In Jeremiah 42, the remnant of Israelites still in the land come to Jeremiah, intreat him to pray to God on their behalf for guidance. So Jeremiah prays to God, but doesn’t receive a response for 10 whole days. A good reminder that God rarely answers prayers straight away, that we need to have faith and patience that God has heard us and will answer our prayer in the way that is best for us.
The response from God is a great indication of God’s mercy. “If you remain in this land, then I will build you up and not pull you down…Do not fear the king of Babylon…for I am with you, to save you and to deliver you from his hand. I will grant you mercy”. Although these were not the faithful Israelites taken into captivity to be preserved, God still has mercy on them when they turn to Him. The same is true for us. “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”