Jeremiah 42:10

10 ‘Stay here in this land. If you do, I will build you up and not tear you down; I will plant you and not uproot you. For I am sorry about all the punishment I have had to bring upon 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 So he called for Johanan son of Kareah and the other guerrilla leaders, and for all the people, from the least to the greatest.

9 He said to them, “You sent me to the LORD, the God of Israel, with your request, and this is his reply:

10 ‘Stay here in this land. If you do, I will build you up and not tear you down; I will plant you and not uproot you. For I am sorry about all the punishment I have had to bring upon you.

11 Do not fear the king of Babylon anymore,’ says the LORD . ‘For I am with you and will save you and rescue you from his power.

12 I will be merciful to you by making him kind, so he will let you stay here in your land.’