Definition: For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that [be] in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 29:8. It's a really important warning about religious practices and how we should approach faith and prophecy. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Message: This verse is telling us to be very careful about relying on interpretations of the Bible – both from God himself and from others (like prophets and diviners). It's saying that these things can lead you astray and cause trouble. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “For thus saith the LORD of hosts…” : This establishes the speaker as a very significant figure, speaking on behalf of God. It’s not just anyone telling us this; it's God himself. “…the God of Israel…” : This clarifies who is speaking – it's specifically referring to the Jewish people under God's leadership. “Let not your prophets and your diviners, that [be] in the midst of you…” : This is the main point. "Prophets" are people who interpret Scripture and communicate God’s word. “Diviners” (often a more general term for astrologers or fortune tellers) are people who try to predict the future through methods like reading the stars, doing rituals, or interpreting dreams. The verse says don't listen to them! "...deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed." : This means: Don’t be misled: Don't let their interpretations of the Bible lead you astray. Don't ignore your dreams: Don't listen to or act on your own dreams without God's guidance. In essence, the verse is urging us to stay grounded in God’s word and to trust Him above all else. It’s a call to prioritize the true message of Scripture over interpretations that might be flawed or misleading. Why is this important? This warning was given to the Israelites during a time of great uncertainty and division, especially when they were facing challenges like famine, war, and political turmoil. It reminds us that relying on external sources – particularly those who claim to have special knowledge – can be dangerous because they might not align with God's will or the true meaning of His message. Does this apply today? Absolutely! In a world filled with misinformation, it’s more important than ever to critically evaluate everything you read and hear, especially when it comes to religious beliefs. --- Would you like me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Give some examples of how this principle applies to modern life?