Definition: He that abideth in this city shall die by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth out, and falleth to the Chaldeans that besiege you, he shall live, and his life shall be unto him for a prey.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 21:9. It's a really powerful and somewhat unsettling passage about God’s judgment. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes a situation where God is sending devastating consequences to those who disobey Him. It’s saying that those who choose to defy God and go into a city under siege will suffer a very grim fate. Let's break it down word by word: “He that abideth in this city” : This refers to people who remain in the city of Judah (the area around Jerusalem) and disobey God’s commands. “…shall die…” : This is a direct statement – they will die. "...by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence…” : God is going to use these things as weapons against them: “By the sword” : This suggests violence - bloodshed and conflict. “…and by the famine” : A severe shortage of food and resources will occur. “…and by the pestilence” : This is a devastating disease, likely plague, that will kill people. “But he that goeth out, and falleth to the Chaldeans that besiege you…” : This is the crucial part – it's about those who choose to leave the city . “…he shall live…” : This means they will survive, despite the terrible consequences. "...and his life shall be unto him for a prey” : This is a very strong and ominous phrase. It suggests that their life will be completely taken away from them – like being sacrificed or consumed. They’ll be a tempting target for someone else. The Meaning & Context (A little deeper): Jeremiah was writing during a time of great political turmoil in Judah. The Babylonians were besieging Jerusalem, forcing the people to flee and leaving them vulnerable. This verse is essentially God’s warning that those who choose to ignore His instructions and risk rebellion will face a terrible fate. It's about a choice between obedience and defiance. Important Note: This passage isn’t meant to be interpreted literally as a prediction of future events. It’s a symbolic message about the consequences of rejecting God’s authority and choosing evil paths. It speaks to the importance of obeying God’s laws and maintaining His relationship with humanity. --- Would you like me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Discuss its significance within the larger context of the Old Testament? Provide a different perspective on the meaning of this passage?