After the assassination of the governor who was appointed over them by the king of Babylon, the leaders of the remnant in Judah came to Jeremiah, asking him to pray for them and give them God’s direction, which they promised to obey (1-6). Their words sounded good, but they had already made other plans.

The Lord said through Jeremiah that if they stayed in Judah, they would not need to be afraid of the king of Babylon, and God would build up and restore them (10-12). But the Lord also revealed to Jeremiah that they did not plan to obey this direction (20). Their hearts were set on escaping to Egypt.

The people’s plan was wrong because it was based on fear instead of faith. But their worst sin was pretending to seek God when they had no genuine intent to obey him. They thought they would be safe from the king of Babylon in Egypt, but God’s judgment can find us wherever we go. Praying with insincere intent, when we are intent on following our own desire, brings spiritual disaster (21-22).
Application: Father, you are able to protect us from anything in the world. Help me live before your judgment only.
One Word: Stay and God will build you up.