Definition: Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 14:13. It's a really important and somewhat mysterious passage about the future of Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is telling the prophets that things are going to be alright for Israel, even though they face some serious challenges. He’s promising them peace and safety – a “assured peace” – despite potential hardship. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Then said I…” : This tells us this is a direct statement from God. It’s not just an opinion or a prediction; it’s a declaration. “…Ah, Lord GOD!” : This establishes that we're talking to the divine being, God himself. “Behold, the prophets say unto them…” : The prophets are warning the people of Israel. They are telling them about something that will happen. “Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine…” : This is the core of the message. The prophecy speaks of a time when there won't be wars or shortages. It’s a period of peace and security. “…but I will give you assured peace in this place.” : This is where it gets interesting. God promises to give them peace, in this place . “Assuredly” means with complete certainty. What does this mean for Israel? It suggests that God has a plan for Israel's future – a long-term period of stability and prosperity. He’s giving them something significant to hold onto. Important Context (it’s a bit complex): Jeremiah was writing during a time of great turmoil in Israel. The kingdom was experiencing internal strife, political instability, and external threats. This verse is part of a larger prophecy that speaks about the eventual destruction of Israel. However, it's also a hopeful message – a promise of God’s protection and provision for his people. In short, Jeremiah 14:13 is a reassurance from God that he will protect Israel, even when things are difficult. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss what this verse might be saying about the future of Israel in more detail?