Definition: If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Jeremiah 18. It's a really interesting and powerful idea about responsibility and God’s judgment. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: Jeremiah 18 is essentially saying that God has a very strong sense of right and wrong, and if someone doesn’t listen to him, even when he says they should, God will feel remorseful and change his mind – even about the good things he's already done. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “If it do evil in my sight…” : This is a big, dramatic statement. It means God sees something as wrong or harmful, even if that person doesn’t realize it yet. “…that it obey not my voice.” : This is the crucial part. God is speaking to this person – and to everyone else – through his voice, but they are not following his instructions. They're disobeying him. “then I will repent of the good…” : This is where it gets really significant. God feels bad because he’s been tricked or misled. He regrets the things he’s already done – the good things he’s offered. “…wherewith I said I would benefit them.” : This adds a layer of warning. God says before he starts giving good things, he'll be disappointed if someone doesn't follow his lead. He’s betting that this person will ultimately suffer because they didn’t listen to him. In short, it’s about God’s unwavering judgment and the consequences of disobedience. It’s a warning about being careful what you say and do, and understanding that God's word is absolute. The Big Picture: Jeremiah 18 is often interpreted as a message about the importance of listening to God’s voice – especially when it comes to righteous living and following his principles. It highlights God's perfect judgment and the potential for consequences for those who don’t honor him. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Provide a connection to a specific story or example from the Bible?