Jeremiah 42:10

10 'If you will stay in Judah, I will build you up and not tear you down. I will plant you and not pull you up, because I am sad about the disaster I brought on you.

Jeremiah 42:10 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 42:10

If ye will still abide in this land
In the land of Judea, their native country, where they had always lived, and where they continued when their brethren were carried captive; and yet they thought of going out of it, which the Lord knew; and therefore to encourage them to abide in it, and not think of departing into Egypt; that if they would take up their residence in it, and determine to continue there, he thus promises them: then will I build you, and not pull [you] down: and I will plant you,
and not pluck [you] up;
that is, they should be firm and stable, happy and prosperous; and abound with all kind of blessings, and increase in numbers, wealth, and riches. The metaphors are taken from building houses, and planting fields and vineyards: for I repent me of the evil that I have done unto you;
not that he had done any unjust thing to them; or that he changed his mind concerning them; but that he had compassion on them, and would change his way and course of providence towards them, according to his unchangeable will.

Jeremiah 42:10 In-Context

8 Then Jeremiah called for Johanan son of Kareah, the army officers with him, and all the other people, from the least important to the greatest.

9 Jeremiah said to them, "You sent me to ask the Lord for what you wanted. This is what the God of Israel says:

10 'If you will stay in Judah, I will build you up and not tear you down. I will plant you and not pull you up, because I am sad about the disaster I brought on you.

11 Now you fear the king of Babylon, but don't be afraid of him. Don't be afraid of him,' says the Lord, 'because I am with you. I will save you and rescue you from his power.

12 I will be kind to you, and he will also treat you with mercy and let you stay in your land.'