Definition: The incense that ye burned in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, ye, and your fathers, your kings, and your princes, and the people of the land, did not the LORD remember them, and came it [not] into his mind?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 44:21. It's a really interesting and somewhat unsettling passage about God’s judgment. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: This verse comes from a time when the Israelites were experiencing severe problems – they were divided, rebellious, and facing ruin. The key event is that they burned incense in their cities and streets, and God didn't seem to notice or care about what was happening. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Jeremiah 44:21…” : This is a specific passage from the Book of Jeremiah, which was written during a time of intense crisis in Israel. “The incense that ye burned…” : Incense was used in religious ceremonies to honor God and pray. It was a symbol of devotion and a way for people to connect with the divine. “…in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem…” : This tells us where this burning took place – it was happening in places significant to the Israelites’ history, specifically in Judah (which is part of modern-day Israel) and Jerusalem. “ye, and your fathers, your kings, and your princes, and the people of the land…” : This emphasizes that everyone involved – from the highest rulers to ordinary citizens – was implicated. It wasn’t just a few individuals; it was the entire community. “did not the LORD remember them?” : This is the crucial part. God simply didn't seem to notice or care about what they were doing. He didn't seem to see their disobedience, their rebellion, or the consequences of their actions. What does it mean? This verse suggests a few possibilities – and it’s open to interpretation: God was intentionally ignoring them: This is often interpreted as God being distant or unwilling to intervene in their problems. He might be allowing them to face their own failings without direct punishment. They were acting against God's will: It could also mean that they were actively defying God’s commands and disrupting the peace of the land. The Significance & Context: This verse is a powerful warning about the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God. It highlights that when we fail to listen to God’s guidance, even when it seems like it has little effect on us, He will ultimately judge us. It also speaks to the idea that God's judgment isn't always obvious or immediate – sometimes it can be a long time before He corrects our behavior. In short, this verse is a reminder that God cares deeply about his people and will hold them accountable for their choices. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the scripture? Discuss the possible interpretations of this verse in more detail?