Definition: [But] thou shalt die in peace: and with the burnings of thy fathers, the former kings which were before thee, so shall they burn [odours] for thee; and they will lament thee, [saying], Ah lord! for I have pronounced the word, saith the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 34:5. It’s a pretty dramatic and important passage about God’s judgment. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about God’s plan to punish someone who has disobeyed him severely. He’s saying that the person is in danger of facing severe consequences, and those consequences will be very unpleasant for them. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “But thou shalt die in peace…” – This immediately tells us there's hope! It’s not a death sentence, but a situation where the person doesn’t have to face punishment. They are protected and safe. "...and with the burnings of thy fathers, the former kings which were before thee..." - This is the core of the warning. Jeremiah is referencing a past wrong – perhaps a significant act of injustice or betrayal – that has angered God. He’s saying that God's anger is directed back at those who have disobeyed him in the past. Think of it like a long-standing grudge. “…so shall they burn [odours] for thee…” - This is where it gets really intense. "Oders" refers to smells – unpleasant, smoky odors. The people who betrayed or wronged God will be surrounded by these smells, and they’ll be incredibly distressed by them. It's a symbolic representation of the pain and suffering they will experience. "...and they will lament thee, Ah lord! for I have pronounced the word, saith the LORD.” - This is the final part – a plea from God. He acknowledges that he has spoken his judgment and that it is causing distress to those who are involved. He uses the phrase "said the Lord" which conveys a sense of authority and inevitability. In simpler terms: Jeremiah is warning this person about a terrible fate, stemming from past wrongdoings, and predicting immense suffering for them – all because they've disobeyed God. It’s a stark reminder that disobedience always has consequences. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as referring to the historical figure of King Josiah. However, it's crucial to remember that this verse doesn't necessarily mean that specific person. It’s a broader warning about the consequences of disobeying God in all times and places. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Relate it to a particular biblical story or theme?