Definition: But thou, O LORD, knowest me: thou hast seen me, and tried mine heart toward thee: pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and prepare them for the day of slaughter.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 12:3. It’s a really powerful and somewhat unsettling passage about God’s judgment. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is telling someone – likely a leader or someone in authority – that they are too much focused on their own desires and ambitions, to the point where they’re neglecting God’s plan for the people. He’s saying they need to be removed, essentially sacrificed. Let's unpack it: “But thou, O LORD…” : This is a direct address from God to someone. It’s emphasizing that this isn't just a casual observation; it’s a serious warning. “…knowest me…” : God is acknowledging that He knows exactly who they are and what they’re doing. “Thou hast seen me, tried mine heart toward thee…” : This is the key part. God has watched them, observed their actions, and assessed their motives. They've shown a certain level of concern or understanding for them – likely because they’re acting in a way that’s harmful to others or to the overall well-being of the people. “…pull them out like sheep for the slaughter…” : This is the most dramatic part. God is describing a violent and brutal method of removal. He's saying they need to be completely eliminated, just as if they were sheep – vulnerable and easily sacrificed. The Tone & Implication: The verse has a really heavy tone. It’s not about forgiveness or reconciliation. It’s about a consequence – a reckoning for wrongdoing. It suggests that this person is actively pursuing something that God wants to prevent, and they need to be removed from the path. Overall Meaning - A Warning About Pride & Disobedience: This verse often speaks to themes of: Pride: The person is so consumed by their own desires that they're blinded to God’s will. Disobedience: They are rejecting or ignoring God's guidance and direction. Uncontrolled ambition: The person is pursuing something that threatens the well-being of others or society. Important Note: It's crucial to remember that this isn’t a condemnation of the individual in isolation. It’s about a consequence for their actions, reflecting a larger pattern of disobedience against God's plan. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Jeremiah 12? Discuss the context of this passage within the larger story of Jeremiah?