Definition: Take him, and look well to him, and do him no harm; but do unto him even as he shall say unto thee.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 39:12. It's a really important and somewhat mysterious passage with a lot of layers. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is about compassion and understanding. It’s telling someone to really listen to what they have to say, and to consider their perspective before acting. Let's unpack it word by word: “Take him, and look well to him…” – This suggests a person or entity that is causing harm or distress. It’s not just about punishing them; it’s about seeing them clearly. “…and do him no harm…” – This is the core of the message: avoid causing any further pain or suffering. “But do unto him even as he shall say unto thee.” - This is where it gets a bit more nuanced. It’s saying, "Listen to what he says, and respond in a way that's consistent with his words." It’s about mirroring his spirit or character. Putting it together – The Meaning: Jeremiah is speaking to someone who has been causing trouble or wrongdoing. This verse urges the person to: 1. Hear what they have to say. 2. Understand their perspective. 3. Don't act in a way that would be harmful to them. 4. Respond with understanding and empathy, mirroring their own spirit or character. Why is this important? This verse speaks to the idea of forgiveness and reconciliation. It’s about showing someone compassion even when they’ve made mistakes. It suggests a chance for healing and restoration through genuine understanding. Context: The context of Jeremiah 39 tells us that Jeremiah was dealing with a man named “Berman” who had been causing chaos in the land. This verse is essentially a plea for him to repent and show remorse, and for the rest of the people to listen to his words and act accordingly. In short, it’s a call for empathy, understanding, and action guided by a person's words. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Give you a real-world example of how this principle applies?