Definition: Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Go and tell the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Will ye not receive instruction to hearken to my words? saith the LORD.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 35:13. It's a really important message about following God’s guidance. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it’s a call to listen to God and follow his instructions. Here’s a breakdown of the key parts: “Thus saith the LORD…”: This is Jeremiah speaking directly to God. It's a formal declaration. “…of hosts”: This means a lot of people – maybe hundreds, thousands, even millions. It emphasizes this isn't just one person telling them something; it’s a widespread message. “…the God of Israel”: Jeremiah is speaking to the leaders and people of Israel, specifically the people living in Judah (which is part of modern-day Israel). “Go and tell…”: This is the core instruction. Jeremiah is urging someone – likely a leader or authority figure – to go out and share a message with others. “…the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem”: He’s specifically targeting people in the region of Judah (which includes modern-day Israel and parts of Palestine) and Jerusalem itself. “Will ye not receive instruction to hearken…”: This is a question, asking if they are willing to listen carefully to what God says. It's about openness and understanding. What’s the message? Jeremiah is telling people to be receptive to God's guidance and to understand his commands. It suggests that God has a plan for the future and needs everyone's cooperation – particularly those in a specific area, like the region of Judah. In short, it's a reminder that God wants us to listen to him and follow his will. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Jeremiah? Discuss what this verse might mean in a broader context (like the story of the wandering people)?