Definition: Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took Jeremiah the prophet unto him into the third entry that [is] in the house of the LORD: and the king said unto Jeremiah, I will ask thee a thing; hide nothing from me.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Jeremiah 38:14. It’s a really significant and dramatic moment in the book, and it speaks to a profound crisis of faith and judgment. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: Jeremiah is a prophet – someone who receives messages from God. He’s sent to King Zedekiah, who’s facing a terrible problem. The king, fearing Jeremiah’s words, wants to know everything he has to say. What’s Happening - It's About a Secret: The key part of the verse is: “and took Jeremiah the prophet unto him into the third entry that [is] in the house of the LORD.” This means the king essentially locked Jeremiah inside a specific room within the Temple – the House of the Lord. What’s the Purpose? The king wants to know everything Jeremiah has to say, but he's putting him under immense pressure and secrecy. He’s essentially asking Jeremiah to reveal a secret that could be devastating for the kingdom. The Significance - It’s About God's Judgment: This verse is a foreshadowing of a major judgment coming upon Judah (the region of modern-day Israel). Jeremiah was warning about impending disaster, and this passage shows that the judgment isn't just happening now , but it’s part of a larger, ongoing process. The king's request to know everything highlights a growing sense of fear and anxiety within the kingdom, fueled by Jeremiah's prophetic words. In simpler terms: The king is trying to silence Jeremiah and find out what he has to say before God’s judgment falls upon Judah. It's a moment where faith is tested and the future hangs in the balance. Think of it like this analogy: Imagine you're being asked to keep a secret that could ruin someone. You wouldn’t tell the whole truth, would you? This verse shows that Jeremiah was being asked to be incredibly careful and secretive. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the passage? Discuss the context of the story in more detail?