Definition: Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; [and] I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I [am] merciful, saith the LORD, [and] I will not keep [anger] for ever.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 3:12. It's a really important and somewhat challenging passage about God’s relationship with his people. Here’s a simplified explanation: What it means in simple terms: God is telling someone (likely a leader or representative of Israel) to go to the north and tell them that Israel has been messing up, straying from the path He wants them to follow. He's warning them that God isn’t angry with them and won’t keep his anger forever. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Jeremiah 3:12” : This is the title of the verse, referring to a specific prophecy from the Old Testament. “Go and proclaim these words toward the north…” : This tells us where God is directing this message – towards the North. It’s a geographical location, suggesting a specific region or leader. “…and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel…” : This is the core of the warning. "Backsliding" means drifting away from what is right and true. The verse directly addresses Israel (the people God chose) and says they’re backsliding . It implies they've been making mistakes or acting in ways that are contrary to God's will. “ saith the LORD” : This is a very important phrase – it means "God speaks" or “God affirms.” It’s like a direct statement from God. “…I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I [am] merciful, saith the LORD, [and] I will not keep [anger] for ever.” : This is the most complex part. It's a very powerful statement about God’s attitude and his plan. Let's break it down further: “I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you” : This means God isn't going to be furious with Israel. He doesn't want to punish them severely. "for I [am] merciful, saith the LORD” : This is a key phrase – it emphasizes God’s goodness and forgiveness. “and I will not keep [anger] for ever” : This is where it gets really significant. The verse suggests that God doesn't want to hold onto his anger forever. He can be angry, but he intends to let it pass. It implies a hope for reconciliation and forgiveness. Overall Meaning & Context: The entire passage is about God’s love for his people, even when they make mistakes. It conveys a sense of: Divine Justice: God's justice is being served, not by punishment, but by allowing time to pass and ultimately leading to repentance. Forgiveness: God offers forgiveness, hoping that Israel will turn back to Him. Hope for Redemption: The verse suggests that God can forgive and restore things if they show a willingness to change. It’s important to note: This passage is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of disobedience and lack of faithfulness. However, it's also framed within a larger context of God’s plan for Israel – a plan that includes both judgment and redemption. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Provide examples from the Bible to illustrate these points? Discuss different interpretations of this passage?