Definition: And it came to pass in the fifth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, in the ninth month, [that] they proclaimed a fast before the LORD to all the people in Jerusalem, and to all the people that came from the cities of Judah unto Jerusalem.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Jeremiah 36:9. It's a really important part of the Old Testament and speaks about a serious situation with God. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Five Years After King Jehoiakim: This happened five years after King Jehoiakim, who was the son of Josiah, king of Judah. September – Ninth Month: It was in the ninth month of September. A Fast Called: The people of Jerusalem and all those from the cities of Judah (basically, the whole region around Jerusalem) were told to fast . A fast is a period where people abstain from eating, drinking, and other things to show their devotion and repentance. Before the Lord: They were doing this before God. This meant they were seeking His forgiveness and understanding before facing Him. What’s the Big Deal? This event was a big warning from God. It signaled that something very serious was happening in Judah – a deep spiritual crisis. God was sending a message of judgment and urging people to change their ways. Why is this important? Jeremiah was writing to warn the people of Judah about their idolatry (worshiping other things instead of God). He felt that they were becoming spiritually weak and lost, and that they needed to repent – to turn back to God. This fast was a way for them to acknowledge their wrongdoings and ask for forgiveness. In short: Jeremiah is telling us that Judah was facing a crisis of faith and needs to change its ways to get God's favor again. Important Note: This passage isn’t about a single person or event. It’s a broader message about the need for repentance and faithfulness to God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about the time period of Jeremiah's writing? Or do you have any other questions about this passage?