Definition: Howbeit I sent unto you all my servants the prophets, rising early and sending [them], saying, Oh, do not this abominable thing that I hate.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Jeremiah 44:4. It’s a really important part of understanding what happened in ancient Israel during a very difficult time. Here's the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Story: Jeremiah was a prophet who was incredibly worried about a serious problem in Israel – it involved a man named Benjamin, and he was deeply upset that he had been tricked into marrying a woman who was a prostitute. This was a really shocking and terrible situation for the people of Israel. What Jeremiah Said: Jeremiah wrote this verse: "Even though I sent unto you all my servants the prophets, rising early and sending [them], saying, 'Oh, do not this abominable thing that I hate.'" Let's unpack it: “Even though…” : This phrase means that Jeremiah was still concerned about this problem. He wasn’t just dismissing it; he was deeply troubled by it. “…the prophets” : This refers to a group of religious leaders and messengers who were responsible for delivering God's word to the people. They were like Jesus’ apostles, carrying His message. “…rising early…” : Jeremiah wasn't just sending them in the morning; he was doing it early . This shows how serious his concern was. It meant he was working tirelessly and urgently. “…and sending [them]” : He was sending multiple people – many of them prophets – to try and stop this wrong thing. "...saying, 'Oh, do not this abominable thing that I hate.'" : This is the core of what he was warning about. He was telling them specifically that they needed to stop a very wrong and shameful act. He wasn't just saying "don't do it," he was emphasizing exactly what he considered to be deeply wrong. What’s the “abominable thing”? The Bible doesn’t go into all the details, but it is understood that this was a man named Benjamin who had been tricked and forced into a marriage with a prostitute. It was a grave offense against God's law and holiness. It involved deception, shame, and violation of religious principles. Why is this important? This verse highlights several things: God’s Justice: Jeremiah was warning about God’s righteous anger at such a transgression. The Importance of Obedience: He was calling on the prophets to be vigilant and to stand up against this wrongness, because it was a serious threat to Israel's relationship with God. Responsibility: It emphasizes that even though he sent his servants, they were accountable for stopping this evil. In short, Jeremiah is showing us that when God speaks to us, He cares deeply about what we do and what we allow to happen in our lives. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from this passage? Discuss the historical context of this event?