Definition: Take the girdle that thou hast got, which [is] upon thy loins, and arise, go to Euphrates, and hide it there in a hole of the rock.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Jeremiah 13:4. It’s a pretty unusual and symbolic instruction! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling someone to hide something precious – perhaps a child or a valuable item – in a secret place. It's a very specific, almost secretive, command. Let’s unpack the details: “Jeremiah 13:4” : This refers to a prophecy given by Jeremiah, a prophet for God. It’s about a future problem with Israel and its relationship with God. “Take the girdle that thou hast got, which [is] upon thy loins…” : "Girdle" means a piece of clothing worn around the waist – often a belt or sash. The person is being asked to take something already on their body. "...and arise, go to Euphrates..." : "Euphrates" is the name of a river in ancient Syria (modern-day Turkey). “Rise” means to move quickly and decisively. It’s telling them to leave the area where they're currently located and head towards this specific river. "...and hide it there in a hole of the rock." : This is the crucial part. They are instructed to conceal the item deep within a hole in a rock . This suggests that the thing being hidden is incredibly important, perhaps something that needs protection or secrecy. What’s the Big Picture? The whole passage is about God sending a warning to Israel about their growing separation from him and their potential for idolatry (worshiping other gods). Jeremiah is urging them to take decisive action – to go to the Euphrates River and hide something precious to prevent it from falling into the hands of those who might misuse it. Possible Interpretations (it’s a bit symbolic): Protecting a Sacred Trust: This could be about protecting a sacred trust or a valuable possession that God has entrusted to Israel. Preventing Sin: It's a warning against allowing sin and disobedience to grow unchecked within the nation. The hiding of something precious is a symbolic way of stopping it from being misused or causing trouble. In short, this verse is a dramatic instruction with layers of meaning – a warning about potential danger and a call for action. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss the context of Jeremiah 13 in more detail?