Definition: So Ebedmelech took the men with him, and went into the house of the king under the treasury, and took thence old cast clouts and old rotten rags, and let them down by cords into the dungeon to Jeremiah.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Jeremiah 38:11. It's a really strange and dramatic story, so we need to understand it piece by piece. Here’s what it means, explained in simple terms: The Basic Story: A Prophet is in Trouble: Jeremiah was a prophet who was complaining about the suffering of Israel. He felt like God wasn't helping them and that their situation was unfair. A Divine Intervention: Ebedmelech, a powerful angel, appears to Jeremiah. Ebedmelech is essentially a divine messenger who fixes Jeremiah’s problems. The Problem: Jeremiah had been cursed by God – he was being afflicted with terrible sickness and misfortune. He felt this curse was unfair and that God wasn't protecting him. The Solution: Ebedmelech takes the people (including Jeremiah) into a royal palace and cleanses them with a very harsh method. They are stripped of their clothes, possessions, and even their dignity. They are then thrown into a dark, cold dungeon. Putting it All Together – The Meaning: Ebedmelech is essentially offering forgiveness to Jeremiah. He's taking away the consequences he’s been suffering from. The "old cast clouts" and "old rotten rags" represent the things that were causing his misery. By stripping them bare, Ebedmelech is symbolically freeing him from this burden. Important Note: This story is part of a larger tradition of Jewish beliefs about divine intervention – the idea that God might intervene to correct human mistakes or injustices. Why is it important? This passage is considered one of the oldest surviving examples of biblical storytelling in the form of a narrative. It shows how religious texts sometimes incorporate elements of myth and legend, even within their sacred scriptures. --- Disclaimer: I'm an AI assistant and this explanation is based on the generally accepted interpretation of the text. Different scholars have different views on its meaning. Would you like me to: Explain another verse from Jeremiah? Discuss the significance of the story itself?