Definition: Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah the son of Hammelech, that [was] in the court of the prison: and they let down Jeremiah with cords. And in the dungeon [there was] no water, but mire: so Jeremiah sunk in the mire.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 38:6. It’s a really intense and dramatic passage about a prophet's suffering. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: Jeremiah was a very important prophet – he spoke words of warning and judgment for God’s people. This verse describes what happened when he was imprisoned. He was taken into a prison, and the captors (likely the king of Moab) decided to harshly treat him. They tied him up with cords and left him in a dark, muddy dungeon. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah the son of Hammelech…” – This is a fancy way of saying "Jeremiah was taken into a prison." "Malchiah" is a royal name for King Moab. The “son of Hammelech” part refers to King Moab. “…of Malchiah the son of Hammelech, that [was] in the court of the prison:” – This explains why he was imprisoned. King Moab’s king, Malchiah, was in charge of the prison and was overseeing Jeremiah's confinement. “And they let down Jeremiah with cords.” – This is the most crucial part. The captors tied him up with thick ropes or cords. “And in the dungeon [there was] no water, but mire: so Jeremiah sunk in the mire.” – This describes the terrible conditions of his prison. There was no water, and he was surrounded by a thick, muddy pit (mire). This is a really bleak image! He was completely submerged and trapped. What does this verse mean? It’s a powerful warning about the consequences of rebellion against God. It speaks to: Judgment: Jeremiah's suffering was a direct result of his speaking out against King Moab, who was practicing idolatry (worshiping other gods). Divine Punishment: God is showing His displeasure with this behavior. The Importance of Obedience: The verse emphasizes that God’s people must listen to and obey His word – to avoid suffering like Jeremiah's. In short, it’s a story about a prophet being punished for speaking truth to power. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss the symbolism of the mire (e.g., representing the filthiness of sin)? Connect this passage to other parts of the Bible?