Definition: Give glory to the LORD your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, [and] make [it] gross darkness.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It's a pretty powerful and slightly unsettling one, so we’ll go through it step-by-step. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: “Jeremiah 13:16 says that God wants us to always focus on Him, even when things seem really dark and scary. He wants us to remember that He is the ultimate source of light and goodness. But, he warns us that if we wait too long for good things – like a bright future or relief from hardship – He might take away those good things with a terrible punishment.” Let’s unpack it further: “Give glory to the LORD your God…” This is a crucial part. It means to honor and worship God as the most important thing in our lives. It's about recognizing that everything comes from Him, and we should give thanks for His blessings. “…before he cause darkness…” This refers to a time of trouble, difficulty, or sadness. Think of it like a storm brewing – it’s not necessarily darkness in the literal sense, but a feeling of uncertainty and worry. “…and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains…” This is a metaphor for being lost, overwhelmed, or facing a difficult situation. “Dark mountains” represent huge challenges, problems, or setbacks that seem insurmountable. “…and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death…” This is the core of the warning. God isn't just taking away good things; He’s transforming them into something negative – something that causes pain and destruction. “Shadow of death” means a complete loss, a devastating end. “[and] make [it] gross darkness.” This reinforces the severity of the consequence. It's not just a little bit of sadness; it’s a complete and utter darkness that is truly awful. Overall Meaning & Context: The verse is a warning about the potential for God to be difficult at times. It’s a reminder that while we should always seek Him, we must also recognize that He can take away our blessings if we aren't grateful and attentive to Him. It speaks of a time of suffering but ultimately points back to God’s ultimate goodness and restoration. Why is this verse significant? It’s often interpreted as a reminder to: Stay focused on God: Don’t get so caught up in our worries that we forget to praise Him. Be grateful for what we have: Appreciate the good things in our lives, even when they seem small. Trust in God's plan: Even during difficult times, He is working for our ultimate good. Do you want me to: Explain this verse with a specific example? (e.g., a story or situation?) Explore what the concept of "shadow of death" means in a more detailed way?