Definition: But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear to turn from their wickedness, to burn no incense unto other gods.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Jeremiah 44:5. It’s a really important part of understanding how God deals with sin and rebellion. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about obedience and turning away from something wrong. It’s telling us that people were deliberately choosing to do something terrible – burning incense to other gods – and they weren't listening to God’s message or trying to stop it. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “They hearkened not…” : This means they didn’t listen . They didn't pay attention to what God was telling them, or to the consequences of their actions. “…nor inclined their ear to turn from their wickedness…” : This is key. “Wickedness” here refers to the act of worshipping other gods. "Inclined their ear" means they were actively wanting to continue doing it – they weren't willing to stop. "...to burn no incense unto other gods." : This describes exactly what they were doing: They were burning incense, a common religious ritual, to other gods. Incense was often used to honor them and attract their attention. So, the whole verse is saying: These people were deliberately choosing to worship false gods – specifically, gods who weren't God himself. They were ignoring God’s warnings and actively choosing to do something that would be against his will. Why is this important? This verse is a reminder of how easily we can fall into temptation and choose the wrong path. It speaks to the importance of: Listening to God: He gives us guidance, but it’s up to us to follow it. Standing firm against temptation: It encourages us to resist evil and choose the good. Repentance: It suggests a call for turning back from sin and seeking forgiveness. In short, Jeremiah 44:5 is a warning about the dangers of ignoring God's voice and choosing to follow a path that leads away from his truth. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss what this verse might mean in a specific context (like the story of the people in Jeremiah)?