Definition: But we will certainly do whatsoever thing goeth forth out of our own mouth, to burn incense unto the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, as we have done, we, and our fathers, our kings, and our princes, in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem: for [then] had we plenty of victuals, and were well, and saw no evil.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 44:17. It’s a really significant and somewhat surprising passage that speaks to a challenging situation in ancient Israel. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes a group of people – primarily priests and officials – who were deliberately trying to worship God in a very unusual way. They were attempting to offer gifts and sacrifices to a “queen” or deity, essentially making a direct offering to a higher power. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “But we will certainly do whatsoever goeth forth out of our own mouth…” – This is the crucial part. They weren’t just passively observing; they were actively doing something. It means they were deliberately creating and performing a ritual. "...to burn incense unto the queen of heaven..." - This is where it gets tricky. The verse uses "queen of heaven" – this isn't meant to be a literal queen. Instead, it’s a metaphor for a higher power or deity. They were creating an offering in honor of this deity, as if presenting a gift. "...and to pour out drink offerings unto her..." - This refers to a ritual involving wine and other drinks – essentially, a celebratory drink offered to the deity. “As we have done, we, and our fathers, our kings, and our princes…” – This highlights that this wasn't just one person, but a group of people – priests, officials, and rulers – all participating in this act. It was a collective effort to create an offering. "...in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem...” - This specifies where they were doing it: in prominent areas within Israel – the heartland and major cities. “For [then] had we plenty of victuals, and were well, and saw no evil.” – This is a crucial part that paints a picture of their prosperity. They had enough food and resources, and they were experiencing a time of peace and abundance. The phrase "saw no evil" suggests a period of stability and good fortune. What's the Significance? This verse is important because it reveals a significant problem in ancient Israel: political and religious conflict. The people were prioritizing ritualistic worship over ethical behavior and justice. This led to division, oppression, and ultimately, a period of exile. In essence, this verse illustrates how a focus on outward displays of worship can sometimes overshadow the true purpose of devotion – seeking a relationship with God through righteousness and service to others. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this passage to other Bible stories or themes? Discuss what this verse might suggest about human nature or the importance of ethical living?