A remnant group goes off to Egypt, contrary to Jeremiah’s advice. There, Jeremiah, who has gone with them, rebukes them for idolatry. Johanan, active in rescuing his countrymen from Ishmael the assassin, has brought them on their way to Egypt as far as Bethlehem. Egypt, Judah’s ally against the Babylonians, is not beset by the instability that plagues the Jews. Unsure of their next move, they seek guidance from the Lord through Jeremiah, as had Zedekiah’s delegation earlier (42:1–6; 37:3).

Divine answers to prayer do not come on demand. God’s word to the inquirers is to stay in the land and not go to Egypt (42:7–22). God’s message allays the group’s fear of the Babylonians’ indiscriminate reprisal for Gedaliah’s murder (41:1–3). Part of the message…