Definition: Have ye forgotten the wickedness of your fathers, and the wickedness of the kings of Judah, and the wickedness of their wives, and your own wickedness, and the wickedness of your wives, which they have committed in the land of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem?

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Jeremiah 44:9. It’s a really powerful and sobering passage about the past and its consequences. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Core Idea: This verse is essentially saying that people in Judah (a region of Israel) have been repeatedly guilty of terrible things – seriously wrong acts – throughout history. It's a list of offenses that have gone on for a long time. Let’s unpack it part by part: “Have ye forgotten…” : This is a question, and it implies a forgetting or a dismissal of these past wrongs. It’s like saying, “We haven’t remembered this before.” "...the wickedness of your fathers..." : This means the people in Judah have been repeatedly making bad choices and acting wrongly since their ancestors did. Think of it as repeating a pattern of behavior across generations. "...the wickedness of the kings of Judah..." : This highlights that these wicked actions weren't just individual mistakes; they were also part of the leadership and decisions of the kings of this region – powerful rulers who made terrible choices. "...and the wickedness of their wives..." : This is a very important point. The verse explicitly states that the women in Judah’s society have been complicit in these wrongdoings, too! It's not just about the kings; it's about the way women were involved and influenced by bad behavior. "...and your own wickedness..." : This is a direct admission of wrongdoing – each individual person has contributed to the problems. "...and the wickedness of your wives..." : This is the final , and perhaps most shocking, part. It says that each person in Judah had been involved in these wicked acts. It’s a heavy accusation against individuals, implying they were actively participating in or enabling these wrongdoings. What's the message? Jeremiah 44:9 is a warning about the consequences of repeating past mistakes. It suggests that when people continue to commit wickedness and injustice, it will have devastating results – potentially leading to God’s judgment and a period of great suffering for Judah. It's a call to repentance and a reminder that we all have a responsibility to choose righteousness. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a prophecy about the future destruction of Judah, but it's also seen as a reflection on how people can repeat patterns of behavior throughout history. In short, this verse is a stark statement about the importance of remembering and avoiding repeating past wrongs. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Give you some examples of the kinds of things that might have been committed by people in Judah’s past?