Definition: Behold, I will bring a fear upon thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts, from all those that be about thee; and ye shall be driven out every man right forth; and none shall gather up him that wandereth.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Jeremiah 49:5. It’s a really powerful and sobering message about the future of Israel. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is warning God about a devastating outcome for the people of Israel. It says that God will bring a deep, widespread fear and expulsion to all those who are near to them. It essentially means they'll be driven out, and there won't be anyone left to gather up what’s left behind. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Behold, I will bring a fear upon thee…” - This is God’s direct address to the people of Israel. He’s acknowledging their situation and telling them he’s going to cause them pain. “…saith the Lord GOD of hosts…” – This establishes that this isn't just a human opinion; it’s coming from God himself, the ultimate authority. “from all those that be about thee…” - This is the core of the warning. It means everyone around Israel – every single person, regardless of their status – will be affected. “and ye shall be driven out every man right forth…” - This part emphasizes the scale of the problem. It’s not just a few people being affected; it's a widespread and complete removal from their homes and communities. “Right forth” suggests a swift and forceful action. “and none shall gather up him that wandereth.” – This is the chilling part. It means there will be no one left to help or care for those who are displaced. It's a message of loss and abandonment. What does it mean in terms of context? Jeremiah 49:5 was part of a larger prophecy about God’s judgment on Israel after the destruction of Jerusalem. It's often interpreted as a foreshadowing of a devastating campaign against Judah, the region that included modern-day Israel and Judah. It speaks to God's plan to punish them for their sins and ultimately remove them from the land. Important Note: This verse is often associated with apocalyptic literature – stories about the end times. But it’s important to remember that this is a prophecy, not necessarily a literal prediction of future events. It’s a message of warning about God's judgment and a call for repentance and faithfulness. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Talk about the historical context (why this verse was written)? Compare it to other Bible passages about judgment or exile?