Definition: And their nobles shall be of themselves, and their governor shall proceed from the midst of them; and I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach unto me: for who [is] this that engaged his heart to approach unto me? saith the LORD.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from Jeremiah 30:21. It's a really powerful and dramatic statement about God’s plan for Israel. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that God is deliberately setting up a specific leader – a king – to specifically meet with him. It’s not just any king; it’s a king chosen by God to be a witness and a representative of Israel. Let's unpack the parts: “And their nobles shall be of themselves…” This means the rulers of Israel (the nobles) will be taking the lead – they'll be making decisions and leading the country. “…and their governor shall proceed from the midst of them.” This is a crucial part. Instead of just any ruler, God has chosen a specific position for someone within the leadership, positioned in the middle. “I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach unto me: for who [is] this that engaged his heart to approach unto me?” This is where it gets really significant. The verse asks, “Who is this person who’s willing to meet with God?” The word "engaged his heart" means they're willingly seeking a relationship with him. What does it mean? This verse suggests that God is deliberately orchestrating events in Israel’s history to bring about a specific outcome – the restoration of Israel and its future prosperity. It's like a carefully planned strategy, where God has chosen someone to be the central figure in this process. It speaks to themes of divine sovereignty, leadership, and the ultimate triumph of God's will. Important Context: This verse comes before a significant event in the book of Jeremiah – the judgment of Israel, when God will punish them for their sins. It’s often seen as a prophecy of a time of great crisis and upheaval. In short, this verse highlights that God is actively involved in shaping events and choosing specific individuals to fulfill his purposes. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the text? Discuss the significance of this verse within the broader context of Jeremiah’s prophecies? Give you a more detailed explanation of the imagery or symbolism behind it?