Definition: For, lo, I begin to bring evil on the city which is called by my name, and should ye be utterly unpunished? Ye shall not be unpunished: for I will call for a sword upon all the inhabitants of the earth, saith the LORD of hosts.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 25:29. It's a really intense and dramatic passage about judgment and consequences. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a future event where God will unleash a devastating punishment on a specific city – the name of which is not explicitly stated, but it’s a significant one. He’s saying that people in that city will not be punished in the traditional sense. Instead, he intends to call for a massive military campaign across the entire world. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “For, lo, I begin to bring evil on the city which is called by my name…” – This is a very strong statement of God’s intention. "Evil" isn't just about suffering; it suggests a significant and profound disruption or destruction. "Called by my name" means this city holds a special significance for God. “…and should ye be utterly unpunished?” – This is the core of the warning. He’s saying that people will not face any kind of punishment, regardless of their actions. It's a complete lack of consequence. “Ye shall not be unpunished: for I will call for a sword upon all the inhabitants of the earth…” – This is where it gets really unsettling. The verse continues by stating that God intends to actively summon a global military campaign, using swords and weapons, across the entire world. It's not just about a general punishment; it’s a forceful, widespread attack. The Context - What's Happening? Jeremiah 25:29 is part of a larger prophecy in the Old Testament. It comes before the destruction of Jerusalem (the city described) and is essentially a prelude to God’s judgment on that city. It’s linked to a period of great conflict and upheaval in Israel's history. Important Note: The exact meaning and interpretation of this verse have been debated for centuries. Some scholars see it as a warning about the dangers of rebellion against God, while others interpret it as a statement about God’s absolute sovereignty and his intention to bring about his will through force. In short, this verse describes a catastrophic event where God intends to unleash a widespread military campaign across the globe to punish a specific city and its inhabitants. --- Disclaimer: I'm an AI Chatbot and not a religious scholar. This explanation is based on common interpretations of the text. Would you like me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Discuss different theological perspectives on this passage? Provide some context about the historical situation surrounding Jeremiah 25?