Jeremiah 42:7 | DiscipleDeck

Bible Commentary

Jeremiah 42:7

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public Domain

The answer to prayer delayed.

I. THE FACT. Ten days elapsed before Jeremiah was able to give an answer to the people. When Christ was asked to give his aid at the wedding feast where the wine ran short, he refused to do anything immediately (John 2:4); and when summoned to the sick bed of Lazarus, "he abode at that time two days in the place where he was" (John 11:6). We must, therefore, expect that a similar delay may sometimes attend the answer of our prayers. Perhaps the interval will be much longer. We have cast our bread upon the waters, and it will not appear till after many days. We should learn, therefore, that prayer does not fail because the response is not immediate. Whatever be the delay, we may be sure that to a true prayer in Christ's Name the right answer will come at the right time. God is not dilatory. He will never wait beyond the very best season for acting.

II. THE CAUSE. Much of this is mysterious, and we must learn to accept the mysteries of Providence with faith in the unfailing love of God. But some grounds for the delay of God's answers to our prayers may be discerned and should be considered to check our impatience.

1. There is a season foreverything. God will watch for the fitting opportunity, and send his blessing when it will be most profitable.

2. The fitness of God's answer to prayer depends on our condition. There are things which would injure us as we are. God waits to be gracious, waits till we are in a fit state to receive his grace.

3. Some things given as the answer to prayer require time for development. At the beginning of Daniel's prayer the angel was sent, but some time elapsed before the prophet received his message (Daniel 9:23). God may set in train the actions which are in answer to our prayer immediately the prayer is made, and we may only be waiting for that result which could not come quicker.

4. Meanwhile God tests our faith by delaying the answer to our prayer. The time is not lost. It is profitably spent in the trial and culture of our own souls. So it is with the greatest blessing of the heavenly reward and with many lesser good things; God withholds them for a time that we may learn to walk by faith.

The Daily Devotional

One devotional. Every morning.

The full reading, the passage behind it, and where to go deeper — in your inbox before the day starts. No ads, ever.

We'll send one email to confirm it's really you. Unsubscribe in one tap, any time.

Continue tomorrow

Turn Bible study into a daily habit

Read today's devotional, save your progress, and receive a gentle daily reminder.

Read today's devotional Save my progress

More for Jeremiah 42:7

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

Jeremiah 42 — OverviewJeremiah 42 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleJohanan and the captains being strongly bent upon going into Egypt, either their affections or politics advising them to take that course, they had a great desire that God should direct them to do so too like…Jeremiah 42 — OverviewJeremiah 42 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgeJeremiah 42:1, Johanan desires Jeremiah to enquire of God, promising obedience to his will; Jeremiah 42:7, Jeremiah assures him of safety in Judea; Jeremiah 42:13, and destruction in Egypt; Jeremiah 42:19, He reproves…Jeremiah 42 — OverviewJeremiah 42 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThis chapter contains a request of the Jews to Jeremiah, to pray to the Lord for them to direct them, and the Lord's answer to it. The request is made by the captains and all the people, Jer 42:1; which Jeremiah…Jeremiah 42:1-22Jeremiah 42:1-22 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION Jeremiah receives a request to inquire of God concerning the proposed emigration, and a "word of the Lord" follows.Jeremiah 42:7-22Jeremiah 42:7-22 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleWe have here the answer which Jeremiah was sent to deliver to those who employed him to ask counsel of God. I. It did not come immediately, not till ten days after, v. 7. They were thus long held in suspense,…Jeremiah 42:7Jeremiah 42:7 · The Pulpit CommentaryAfter ten days. Why this delay? Keil thinks it was for the sake of the people, who needed time to collect themselves and listen calmly to the revelation. Ezekiel once waited seven days (Ezekiel 3:16); but this was owing…

commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.devotionThe GavelPrayer isn't just asking God for things; it's enforcing what God has already decided. Pick up the gavel today. Stop accepting what Heaven has already forbidden.DiscipleDeck devotionThe Branch and the SapApples don't grow because the branch tries hard; they grow because the branch holds on. Stop striving. Start abiding.DiscipleDeck devotionThe Branch and the SapApples don't grow because the branch tries hard; they grow because the branch holds on. Stop striving. Start abiding.DiscipleDeck devotionThe Shut Kitchen and the Open DoorFasting isn't about emptying your stomach; it's about filling your spirit. Try a simple fast next week: Skip one meal (like lunch). Every time you feel a hunger pang during that hour, use it as an alarm clock to pray for someone. Turn down the noise to hear the Signal.Discipledeck devotionThe Throne Room and the Living RoomPrayer isn't a performance; it's a conversation. You don't need a script to talk to your Dad. You don't need big words or a holy voice. You just need to be a child. The King of the Universe is your Father, run to HimDiscipledeck