Definition: Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 14:15. It's a really complex passage, but we can understand the core message without getting bogged down in all the details. Here’s what it essentially means, broken down into simpler parts: The Basic Idea: God is concerned about the prophets he has sent. He’s worried that these prophets are becoming increasingly radical and potentially dangerous. He sees them as stirring up trouble and causing hardship. Let's look at each part of the verse: “Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets…” – This is God speaking directly to the prophets. He’s giving them a warning. “…that prophesy in my name…” - The prophets are speaking for God, about things He wants to happen. “…yet I sent them not…” - This is the crucial part. The Lord didn't send these prophets to do anything. He’s stopped them. “But they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land…” - These prophets are claiming that God is going to bring terrible things – a major war and widespread hardship – into the land. “…By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed.” – This is the frightening part. God is warning that these prophets, if they continue on their current path of radicalism and causing trouble, will be punished severely. They will be destroyed. What's the Message? This verse speaks to a serious problem: Prophets can become disruptive and dangerous. It’s a warning about the potential for religious leaders to cause harm through their words and actions. Why is this important? It emphasizes God’s control: The verse underscores that God has ultimate authority and isn't passively allowing things to happen. It highlights the responsibility of prophets: The verse suggests that prophets have a weighty responsibility – they must be careful what they say and do, as their words can have significant consequences. In short, it’s a warning against radical or disruptive behavior by religious leaders. It's a reminder that God is watching and will not tolerate those who cause harm through their message. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. This explanation is based on common interpretations of the text. Do you want to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this verse? For example, would you like me to: Explain the historical context? Discuss the potential meaning of "sword and famine"? Or perhaps explore how this verse relates to other parts of the Bible?