Definition: Thus saith the LORD; Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the sabbath day, nor bring [it] in by the gates of Jerusalem;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 17:21. It’s a really important message about how we should live our lives. Here’s a simple explanation: The Core Message: “Thus saith the LORD; Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the Sabbath day, nor bring [it] in by the gates of Jerusalem.” What it means, broken down: “Thus saith the LORD” : This is just a way for Jeremiah to introduce himself as speaking from God. It’s like saying, “This is what I'm telling you.” “Take heed to yourselves” : This means be careful and aware of what you are doing. Don't rush through life or take things too seriously. Be mindful of your actions. “And bear no burden on the Sabbath day” : This is the most important part . It means don’t put extra pressure or stress on yourself or others during a day off – the Sabbath. Don’t try to do too much, especially if it involves work or responsibilities. It's about keeping a healthy balance. “Nor bring [it] in by the gates of Jerusalem” : This is a bit more figurative. “Jerusalem” refers to the Temple in Jerusalem – a place of holiness and worship. So, this verse means don’t burden the Temple or religious practices with your worries or stress . It's about keeping it clean and pure. In simpler terms: The message is essentially saying: Don't overdo it! Don't stress yourself out too much, especially during a day off. Focus on what’s truly important and don’t let your worries or burdens overwhelm you. Why is this important? This verse was written during a time of great trouble for Israel. They were facing famine and hardship. Jeremiah was warning them to be careful not to take on too much responsibility, as it could lead to more problems. It's about prioritizing what’s truly essential and avoiding unnecessary stress. Does this mean we shouldn’t relax? No, absolutely not! It means we should find a balance between enjoying life and being responsible. It encourages us to prioritize things that are truly important for our well-being and spiritual growth. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from this passage? Discuss the context of this verse in more detail?