Definition: Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; Thus shall ye say to the king of Judah, that sent you unto me to inquire of me; Behold, Pharaohâs army, which is come forth to help you, shall return to Egypt into their own land.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 37:7. It's a really important and somewhat dramatic passage about God’s judgment on King Judah. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Jeremiah is speaking to King Judah, who’s facing a serious problem – his army is preparing to help him invade Egypt. This invasion is meant to weaken Israel and ultimately lead to their downfall. Here's the core message: God is angry with Judah: Jeremiah says God is very displeased with Judah because they are planning to attack Egypt. He’s not just annoyed; he’s actively offended. He’s sending a messenger (Jeremiah): God has chosen Jeremiah, a prophet, to deliver this message. The message is a warning: Jeremiah is telling Judah to immediately acknowledge God's displeasure and understand the consequences of their actions. The army will return to Egypt: The most crucial part: The Judah’s army is going back into Egypt – meaning they are going to invade Israel, and that’s what will ultimately lead to disaster for them. In short, it's a message about divine punishment and the potential for devastating consequences. What does this verse say about God? This verse shows us several things about God: He is powerful: God isn't just annoyed; he’s actively intervening to protect his people. He has a plan: His plan involves judgment and punishment for those who oppose him. He will hold people accountable: Jeremiah is essentially saying, "You are responsible for your actions." Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a clear warning against aggression and rebellion against God's authority. It’s a challenging passage that speaks to the seriousness of disobedience. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme?