Definition: Therefore the princes said unto the king, We beseech thee, let this man be put to death: for thus he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words unto them: for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 38:4. It's a really important and complex passage about a leader who is actively trying to hinder the people God has called to be united and strong. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: Jeremiah is telling King Josiah of a man named Jerimiah. This man is a powerful, ambitious leader in a city. He's deliberately trying to sabotage the people – specifically, they’re talking about a specific message or idea that could unite them and lead to victory against their enemies. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: “We beseech thee, let this man be put to death” : The princes (leaders) are pleading with Josiah to kill Jerimiah. They're essentially asking him to stop this action. "for thus he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in this city…” : This is key. Jerimiah isn’t just trying to hurt people generally . He’s focusing on their ability to talk and share a message that could help them stand strong against their enemies. He's stopping them from spreading important news or encouraging cooperation. “…and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words unto them.” : This means he’s discouraging them from sharing this message – like speeches, songs, or any kind of communication that could unite them and make them stronger. "for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt.” This is the core of the problem. Jerimiah isn't trying to help the people. He’s actively trying to cause harm – to make them weaker and less able to fight their enemies. The Significance & Context: This verse speaks to a deeper issue in ancient Judah: a leader who prioritizes personal ambition and power over the well-being of his people. It's a warning about potential corruption and the dangers of unchecked leadership – especially when it comes at the expense of unity and strength. In short, Jeremiah is saying that Jerimiah is deliberately trying to undermine the people by preventing them from sharing important messages. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss the historical context more deeply? Compare this passage to other biblical stories about leadership and rebellion?