Definition: In the cities of the mountains, in the cities of the vale, and in the cities of the south, and in the land of Benjamin, and in the places about Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, shall the flocks pass again under the hands of him that telleth [them], saith the LORD.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Jeremiah 33:13. It’s a really interesting and somewhat poetic passage with a lot of layers of meaning. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God’s future return to bless the people of Israel – specifically, the descendants of Benjamin (a branch of Judah). It's saying that He will restore something lost or forgotten. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Jeremiah 33:13” : This is just the title of the verse, referencing a specific prophecy in the Old Testament. “In the cities of the mountains, in the cities of the vale, and in the cities of the south, and in the land of Benjamin, and in the places about Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah…” : This is where it gets a little more complex. It’s telling us where these cities are located – specifically, the areas that include: Benjamin: A specific branch of Israel, often associated with the south. Judah: The southern part of Israel. Jerusalem: The capital city. “And in the places about Jerusalem…” : This highlights a central point – Jerusalem is important to God’s plan. “and in the cities of Judah…” : This emphasizes that this return isn't just happening in these specific locations, but within them. Now, let's translate it into simpler terms: "God is going to return to bless and restore the people of Israel, especially those who live in the areas of Benjamin and Judah – places like Jerusalem – in the mountains, valleys, cities, and settlements." What does this verse mean ? It’s a message of hope and restoration. It suggests that God has plans for the future, and He intends to bring about a time when His people are restored and blessed again. It speaks to: A Future Return: The phrase "shall the flocks pass again under the hands of him who telleth" is a dramatic way of saying “He will return.” Restoration and Blessing: The verse implies that God wants to heal and bless His people, perhaps after periods of hardship or suffering. Important Note: This is a complex passage with many interpretations. It’s often seen as a prophecy about the coming of a Messiah (a future king) who will bring about this restoration. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Discuss its connection to other biblical stories or prophecies? Give you some different interpretations of what it might mean?