Definition: And said unto him, Dost thou certainly know that Baalis the king of the Ammonites hath sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to slay thee? But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam believed them not.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 40:14. It’s a really interesting and somewhat mysterious passage about a future conflict. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: Jeremiah is telling someone – likely a leader or confidant – that someone has been sending messages to Ammonites (a group of people in the region) suggesting that Baalis, the king of Ammonites, has sent Ishmael, son of Nethaniah, to attack Jeremiah’s people. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Jeremiah 40:14..." : This is a specific part of a longer prophecy in the Bible. It’s like a snapshot of what’s happening right now . "...And said unto him, Dost thou certainly know that..." – Jeremiah is asking someone to confirm something. He's essentially posing a question: “Do you truly believe this?” "...Baalis the king of the Ammonites hath sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to slay thee?" - This is the core of the message. Baalis, a powerful and aggressive leader, has been sending messages (likely through intermediaries) to attack Jeremiah’s people. He's specifically targeting Jeremiah’s family, particularly his son, Ishmael. "...But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam believed them not." – This is the crucial part that adds a layer of mystery and foreshadowing. Gedaliah was a prophet known for his wisdom and skepticism. He didn't believe the messages. What’s the Significance? This verse sets up a significant conflict that will unfold over time. It suggests: A looming threat: The message is serious, indicating a potential war or significant danger is coming. Disagreement and Doubt: Gedaliah's disbelief highlights a fundamental disagreement between Jeremiah and his people about the truth of these messages. This creates tension and uncertainty. Foreshadowing a larger event: It’s a signal that something big is on the horizon. It’s not just about a single attack; it points to a broader conflict being planned. In short, this verse describes a situation where someone is deliberately sending false information to provoke Jeremiah’s people into war. Important Note: This passage is part of a larger narrative within the Bible – it's a prophecy that speaks of God’s judgment and the eventual restoration of his people. It's important to understand the context within the whole biblical story. --- Do you want me to explain any of these aspects in more detail, or perhaps delve into why this verse is significant? For example, would you like a deeper look at: The role of Gedaliah and his skepticism? The broader significance of the prophecy within the Old Testament?