Definition: Now therefore go to, speak to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I frame evil against you, and devise a device against you: return ye now every one from his evil way, and make your ways and your doings good.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 18. It's a really powerful message about judgment and restoration. Here’s a simple explanation: Basically, this verse is saying: “The LORD is sending a harsh warning to the people of Judah and Jerusalem, urging them to turn away from their wrongdoings and choose a righteous path.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Now therefore go…” : This is a command, like a leader giving instructions. It's saying “Listen carefully!” “…to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem…” : This tells us who the message is for – specifically, the people in the region of Judah (which includes modern-day Israel and Palestine) and Jerusalem. “…saying, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I frame evil against you, and devise a device against you.” : This is the core of the message. “Thus saith the LORD” means “The Lord speaks.” "I frame evil against you" – this suggests that the LORD sees something terrible coming for them. "Designate a device against you" – meaning a plan or strategy to harm them. “…return ye now every one from his evil way, and make your ways and your doings good.” : This is the call to action . It’s telling them to immediately change their course. “Return ye” means “turn back,” “make your ways and your doings good” – it's about choosing a better life. What does this mean in a broader sense? This verse speaks to a time of great upheaval and potential destruction. The Lord is saying that the people of Judah are on a path that leads towards ruin, and he’s actively working against them. It highlights a theme of judgment and restoration – the idea that God will ultimately correct wrongdoings and bring about a better future for his people. Important Note: This verse has been interpreted in different ways throughout history. Some scholars see it as a prophecy of future events, while others believe it’s a warning about the present situation and a call to repentance. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Give you some context about the time period the verse comes from? Discuss its significance in relation to other biblical stories?