Definition: So shall it be with all the men that set their faces to go into Egypt to sojourn there; they shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: and none of them shall remain or escape from the evil that I will bring upon them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 42:17. It’s a really powerful and sobering passage about judgment and God’s plan. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a devastating outcome for the people of Judah (and later, all of Israel) when they choose to go into Egypt. It’s essentially saying that God is going to bring about a terrible hardship – death by sword, famine, and plague – and no one will survive it. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “So shall it be with all the men that set their faces to go into Egypt…” This means everyone who chooses to go into Egypt is participating in this terrible fate. It’s a collective decision. “…to sojourn there.” This is key. "Sojourn" means to temporarily stay somewhere, often for a period of time. The people are choosing to spend a significant amount of time in Egypt. “They shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence:” This is the core of the message. God is going to bring about these three things: Sword: Violence – conflict and bloodshed. Famine: A lack of food and water, causing starvation. Pestilence: Disease – illness and death spreading rapidly. “and none shall remain or escape from the evil that I will bring upon them.” This is the terrifying part. Because of these three things, everyone who goes into Egypt will die. There will be no survivors. What's the message behind this? This verse speaks to a deep sense of God’s judgment and His plan for Israel. It highlights several themes: God’s Sovereignty: He is in control and doesn’t tolerate evil. Divine Punishment: He’s punishing those who choose to disobey Him or turn away from His promises. The Importance of Obedience: The verse emphasizes the necessity of obeying God's commands, especially when it comes to traveling through foreign lands. Important Note: This is a harsh and dramatic passage. It doesn’t excuse the actions that led to this outcome, but it speaks to God's judgment and His plan for his people. It’s a reminder that even in times of hardship, God remains faithful and will ultimately bring about justice. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Talk about how this verse relates to other biblical stories or themes?