Definition: And it came to pass, [that] when Jehudi had read three or four leaves, he cut it with the penknife, and cast [it] into the fire that [was] on the hearth, until all the roll was consumed in the fire that [was] on the hearth.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Jeremiah 36:23. It’s a really dramatic and significant passage about God’s judgment. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jeremiah is telling us that God is going to punish a group of people – specifically, Jehudi, who was leading a religious assembly – for a serious mistake. This mistake involves a deliberate act of disobedience and betrayal. Let's unpack the details: “And it came to pass…” : This sets up a narrative – something is happening now. It’s like a story starting. “[that] when Jehudi had read three or four leaves” : This refers to a specific act of worship or a particular piece of scripture that Jehudi was studying. It's important to understand this isn’t just about reading the text; it's about understanding it. “he cut it with the penknife…” : This is a symbolic action – like cutting something into pieces. It suggests a deliberate act of destruction or separation. “…and cast [it] into the fire that [was] on the hearth.” : This is the core of the verse. Jehudi was putting the piece of scripture into a burning fire. The "hearth" refers to a fireplace, and the fire is specifically set up for a large, intense burn. What does it all mean? The whole thing is a powerful metaphor. It’s describing a situation where: Disobedience leads to punishment: Jehudi's mistake caused a significant problem. God's judgment is coming: The burning represents God’s wrath and that He will hold those accountable for their actions. It's about purification and restoration: The fire is meant to cleanse something, to purify it, and eventually restore what was lost or broken. Overall Interpretation: This verse highlights a serious consequence for wrongdoing. It's not just about doing something wrong; it’s about causing something bad to happen through deliberate action. It speaks of God's unwavering justice and his desire to protect His people. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss the context of Jeremiah 36:23 in a bit more detail?