Definition: But I said, How shall I put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of nations? and I said, Thou shalt call me, My father; and shalt not turn away from me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 3:19. It’s a really powerful and somewhat mysterious passage that speaks to God’s perspective on a specific person. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: God is saying to a man – let’s call him “Jeremiah” – that he’s incredibly important and deserves something special. He’s asking for Jeremiah to be treated with respect, dignity, and given opportunities to flourish. He’s essentially offering Jeremiah a place of honor and blessing. Let's unpack it word by word: “But I said…” : This sets the stage – God is speaking directly to Jeremiah. “…How shall I put thee among the children?” : This is where it gets interesting. Jeremiah isn’t talking about a literal child in the way we understand it. He's referring to a group of people – perhaps a nation or a community. He’s asking for him to be placed amongst them, meaning he should be treated with respect and valued within that group. “…and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of nations?” : This is the core of the blessing. He's promising Jeremiah a wealthy land (a fertile area) and a large legacy – meaning he’ll be remembered for generations. “Hosts of nations” refers to all the people of the world, signifying a significant impact and recognition. “and I said, Thou shalt call me, My father; and shalt not turn away from me.” : This is the most important part. God is saying, "I'm calling you, My Father. You are important to me, and I need your continued attention and presence." He’s emphasizing his care and desire for a relationship with Jeremiah. “Thou shalt call me” – this is a direct command of God, making it clear that he expects Jeremiah to respond. "Not turn away from me" - This means to remain loyal and devoted to him. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse is often interpreted as a declaration of God's love and protection for his people. It’s about recognizing the value of individuals, especially those who are significant – like Jeremiah – and showing them care and attention. It speaks to the idea that God sees his people as precious and deserves respect and blessings. Context: Jeremiah 3:19 is part of a larger story in the Book of Jeremiah where God reveals himself to Jeremiah, assigning him a crucial role in delivering important messages to Israel about their future. It’s a moment of intense divine communication and responsibility. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss its symbolic meaning (e.g., what does it represent)? Compare it to another Bible passage?