Definition: Then the LORD said unto me, Out of the north an evil shall break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 1:14. It’s a pretty powerful and somewhat ominous statement. Here’s what it means in simple terms: Essentially, it says that God is going to bring about something terrible and disruptive. Let's unpack it further: “Then the LORD said unto me…” : This tells us this isn’t just a random thought; it’s a direct message from God. “…Out of the north an evil shall break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land.” This is the core of the verse. “The North” refers to the region of Israel, which was under Egyptian rule at that time. “An evil” means something bad or harmful will happen. "Break forth" suggests it's going to be a significant and sudden event. "Upon all the inhabitants of the land" means it’ll affect everyone living there – including the Israelites themselves. What does this mean in a broader sense? Historically, this verse was interpreted as a prophecy of a devastating invasion or rebellion by the surrounding nations (like Babylon) against Israel. It's often seen as a warning about impending doom and the need for God’s protection. Important Note: It's crucial to understand that this is a prophecy – a prediction of what will happen, not necessarily a guaranteed future event. The exact details are left open to interpretation, but the overall message is one of serious warning and hope. Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Jeremiah? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Answer any specific questions you have about it?