Definition: Silver spread into plates is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz, the work of the workman, and of the hands of the founder: blue and purple [is] their clothing: they [are] all the work of cunning [men].

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Jeremiah 10:9. It’s a really complex verse, but we can understand it in simpler terms. Here’s what it means: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a massive and incredibly valuable amount of precious metal being produced – silver, gold, and blue/purple stones – and it's being done by people who are intentionally trying to deceive others. Let’s unpack the parts: “Jeremiah 10:9” : This is the specific verse we're focusing on. It’s a prophecy from the Old Testament, written by Jeremiah, about a future time of great upheaval and deception. “Silver spread into plates…” – This means the silver is being made into large, individual pieces (plates). Think of it like making a really big, perfect coin. “…from Tarshish…” : Tarshish was a port city on the coast of Israel. It’s important because it's a place where the metals are coming from . “Gold from Uphaz…” : "Uphaz" is a Hebrew word that means “workman” or “laborer.” This refers to the people who are creating these coins and objects. “…the work of the workman, and of the hands of the founder…” - This highlights that these aren’t just random metals; they’re being created by skilled artisans . “Blue and purple [is] their clothing…” : The colors of the metal are deliberately chosen – blue and purple. They're used to make them look valuable and impressive, but also to mask something else. “…they [are] all the work of cunning men.” - This is the key part. The verse warns that these people are intentionally trying to deceive others . They’re creating this wealth not for good or benefit, but to manipulate people and lead them astray. In a nutshell: Jeremiah is warning about a period where people will be incredibly wealthy through dishonest practices. They'll be creating valuable metal objects (silver, gold, blue/purple) with the intention of misleading others. Why is this important? The Bible often uses prophecy to warn us about potential dangers and temptations. This verse highlights a significant warning about the potential for deception and manipulation. It’s a call to be discerning and to trust God's guidance in our lives. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Give you some historical context (where this verse comes from)? Talk about the significance of the message within the Bible as a whole?