Definition: But fear not thou, O my servant Jacob, and be not dismayed, O Israel: for, behold, I will save thee from afar off, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and be in rest and at ease, and none shall make [him] afraid.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 46:27. It's a really important message about God’s care for His people. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is protecting Jacob (meaning Israel) even when they are facing trouble. Let’s unpack that a little bit: “But fear not thou, O my servant Jacob, and be not dismayed, O Israel:” This part acknowledges that Jacob (Israel) is feeling worried or scared. It's recognizing that he’s experiencing challenges – perhaps political instability, hardship, or difficult times. "Thou" is a gentle way of addressing him. “and, behold, I will save thee from afar off, and thy seed from the land of their captivity;” This is the core of the message. “Behold” means “see” or “notice.” God is saving Jacob. He’s not just passively watching; he's actively working to protect him. "Save thee from afar off" means he’s rescuing him even when he doesn’t know where he is or what’s happening. “Thy seed from the land of their captivity” refers to Israel, specifically its people and its future. “and Jacob shall return, and be in rest and at ease, and none shall make [him] afraid.” This is the promise of God's protection. It’s saying that God will bring back Jacob to a time of peace, security, and happiness. "Shall return" means he’ll go home. "In rest and at ease" – this refers to a time of tranquility and safety. “None shall make [him] afraid” – This is the most powerful part. It's saying that God will protect him from fear and worry for generations to come. In short, the verse speaks of God’s unwavering care and protection for Israel, even when they are struggling. He’s not just watching from afar; he’s actively working to bring them back into a time of peace and security. Why is this important? This is a powerful message about hope and reassurance. It reminds us that God loves his people and will always protect them, even when things are difficult. It's a call to trust in God’s plan and find comfort in His presence. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes?