Definition: And this [shall be] a sign unto you, saith the LORD, that I will punish you in this place, that ye may know that my words shall surely stand against you for evil:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 44:29. It's a really serious and impactful statement about God’s judgment. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says: “God is going to punish you for something he’s done or will do.” Let’s unpack that a little more: “And this [shall be] a sign unto you…” – This isn't just a casual warning. It’s a declaration . God is making it clear and undeniable that He is going to take action. “…saith the LORD…” – This means God is speaking directly to you, as the people of Israel, in a powerful way. “…that I will punish you in this place…” – This refers to a specific situation happening right now . It's not just about a general future punishment; it’s about something that’s happening now . Think of it like a warning signal. “That ye may know that my words shall surely stand against you for evil:” – This is the core of the message. God is telling you, through this sign, that His word (His commands and teachings) will be very harsh and will ultimately lead to something bad. “Stand against you” means it won’t be easy or forgiven. What does this mean practically? This verse often refers to a situation where the people of Israel were in a terrible state – perhaps due to disobedience, injustice, or a broken covenant with God. It's a warning that God is serious about his judgment and will not tolerate wrongdoing. It’s a call for repentance and change. Important Context: This verse appears during a time of great crisis and difficulty for the Israelites. They were facing punishment for their sins, and this verse serves as a reminder that God is ultimately in control and will hold them accountable. In short, it's a message of impending judgment and a call to repentance. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of what this type of warning might have been used for in the past?