Definition: My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have cast into the dungeon; and he is like to die for hunger in the place where he is: for [there is] no more bread in the city.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 38:9. It’s a really powerful and dramatic passage about a serious situation. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Situation: Jeremiah was a prophet who warned the king of Judah (and later, all of Israel) that the people were engaging in terrible wickedness – they were treating him badly and throwing him into a dungeon to starve. He’s essentially saying, “These men have done something profoundly wrong, and it's causing him immense suffering.” Let’s unpack the details: “My lord the king…” : This is a formal way of addressing the king. It shows Jeremiah’s seriousness and respect for him. “…these men have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet…” : This is the core of the problem. The king's actions – everything he has done – are deeply wrong and harmful to Jeremiah. He's being abused, mistreated, and exploited. It’s a huge betrayal of trust and respect. “…whom they have cast into the dungeon…” : This means Jeremiah was imprisoned. He was essentially locked up and left without food or comfort. “…and he is like to die for hunger in the place where he is:” - This is a crucial part. Jeremiah is starving, and he’s dying because of this. He's facing imminent death due to lack of sustenance. It highlights the severity of the injustice. “for [there] is no more bread in the city.” : This is the key phrase that explains the urgency. The king’s people have seized all the food available in the city, leaving Jeremiah with nothing. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse is a warning about the consequences of evil and the importance of standing up to injustice. It speaks to the idea that when leaders act unjustly and harm those they are meant to protect, it can lead to terrible suffering for individuals. It’s a plea for justice and accountability. Why is this important? It's a powerful example of prophetic warning: Jeremiah was often called to warn people about impending disaster. This verse highlights the urgency of his message. It’s about human responsibility: The king’s actions demonstrate that humans are responsible for their own well-being and for treating others with respect. In short, this passage describes a terrible situation where a king has abused his power and left a prophet to starve. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific theme or story (like the Book of Lamentations)?