Definition: And say, Hear ye the word of the LORD, O kings of Judah, and inhabitants of Jerusalem; Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, the which whosoever heareth, his ears shall tingle.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 19:3. It's a really powerful and sobering passage about judgment and destruction. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: Jeremiah is speaking to the kings of Judah (a region in Israel) and Jerusalem – essentially, to the leaders of the area at that time. He’s telling them that God is going to bring terrible consequences to their city and land due to their wickedness. Let's unpack it word by word: “And say, Hear ye the word of the LORD, O kings of Judah, and inhabitants of Jerusalem;” – This is a direct address, calling out to those leaders. It’s saying that God is speaking directly to them. "Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel;" - This establishes who is speaking – it's God Himself. It emphasizes his power and authority. “Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, the which whosoever heareth, his ears shall tingle.” - This is the core of the verse. "Evil" here means a significant disaster, devastation, and suffering. The phrase "his ears shall tingle" is a vivid metaphor – it suggests a painful, unsettling sensation. What does this mean ? It's telling us that God is going to punish their city and land for something they’ve done – likely things like: Worshiping other gods: The verse implies they were focusing on false idols or deities instead of worshipping the one true God. Practicing injustice and oppression: It suggests a period of cruelty, violence, and disregard for the poor and vulnerable. Moral corruption: It points to a general decline in their moral character and adherence to God’s laws. Important Context - The Prophecy This verse is part of a larger prophecy about God's judgment on Israel during a time of great rebellion and idolatry. It was revealed to Jeremiah, who then wrote this passage as a warning to the leaders. Why is this important? It’s a Warning: It’s a stark warning about the consequences of sin and disobedience. It's a Call to Repentance: The verse implicitly calls for repentance and turning away from their wicked ways, as God will ultimately punish them with destruction. It’s a Reminder of God’s Justice: It highlights that God is just and will hold those accountable for their actions. In short, Jeremiah 19:3 describes a coming judgment – a devastating punishment for the wickedness of Judah, brought about by God's wrath. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? (e.g., the symbolism of "tingle"?) Provide a brief summary of the history behind this prophecy? Talk about how this verse relates to other parts of the Bible?