Definition: And it shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, The LORD liveth; as they taught my people to swear by Baal; then shall they be built in the midst of my people.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Jeremiah 12:16. It’s a really important warning about how apostasy (turning away from God) can lead to disaster. Here's a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that if people really commit to following the ways of their people – meaning, they consistently swear by God and follow His laws – then they’ll be built up within God’s community. But if they start to worship other gods (like Baal), it will lead to being abandoned and losing their place in God's chosen people. Let's unpack the details: “Jeremiah 12:16” : This is a specific passage from the Old Testament book of Jeremiah. “And it shall come to pass…” : This sets up a prophecy – something that will happen in the future. It’s not just a random event; it's a prediction. “…if they will diligently learn the ways of my people…” : This is the crucial part. Jeremiah is warning about genuine commitment to following God’s laws and traditions. It's not enough to just say you believe in God; you need to act on it. “to swear by my name, The LORD liveth;” : This is the key part of the warning. Jeremiah describes a practice where people would make oaths or pledges to the Lord – essentially, declarations of loyalty and devotion. They were doing this to a god named Baal. It’s emphasizing that these practices were worshipping another deity. “as they taught my people to swear by Baal;” : This is the comparison. Jeremiah's people had been practicing this practice for a long time, and it was causing problems. They were worshipping a false god. “then shall they be built in the midst of my people.” : This is the consequence of this behavior. If they continue to worship other gods, God’s chosen community – his followers – will be destroyed . They won't have a safe or recognized place within His kingdom. In simpler terms: Jeremiah is saying that if people truly embrace God's laws and traditions – especially by making false promises to another god – it could lead to their community being abandoned and lost. It’s a warning about the dangers of idolatry (worshipping anything other than God). Why is this important? This verse highlights the importance of: Faith: Genuine faith in God is essential for following His will. Obedience: Adhering to God's laws and commandments is vital for a righteous life. Community: Being part of a community that follows God’s teachings provides support, guidance, and security. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail with examples? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Connect it to other Bible verses about worship or obedience?