Definition: When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and an oblation, I will not accept them: but I will consume them by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 14:12. It's a really serious and unsettling passage about God's judgment. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is going to punish the people of Israel with extreme violence and hardship. He intends to use these harsh measures – including warfare and disease – to eliminate them completely. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “When they fast, I will not hear their cry…” This means that if the people are praying or showing signs of distress, God won't respond to their pleas or requests for help. He doesn’t want to listen to them. “…and when they offer burnt offerings and an oblation…” This refers to religious sacrifices – things offered to God in worship. It suggests that these acts of devotion are meaningless if God isn’t listening. “I will not accept them…” This is the key part. God is deliberately refusing to acknowledge their prayers or their desire for something better. “…but I will consume them by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence.” This is the most frightening part. God intends to use these destructive forces – war, scarcity of food (famine), and disease – actively to eliminate the entire nation. It’s a complete annihilation. What's the message here? This verse paints a picture of God as being incredibly angry and relentless. He is not just punishing them; he is actively seeking to destroy them completely, using force and suffering as his tools. It highlights a very dark and potentially apocalyptic vision of God’s judgment. Important Note: The Bible often uses imagery of destruction and punishment to illustrate the seriousness of sin and the consequences of rejecting God. This verse is a warning about the dangers of ignoring God's guidance and choosing to live in rebellion against him. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, we could: Discuss the context of Jeremiah’s writing (when was it written?). Explore the meaning behind the imagery used – like the sword and famine. Talk about why this verse is considered a difficult one to understand within a traditional religious framework.