Definition: Which I commanded your fathers in the day [that] I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, Obey my voice, and do them, according to all which I command you: so shall ye be my people, and I will be your God:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse. It’s a really powerful and significant part of the Old Testament, and it speaks about a special relationship between God and His chosen people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God specifically wants a close and unbroken relationship with his people – specifically, the Israelites – after they had been enslaved in Egypt. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Jeremiah 11:4” : This is the specific verse we’re focusing on. It’s from the Book of Jeremiah, a prophet who spoke to God about the future. “Which I commanded your fathers in the day…” : This part tells us when this was happening. It's referring to a specific time in the past – around 600 years ago, during the time Israelites were being enslaved in Egypt. It’s saying that God gave them a very clear instruction. “…that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt…” : This is the core of the message: God directly commanded his people to leave Egypt. He didn't just tell them to try to follow his rules; he made it a requirement. “…from the iron furnace…” : This is a really striking image. The "iron furnace" symbolizes harsh, difficult conditions. It meant they were being forced into servitude and worked incredibly hard under oppressive conditions. It wasn’t just about work; it was about a life of hardship and separation from their homeland. “saying, Obey my voice, and do them, according to all which I command you:” This is the key instruction. He's telling them to immediately follow his commands exactly. He’s demanding complete obedience. "so shall ye be my people, and I will be your God:" This is where it gets really significant. God isn’t just offering a relationship; he’s promising a new covenant – a special agreement with his people that will last forever. He wants to be their God, completely and absolutely . In essence, this verse describes a covenant (a binding agreement) between God and the Israelites. It's a promise of a relationship unlike any other, one where they are utterly devoted to him and his will. Why is this important? This verse is often seen as a foundational part of the Old Testament. It sets the stage for the laws and traditions that would later be established in the Law itself, emphasizing God’s sovereignty and the importance of obedience. It's a powerful reminder of the seriousness of God's relationship with his people. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Relate it to a specific event or story in the Bible?