Definition: This evil people, which refuse to hear my words, which walk in the imagination of their heart, and walk after other gods, to serve them, and to worship them, shall even be as this girdle, which is good for nothing.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 13:10. It’s a pretty serious warning about a group of people who are rejecting God's guidance and embracing something that’s harmful. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that these people are so completely disconnected from God that they’re essentially useless – like a badly-made, useless girdle. Let’s unpack the parts: “This evil people…” : Jeremiah is describing a group of people who are actively rejecting God's instructions and leading a life that’s contrary to what God wants for them. “…which refuse to hear my words…” : They’re deliberately ignoring or dismissing God’s messages, like someone ignoring a crucial instruction. “…which walk in the imagination of their heart…” : This is key. They're living based on their own thoughts and feelings , not on God’s guidance. It’s like they're wandering without a map – they don’t have a clear purpose or direction. "...and walk after other gods…” : This is the most significant part. They are actively worshiating false deities, idols, or anything that isn’t connected to God. They’re embracing something that’s not divine. “…to serve them, and to worship them…” : This highlights their focus on idol worship – they want to be pleasing to these false gods, rather than seeking a relationship with God. “and to worship them…” : This emphasizes the goal of this behavior – it's about worshipping something that isn’t real or true. "...to serve them, and to worship them.” : This is the core of the warning - they are actively seeking out things that aren’t Godly, and dedicating their lives to them. The Meaning – A Warning About Apostasy Jeremiah is warning about a kind of apostasy , which means a turning away from God's truth and guidance. It suggests that these people are on a path that will lead to spiritual ruin and ultimately, separation from God. It’s about rejecting the very foundation of their lives. In short: This verse warns against a group of people who are so focused on their own desires and thoughts that they're actively opposing God's will and are essentially creating a situation where they can't be useful or fulfill their purpose in the world. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of what this group might be doing (without getting into specific details)? Connect it to a broader theme in the Bible, like repentance and seeking God’s will?