Definition: Then Jeremiah said unto Zedekiah, If I declare [it] unto thee, wilt thou not surely put me to death? and if I give thee counsel, wilt thou not hearken unto me?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 38:15. It's a really intense and dramatic passage about a prophecy and its potential consequences. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: Basically, Jeremiah is warning Zedekiah – the ruler of Jerusalem – that he’s going to be executed if he listens to his prophecy. Here’s a more detailed breakdown: “Then Jeremiah said unto Zedekiah…” : Jeremiah is speaking directly to Zedekiah. He's essentially telling him something serious. “…If I declare [it] unto thee, wilt thou not surely put me to death?” : This is the core of the warning. Jeremiah is saying that if he tells Zedekiah about a specific event (a prophecy), then he expects Zedekiah to obey his command and not kill him. The word "declare" means to tell or announce something. “and if I give thee counsel, wilt thou not hearken unto me?” : This is a follow-up question from Jeremiah. He’s asking whether Zedekiah will listen to the advice he gives him. “Counsel” here likely refers to guidance or suggestions, but it's crucial to understand that this isn't just about accepting his advice; it’s about obeying it completely. What does this verse suggest? It paints a picture of a terrible situation: A Prophecy: Jeremiah is predicting something disastrous – a devastating attack on Jerusalem. Threat of Death: The verse immediately establishes that Jeremiah isn't just warning Zedekiah; he’s threatening to kill him if he doesn't listen to his prophecy. It's a clear and serious threat. Context is Key: This passage is found in the Book of Jeremiah, which is part of the Old Testament. It’s important to understand that this verse was written during a time of immense political turmoil and impending disaster for Jerusalem. The story of the prophecy involves a false prophet who was manipulated by enemies to incite violence against Zedekiah. In short, it's a desperate plea from Jeremiah to protect Jerusalem and warn Zedekiah about the consequences of his actions. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Discuss the historical context of the story? Give you some deeper insights into the meaning of the verse?