Sad and afraid, the remaining citizens of Judah thought it safe and logical to travel to Babylon’s
rival Egypt. They sought God’s direction through Jeremiah, who (again) offered less popular
counsel: stay in Judah, and God will protect you. In spite of the Lord’s assurance, the remnant
marched off to Egypt, and forced Jeremiah to go with them.

• In times of severe trial, seeking God’s voice comes very naturally. Obeying what God calls us to do is often a different story, as it was here. How do you listen for God’s direction in your life? What are some barriers that keep you either from listening to or obeying God? What steps can you take to break through those barriers?
• Jeremiah waited ten days for the word of the Lord. Why do you believe it sometimes takes time for God’s will and purpose to become clear, even if you’re listening for it? Can you recall times when your sense of hurry made you give up listening for God? How might your decisions change if you allowed more time to think and listen?