Definition: And I will make this city desolate, and an hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished and hiss because of all the plagues thereof.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 19:8. It's a really powerful and dramatic passage about God’s judgment on a city. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is going to destroy a city – we’ll call it “this city” – with terrible plagues and consequences, and everyone who enters it will be utterly astonished and horrified. Let's unpack the parts: “And I will make this city desolate…” - This means the city will be completely ruined and destroyed. It won’t just be a little damaged; it will be broken down into pieces. “…and an hissing…” – This is key! “Hissing” isn't just a sound; it refers to a very intense, uncomfortable, and unpleasant feeling. Think of it as a wave of disgust or pain spreading through the city. It’s a physical manifestation of God’s displeasure. “Every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished…” - This is the core of the verse. It means everyone who enters the city will be amazed and shocked by what God is doing. It's not just a simple surprise; it's a deep, overwhelming feeling of disbelief and fear. “…and hiss because of all the plagues thereof.” - This explains why they’ll be shocked. The "plagues" are described as terrible events – things like fire, water, disease, and maybe even death. Because of these plagues, everyone will hiss with horror and disbelief. In short, Jeremiah 19:8 paints a picture of God unleashing immense suffering and destruction on a city, and the resulting shock and horror will be felt by everyone who enters. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a warning about human wickedness and the consequences of disobeying God’s commands. It's a very dramatic and severe statement about judgment. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the context of the prophecy in the Old Testament? Talk about how this verse relates to other biblical stories about judgment or punishment?