Definition: Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Jeremiah 1:9. It’s a really fascinating and symbolic verse! Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a moment of profound transformation and divine intervention. God is speaking to someone – likely a prophet or leader – and revealing a crucial truth about their role. Let's unpack the parts: “Then the LORD put forth his hand…” : This suggests that God is actively shaping something. He’s not just thinking about something; he’s taking action. “…and touched my mouth.” : This is the key part! God is physically touching the prophet's mouth. It's a very direct and powerful act of communication. “And the LORD said unto me…” : This establishes that this isn’t just a random gesture; it's a deliberate instruction from God. “I” is used here to indicate that the Lord is speaking directly to the person. “…Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.” : This is where the symbolism really comes into play. The "words" aren’t just literal language. They represent: A Message of Warning: God is telling this person that they will be responsible for delivering a serious message – a message about judgment and repentance. The Future: This verse suggests that the future holds a significant consequence, possibly involving consequences for those who don’t listen to God's word. In essence, Jeremiah 1:9 is saying: God has chosen this person to be entrusted with a weighty message – one that will impact the entire nation and potentially the world. It's a call to action and responsibility. Context & Significance: This passage is found in the Old Testament Book of Jeremiah. It’s often interpreted as a prophecy about a time when Israel will face severe judgment, and this prophet is tasked with delivering that message. It’s considered one of the most important and symbolic passages in the Bible, highlighting God's sovereignty and his direct involvement in human events. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Discuss the meaning of the symbolism within this passage? Connect it to other biblical stories or themes?