9 And said unto them, Thus saith the Lord, the God of Israel, unto whom ye sent me to present your supplication before him;
9 He said to them, "This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, to whom you sent me to present your petition, says:
9 and said to them, "Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, to whom you sent me to present your plea for mercy before him:
9 He then spoke: "This is the Message from God, the God of Israel, to whom you sent me to present your prayer.
9 and said to them, "Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, to whom you sent me to present your petition before Him:
9 He said to them, "You sent me to the Lord, the God of Israel, with your request, and this is his reply:
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Jeremiah 42:9
Commentary on Jeremiah 42:7-22
(Read Jeremiah 42:7-22)
If we would know the mind of the Lord in doubtful cases, we must wait as well as pray. God is ever ready to return in mercy to those he has afflicted; and he never rejects any who rely on his promises. He has declared enough to silence even the causeless fears of his people, which discourge them in the way of duty. Whatever loss or suffering we may fear from obedience, is provided against in God's word; and he will protect and deliver all who trust in him and serve him. It is folly to quit our place, especially to quit a holy land, because we meet with trouble in it. And the evils we think to escape by sin, we certainly bring upon ourselves. We may apply this to the common troubles of life; and those who think to avoid them by changing their place, will find that the grievances common to men will meet them wherever they go. Sinners who dissemble with God in solemn professions especially should be rebuked with sharpness; for their actions speak more plainly than words. We know not what is good for ourselves; and what we are most fond of, and have our hearts most set upon, often proves hurtful, and sometimes fatal.