Definition: If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and [if] in the land of peace, [wherein] thou trustedst, [they wearied thee], then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 12:5. It’s a really powerful and somewhat unsettling passage about God’s plan for Israel. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God’s plan to protect and guide the Israelites, but it highlights a potential problem – that they might not be ready or capable of handling the challenges God has set for them. It speaks to a situation where they are too eager and confident, which could lead to trouble. Let's unpack it word by word: “Jeremiah 12:5” : This is the verse itself – we’re looking at a specific part of scripture. “If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee…” : This describes a situation where the Israelites are engaged in activities – running, moving around – that are too much for them . “Footmen” here refers to servants or helpers. The implication is that these activities are demanding, tiring, and perhaps even overwhelming. “then how canst thou contend with horses?” : This is the key question. Horses are powerful and difficult to control. The Israelites are now facing a situation where they're too ambitious or confident, like trying to compete with horses – something that’s inherently stronger and more capable. “[if] in the land of peace, [wherein] thou trustedst…” : This is a crucial part. The Israelites were trusting in God’s plan, believing they were strong enough to handle it. They were relying on their own abilities rather than His guidance. “they wearied thee” : This means that God's plan was testing and challenging them, pushing them beyond their limits. It wasn’t just about physical effort; it was about a test of faith and preparedness. “then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?” : This is where the situation gets really dramatic. The “swelling of Jordan” refers to a massive flood that God had promised to bring upon the land. It’s a devastating event – a great, uncontrollable deluge. The verse asks: "How will they do (respond) with this overwhelming challenge?" What does it mean overall? Jeremiah 12:5 is a warning about overconfidence and the importance of relying on God's guidance. It’s suggesting that if the Israelites become too eager, ambitious, or confident without Him, they might fail to fulfill their purpose and face a serious consequence – a catastrophic flood. It emphasizes the need for humility and obedience to God’s will. In essence, it's a parable about the dangers of arrogance and the necessity of trusting in God's plan, even when things seem difficult. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with an analogy? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Explore why this verse is considered a significant part of the Old Testament?