Definition: Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate, saith the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly powerful verse from Jeremiah 2:12. It's a really significant message about God’s judgment and response to humanity’s wickedness. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is deeply disappointed and enraged by the things that are happening around him – specifically, the growing wickedness and rebellion of people like Israel. He’s not just angry; he's utterly astonished and horribly afraid . Let’s unpack it further: “Be astonished…” : This means God is surprised and overwhelmed by what he sees. It’s a feeling of disbelief, maybe even shock at the scale of the problem. “…O ye heavens…” : This speaks directly to God himself – He's observing this from above, seeing what's happening on Earth. “Be horribly afraid…” : This is a strong expression of fear and dread. It’s not just a little worry; it’s a deep-seated terror because God sees humanity as fundamentally flawed. “…be ye very desolate…” : Desolate means empty, lost, and without hope. The verse suggests that the situation is so bad that it's causing a profound sense of emptiness and despair within the world. What’s the meaning behind this? The Bible often uses imagery to express God’s feelings. This verse paints a picture of a divine wrath – a righteous anger at humanity’s choices. It’s a warning that if people don't change their ways, there will be serious consequences. It suggests that God is actively intervening and punishing those who stray from his path. Important Context: This verse comes after Jeremiah has been prophesying about the coming of judgment and the destruction of Israel. It’s a crucial part of the Old Testament narrative leading up to the events of the Book of Revelation, where we see God’s ultimate plan for judgment and restoration. In short, it's a powerful warning from God about the seriousness of human sin and his righteous reaction to it. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Explore what the verse might be saying about the nature of sin and repentance?