Definition: And I will kindle a fire in the houses of the gods of Egypt; and he shall burn them, and carry them away captives: and he shall array himself with the land of Egypt, as a shepherd putteth on his garment; and he shall go forth from thence in peace.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Jeremiah 43:12. It's a really powerful message about God’s judgment and restoration. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes God’s plan to completely cleanse Egypt – the land of Punt – and restore it to its former glory, just as He restored Israel after the devastation of the Flood. It's a dramatic image of divine wrath and restoration. Let’s unpack each part: “And I will kindle a fire in the houses of the gods of Egypt…” - This is the first step – God decides to punish Egypt for its idolatry (worshiping other gods) and its wickedness. He's starting a fiery judgment. It’s not just about their buildings; it’s about their entire culture and way of life. “…and he shall burn them, and carry them away captives:” - This is the action God will take. He will destroy what’s wrong with Egypt through fire – burning their temples, palaces, and settlements. Crucially, he'll capture them as prisoners, signifying a complete removal from their former status. “And he shall array himself with the land of Egypt, as a shepherd putteth on his garment:” - This is a metaphorical description. God is using Egypt’s wealth and prosperity to demonstrate His power and control. He's wrapping himself in the land, showing it how beautiful and valuable it is. It’s like a shepherd covering his sheep with wool – He’s making it appear prosperous and desirable. “And he shall go forth from thence in peace:” - This is the final part – God will leave Egypt in peace after this judgment. He’ll move on, not as an enemy but as a benevolent force bringing restoration. In essence, this verse says that God will punish Egypt for its sins by destroying it and taking them away as prisoners. But, he will then restore it to its former glory – making it beautiful and prosperous - through the very land He has condemned. What does this mean for us? It’s a message of hope because it speaks of God's ultimate justice and restoration. It also highlights that God can use even hardship and destruction to bring about a greater good. It shows that God's judgment is ultimately for the benefit of those He loves – Egypt. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Compare this verse to another Bible passage? Talk about the context of this passage in the book of Jeremiah?