Definition: Then called he Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces which [were] with him, and all the people from the least even to the greatest,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 42:8. It’s a really significant passage about God's judgment and a shift in things. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a dramatic change that happened because God was very angry with the people of Israel. He was essentially saying, “I’m going to punish you harshly.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Then called he Johanan…” : Jeremiah is calling someone named Johanan – likely a leader or captain in the army. “…and all the captains of the forces which [were] with him…” : This means he was summoning everyone involved in the Israelite armies to come together. “Forces” refers to their military units. "...and all the people from the least even to the greatest.” : This is the really important part. It means everyone – from the poorest farmers to the wealthiest nobles – were being called upon to be accountable for their actions. What did Jeremiah mean by this? Jeremiah was upset because of a series of mistakes and disobedience that had been happening in Israel. Some examples he mentioned include: Ignoring God’s instructions: The people weren't following what God told them to do, like building the temple properly or obeying divine laws. Unfaithfulness: They were not being faithful to their covenant (a promise made to them by God). Being greedy and selfish: They were prioritizing their own desires over God’s will. So, what happened next? Jeremiah instructs Johanan to gather everyone together. He's essentially saying, "Now, we need to face the consequences of these mistakes." He’s setting the stage for a period of punishment and judgment. In short, this verse describes God sending a very forceful message – that his people needed to be held accountable for their disobedience. --- Important Note: This is a complex passage, and there's a lot of interpretation surrounding it. Different theologians and scholars have offered various explanations over the centuries. But hopefully, this explanation gives you a good understanding of its core meaning. Do you want to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this verse? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of Jeremiah 42? Discuss the significance of the phrase "called Johanan"?