Definition: Then it shall come to pass, [that] the sword, which ye feared, shall overtake you there in the land of Egypt, and the famine, whereof ye were afraid, shall follow close after you there in Egypt; and there ye shall die.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 42:16. It's a really important and somewhat unsettling part of the Old Testament. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes a devastating situation that God is preparing for His people. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Then it shall come to pass…” : This sets up a prophecy – something will happen. It’s not just a guess; it’s a definite future event. “…that the sword, which ye feared, shall overtake you there in the land of Egypt…” : This is where it gets really dramatic. "The sword" refers to God's plan to defeat evil and oppressors. But this isn't just any sword; it’s a powerful, organized force – likely representing the nations surrounding Israel. The word “overtake” means to overtake or seize someone, implying they will be defeated. “…and the famine, whereof ye were afraid, shall follow close after you there in Egypt…” : This is the heart of the message. The "famine" refers to a severe and widespread period of hardship – likely starvation and lack of food. The fact that it “follows closely after” means it will be intense and unavoidable. “…and there ye shall die.” : This is the bleakest part. It’s a direct warning: if God's plan succeeds, people in Egypt (and potentially other nations) will be ravaged by starvation and death. What’s the message behind it? Jeremiah was writing to King Josiah of Judah, and he was essentially predicting a period of great hardship for Israel. The verse is about God’s judgment on those who are causing trouble and oppression, and He's taking action to punish them with devastating consequences. It’s a reminder that God is powerful and will not tolerate evil. Important Context: This passage was part of a larger prophecy in the Old Testament about Israel’s future. It came before the fall of Jerusalem to Egypt, which was a major turning point for the Israelites. --- To help me explain it even better, could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand from this verse? (e.g., Are you curious about its meaning in the context of the story of the fall of Jerusalem?)