very dangers they fear—war and famine—will find them there and ultimately lead to their death.
After a desperate remnant of Judah has pressured Jeremiah for guidance on whether to flee to Egypt, God's message through the prophet directly addresses their resolute decision to go. Jeremiah warns them that if they are determined to enter Egypt and settle there, the very dangers they fear—war and famine—will find them there and ultimately lead to their death.
"then hear the word of the LORD, O remnant of Judah. Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: If you set your faces to enter Egypt and go to live there, then the sword that you fear shall overtake you there in the land of Egypt, and…" — The phrase "set your faces" isn't just about making a decision; it reveals a deep, stubborn resolve that turns the heart away from God's intended path. It's a deliberate redirection of their entire b…
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Last reviewed October 2026
