Definition: So Zedekiah the king sware secretly unto Jeremiah, saying, [As] the LORD liveth, that made us this soul, I will not put thee to death, neither will I give thee into the hand of these men that seek thy life.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 38:16. It’s a really important and touching part of the book! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about protection and mercy . It’s a plea from Jeremiah to God, offering protection to a man who is being unjustly persecuted and threatened. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “So Zedekiah the king sware secretly unto Jeremiah…” – This tells us that Jeremiah was speaking privately with the King. It suggests this wasn't a public announcement; it was a very serious conversation. “…saying, [As] the LORD liveth, that made us this soul, I will not put thee to death, neither will I give thee into the hand of these men that seek thy life.” – This is the core of the message. Let’s break down the parts: “As the LORD liveth…” - This is a very dramatic way of saying "God lives." It emphasizes God's power and presence. “…that made us this soul…” – Jeremiah is saying that this man (Zedekiah) was created by God, and he’s being targeted for harm. “I will not put thee to death, neither will I give thee into the hand of these men that seek thy life.” - This is the key part – Jeremiah is offering protection and refusing to let Zedekiah be harmed or killed. He's saying he won’t take his life. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse speaks to several important themes: God's Protection: It highlights God's active involvement in protecting people who are suffering and facing injustice. Compassion & Mercy: Jeremiah is showing compassion for Zedekiah, even though he’s being threatened. He’s choosing to show mercy and avoid inflicting harm. Justice: It can be interpreted as a call for justice – that the true victim (Zedekiah) deserves protection from those who seek to cause him harm. In short, this verse is a powerful expression of God's love and willingness to protect those who are vulnerable. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss its significance in the context of the book? Give you a more detailed explanation of the meaning within the story?