Definition: They come to fight with the Chaldeans, but [it is] to fill them with the dead bodies of men, whom I have slain in mine anger and in my fury, and for all whose wickedness I have hid my face from this city.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 33:5. It’s a really powerful and complex passage, but here's the gist of it in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes a devastating judgment against the Chaldeans – a group of people who were living in Jerusalem at that time, and who were known for their corruption and wickedness. Jeremiah is saying that the Israelites are going to actively fight against them, but not just to win a battle; he’s intending to deliberately target them with a horrific purpose. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “They come to fight with the Chaldeans…” : This establishes the immediate conflict – the Israelites are facing a hostile group of enemies. “…but [it is] to fill them with the dead bodies of men, whom I have slain in mine anger and in my fury…” : This is where it gets really heavy. Jeremiah isn’t just saying they're fighting; he's describing a massive slaughter. He’s saying he has personally killed many people – likely prominent figures – and that these deaths are a consequence of his intense anger and fury. It's not about a simple war; it’s about a deliberate, brutal attack. Think of it as a massive massacre. “and for all whose wickedness I have hidden my face from this city.” : This is the most unsettling part. Jeremiah is saying that he has deliberately ignored or turned away from the people of Jerusalem, those who were causing the most corruption and wrongdoing. He’s essentially saying he's consciously choosing to let them suffer because of their actions. He's making a deliberate choice to not offer forgiveness or mercy. Overall Meaning & Context: This verse is a very strong warning. It suggests that Jeremiah is predicting a period of intense punishment for the Israelites, and that his anger and judgment are driving this specific action. It’s a message about divine justice and the consequences of sin. It implies a sense of profound sorrow and a belief that God will ultimately deliver His people from their own wickedness. Important Note: The exact details of what Jeremiah is referring to (the Chaldeans, the "wickedness") are debated among biblical scholars. It's likely a symbolic reference to a specific period of intense corruption in Jerusalem’s history. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious scholar. This explanation is based on common interpretations of the text and should be viewed as a general overview. Would you like me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the symbolism behind it? Compare this verse to other biblical passages about judgment or divine wrath?