4 Then Jeremiah the prophet said to them, "I have heard you. Behold , I am going to pray to the Lord your God in accordance with your words ; and I will tell you the whole message which the Lord will answer you. I will not keep back a word from you."

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Jeremiah 42:4

Commentary on Jeremiah 42:1-6

(Read Jeremiah 42:1-6)

To serve a turn, Jeremiah is sought out, and the captains ask for his assistance. In every difficult, doubtful case, we must look to God for direction; and we may still, in faith, pray to be guided by a spirit of wisdom in our hearts, and the leadings of Providence. We do not truly desire to know the mind of God, if we do not fully resolve to comply with it when we know it. Many promise to do what the Lord requires, while they hope to have their pride flattered, and their favourite lusts spared. Yet something betrays the state of their hearts.