Definition: I will even give them into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of them that seek their life: and their dead bodies shall be for meat unto the fowls of the heaven, and to the beasts of the earth.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 34:20. It's a really powerful and complex passage, so we’ll go through it step-by-step. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: “I will even give them into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of those who seek their life: and their dead bodies shall be for meat unto the fowls of the heaven, and to the beasts of the earth.” Let's unpack each part: "I will even give them..." : This is a crucial phrase. It’s not saying Jeremiah will do it; he’s acknowledging that it’s a possibility. It suggests a heavy burden or responsibility. "...into the hand of their enemies..." : This means giving these people to those who are actively trying to harm them, or who are against them. It's like letting them into the hands of those who would cause them pain and suffering. Think of it as a situation where they’re being targeted for malicious intent. "...and into the hand of those who seek their life..." : This is a key part. It means giving them to people who are focused on harming or killing them, driven by greed, vengeance, or some other selfish motive. "And their dead bodies shall be for meat unto the fowls of the heaven, and to the beasts of the earth.” : This is the most shocking part. It’s describing a gruesome scenario: “To the fowls of the heaven” : This refers to birds – specifically, angels or celestial beings – who are considered to be eternally untouched by earthly suffering and death. They're being given a place in the afterlife where they will be consumed. “To the beasts of the earth” : This means that these dead bodies will be used for food – for animals, livestock, and perhaps even for sacrifice or consumption. It’s a very stark image of a final fate of complete disposal. Overall Interpretation & Context: This verse is incredibly dramatic and often interpreted as a warning about the rise of wickedness and rebellion against God. Here's what it suggests: A Growing Rebellion: Jeremiah is urging a specific group – likely leaders or figures who are causing trouble – to consider this outcome. He’s essentially saying, “If you continue down this path, you risk facing a situation where your people become utterly consumed by violence and hatred.” The End of the Old Covenant: It speaks to the end of an era and the beginning of a time when the wickedness of humanity will be so great that it will be completely consumed by forces outside of human control. Important Note: The meaning of this verse is complex and open to interpretation over centuries. It's a deeply unsettling passage, but it’s also a message of hope – that God intends for evil to ultimately be defeated by His own goodness and power. --- Do you want me to: Explain any particular part in more detail? Discuss the historical context surrounding this verse? Explore different interpretations of the verse?