Definition: Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the LORD your God; and the LORD will repent him of the evil that he hath pronounced against you.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Jeremiah 26:13. It’s a really powerful message about taking responsibility for our actions and seeking forgiveness. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us that we are responsible for what we do and say. It's saying, "You have wronged me, and I will not forget it." It's a call to repentance – to turn away from wrongdoings and seek God’s forgiveness. Let’s break it down piece by piece: "Jeremiah 26:13 Therefore now amend your ways..." - This means "Now, change your ways." It's urging you to stop the things that are causing problems or harm. "...and your doings..." - This refers to everything you do – what you say, how you behave, and even what you think. "...and obey the voice of the LORD your God..." - This is a crucial part. It means to listen to God’s guidance and follow His instructions. “The voice of the Lord” refers to God's word, which He communicates through various ways – like his prophets or even within the text itself. "...and the LORD will repent him of the evil that he hath pronounced against you." - This is the most important part. "Repent" means to feel sincere remorse and turn away from wrongdoing. "The evil that he hath pronounced against you" refers to the negative things God has said about you – things like curses, threats, or judgments. God promises to “repent” (change his mind) of these things. In short: Jeremiah is telling us that we’re accountable for our actions and must make amends. God wants us to stop hurting others and to seek His forgiveness. What does this mean in a big picture? This verse often relates to times of conflict or tension, like when people are being hateful or threatening each other. It's a reminder that we all have the power to choose our actions and to be part of something bigger than ourselves – God’s plan for peace and harmony. Important Note: The context of this verse comes from a time in ancient Israel when there was a lot of rebellion and hostility. It’s often seen as a call for repentance and reconciliation. --- Do you want to explore any specific aspect of this verse further? For example, would you like to know: What “evil” is Jeremiah referring to specifically? How does this verse relate to the story of the prophet Hosea?