Definition: Then they shall answer, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD their God, and worshipped other gods, and served them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 22:9. It’s a really important and somewhat heartbreaking part of the book of Jeremiah, which is about God’s judgment on Israel. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse says that people who have broken their agreement with God – specifically, they've stopped worshipping Him and started worshiping other gods – are going to face serious consequences. Let’s unpack it a little more: “They shall answer…” : This means that the people who disobeyed God will be held accountable. “…Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD their God…” : A “covenant” is like a promise or agreement between two people. The Bible uses this word to describe these agreements with God. In this case, it refers to the covenant God made with Israel – a promise and agreement that was given to them. “Forsaken” means to completely abandon or ignore something important. “…and worshipped other gods…” : This is the core of the problem. They’ve stopped believing in and worshiping God as the primary god. “…and served them.” : This means they've been offering sacrifices, prayers, or other forms of worship to other deities, instead of to God themselves. What does this all mean in a big picture? Jeremiah is writing about a time when Israel was growing increasingly independent and refusing to follow God’s rules. It paints a picture of a nation that's drifting away from the true path and turning toward something else – idolatry (worshiping false gods). This verse signifies a serious warning about disobedience and the potential for devastating consequences for those who stray from God's will. It's a message of judgment, but it also highlights the importance of faithfulness to God. Important Note: This is a difficult passage to read, and it’s often interpreted as a prophecy of Israel's ultimate destruction. However, Christians believe that while this verse describes a time of trouble, it doesn’t mean that Israel will always be destroyed. It suggests that God’s people are ultimately capable of returning to Him and being reconciled with him. --- Do you want me to: Explain the context of Jeremiah 22? Discuss what this verse might symbolize in a broader sense? Give you some related verses from the Bible that discuss God’s judgment or faithfulness?