Definition: Micah the Morasthite prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and spake to all the people of Judah, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Zion shall be plowed [like] a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of a forest.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 26:18. It's a really striking and concerning prophecy. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: A City is Going to Be Destroyed Basically, Jeremiah is saying that the people of Judah – specifically, the city of Jerusalem – are going to be utterly destroyed. He’s predicting a catastrophic event where the entire city will be completely leveled and transformed into something resembling a barren field or forest. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Jeremiah 26:18” : This is the specific verse we’re focusing on. It’s a prophecy, meaning it’s a prediction about the future. “Hezekiah king of Judah…” : This refers to King Hezekiah, who ruled in Judah during the time the prophecy was written. It's important to understand he was a powerful leader. “and spake to all the people of Judah…” : Jeremiah is speaking directly to the people within his region – the area encompassing Jerusalem and its surrounding lands. “…saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Zion shall be plowed [like] a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of a forest.” : This is the most dramatic part. He’s using powerful imagery to describe what will happen: “Zion shall be plowed like a field…” : Zion is the city of Jerusalem, and being “plowed” means it's going to be completely destroyed. It's being turned into an empty space. “…and Jerusalem shall become heaps…” : Jerusalem will be transformed into a massive pile or mound – like a mountain of rubble. “the mountain of the house as the high places of a forest” : This is the most shocking part. It's comparing Jerusalem to a dense, wild forest. The “mountain of the house” represents the Temple in Jerusalem, and being transformed into a "forest" symbolizes its destruction and lack of peace. What’s the message? Jeremiah isn’t saying this will immediately happen. He's warning about a future event that will lead to utter devastation. It’s a strong condemnation of Judah's rebellion and a prediction of God’s judgment. Important Context: This verse comes from a time of great political tension in ancient Israel. The people were growing increasingly defiant against God, and Jeremiah was trying to warn them about the consequences of their actions. It’s a serious warning about disobedience and the potential for divine wrath. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the historical context surrounding this prophecy? Explore what this verse might mean in terms of biblical themes (like judgment, repentance, or God’s sovereignty)?