Definition: Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will give Pharaohhophra king of Egypt into the hand of his enemies, and into the hand of them that seek his life; as I gave Zedekiah king of Judah into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, his enemy, and that sought his life.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 44:30. It’s a pretty serious and impactful passage about God’s judgment. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes God’s action of sending Pharaoh (the Egyptian ruler) and Nebuchadnezzar (the king of Babylon) into enemy territory – essentially, to seek the life of another person. It’s a very clear example of God using his power to punish those who oppose him. Let's unpack it: “Jeremiah 44:30” : This is the verse itself – a specific passage from the Book of Jeremiah. “Thus saith the LORD” : This is a very formal way of saying God is speaking. “Behold, I will give Pharaohhophra king of Egypt into the hand of his enemies…” : This means God is actively handing over Pharaoh to those who want to harm him and his people. It’s not just that he allows it; he's taking control. “…and into the hand of them that seek his life” : This is the crucial part. God is giving Pharaoh to those who are actively trying to take away his life – meaning, those who are seeking to harm him and his people. “as I gave Zedekiah king of Judah into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, his enemy, and that sought his life” : This is a parallel story. It uses an example from Old Testament history – the situation with Zedekiah, who was a King of Judah, and Nebuchadnezzar, who was a King of Babylon. God repeatedly used these examples to show how he will punish those who oppose him. What’s the message? This verse is about God’s righteous anger and his power to deliver. It's a warning against rebellion and a demonstration of God’s sovereignty – that He is in control, and He will always bring justice. It emphasizes that God is not just watching events from afar; He actively intervenes to punish those who defy him. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a prophecy about the future destruction of Egypt and Babylon. However, it's also seen as a reminder of God’s plan for ultimate justice and His protection of his people. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you another example from the Bible? Discuss what this verse might mean in a broader context (like its relationship to other stories)?