Definition: For ye dissembled in your hearts, when ye sent me unto the LORD your God, saying, Pray for us unto the LORD our God; and according unto all that the LORD our God shall say, so declare unto us, and we will do [it].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 42:20. It's a really important and slightly mysterious passage about a group of people facing a difficult situation. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Situation: Jeremiah is speaking to a group of Israelites who are experiencing a period of hardship. They’re likely struggling with poverty, perhaps due to drought or other challenges. They’ve sent Jeremiah to them to pray for them. This suggests they need help and guidance. What the Verse Says – Explained Simply: “For ye dissembled in your hearts, when ye sent me unto the LORD your God, saying, Pray for us unto the LORD our God; and according unto all that the LORD our God shall say, so declare unto us, and we will do [it].” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “For ye dissembled in your hearts…” – This means they consciously made a decision to pray. They weren't just passively hoping for something; they were actively seeking God’s help. “…when ye sent me unto the LORD our God…” – This is the key part. Jeremiah is reminding them of why he was sent to them. He’s saying that their sending him was a direct request for prayer. “saying, Pray for us unto the LORD our God…” - They were asking for God's blessing and guidance on them. “and according unto all that the LORD our God shall say…” – This is where it gets interesting. The Lord is telling them what to do. The verse emphasizes that the Lord will give them specific instructions. “…so declare unto us, and we will do [it]” - This is the crucial part! They are now instructed to listen carefully to the Lord’s word and follow his guidance. Overall Meaning – A Gentle Instruction The verse essentially says: “God has given you a specific task – to pray for us – and he will tell us exactly what to do with that prayer.” It's a message of hope and trust, saying that God is working with them, guiding their actions. It’s a bit like a gentle nudge from the Lord to focus on his needs. Why it's Significant: This verse is often interpreted as a sign that God is actively involved in the lives of His people, even when they are facing difficulties. It emphasizes the importance of listening to God’s guidance and trusting in his plan. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Connect it to a specific story or event from scripture? Discuss what this verse might mean in a broader context (like the Old Testament)?