Definition: Go and speak to Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring my words upon this city for evil, and not for good; and they shall be [accomplished] in that day before thee.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 39:16. It’s a really powerful and somewhat unsettling passage about a lost person and God’s plan to punish them. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Jeremiah is speaking to Ebedmelech, an Ethiopian woman. This woman was the wife of a man named Geshah, who was the father of Jeremiah’s brother, and he was the son of a king. Jeremiah says God will bring evil (harm) into this city. He's essentially saying that this particular city is going to suffer significant misfortune – maybe it’s losing its prosperity or being ravaged by disaster. He also states that God will accomplish this evil “before” you. This is the really important part. It means God has a specific plan, and he’ll see it through, even if it's happening quickly. Let’s unpack the meaning: “Thus saith the LORD of hosts…” : This is Jeremiah speaking on behalf of God, as revealed by him directly. “…the God of Israel” : This clarifies who is speaking – it's not just any god, but God himself. “…Behold, I will bring my words upon this city for evil, and not for good…” : This is the core of the message. God plans to cause harm to this city. He's deliberately choosing to do something negative. “and they shall be [accomplished] in that day before thee.” : This is a very dramatic phrase. It means that this evil will happen exactly as God intends, and it will reach you (or someone connected to you) on a specific future day. “That day” refers to a future time, likely a significant period of hardship or loss. What’s the Significance? This verse is often interpreted as a reminder that God has a plan, even when things seem bad, and that he isn't passive. It suggests: Divine Justice: God is actively working to punish wrongdoers. A Purposeful Plan: Even though it appears like a punishment, there’s likely a larger, ultimately good or wise reason behind God's actions. Trust in God’s Will: It encourages us to trust that even when things are difficult, God is working for the best, even if we don't understand why . Important Note: The verse is often interpreted as a story about Jeremiah’s grief and desire to seek revenge. However, it’s more generally understood as a reflection of God’s unwavering justice and his ability to bring about outcomes that align with his divine plan. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Expand on the historical context of the story? Discuss different interpretations of the verse? Compare it to other stories about God’s justice?