Definition: Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! surely thou hast greatly deceived this people and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall have peace; whereas the sword reacheth unto the soul.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Jeremiah 4:10. It's a really powerful and complex verse, and it speaks to a profound sense of disappointment and warning. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is about a leader (Jeremiah) expressing deep frustration with the people of Israel and their lack of faith. He’s saying that they think they're going to have peace, but the reality is far from it – a terrible war is coming. Let’s unpack the parts: “Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD!” - This is Jeremiah’s voice of outrage. He’s acknowledging that he's speaking to God, and he’s feeling betrayed or misled. It’s a moment of intense anger and disbelief. “…surely thou hast greatly deceived this people…” – This is the big part. Jeremiah is saying that they (the people of Israel) have been fooled into believing they will have peace. He's accusing them of being foolish. "...and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall have peace; whereas the sword reacheth unto the soul.” - This is where it gets really intense. He’s pointing out a crucial difference between what they say and what's actually happening. “Ye shall have peace”: They’re expecting peace – a time of calm, harmony, and prosperity. “whereas the sword reacheth unto the soul.” - This is the shocking part. Jeremiah describes a literal sword (a weapon) reaching into or consuming the spirit, the soul, or the very essence of people – essentially their hearts and minds. It’s not just a physical attack; it’s an attack on their spiritual well-being. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: This verse is a warning about the dangers of complacency and lack of faith. It suggests: God's Perspective: God sees this situation as a serious problem, and he's deeply disappointed with humanity's choices. The Cost of Disobedience: The “sword reaching unto the soul” signifies that ignoring God’s word and his guidance will have devastating consequences for Israel. It highlights the importance of obedience to God’s laws and commandments. A Call to Action (Implied): While Jeremiah doesn't explicitly tell them what to do, he’s urging them to repent and turn back from their folly before it's too late. In short, this verse is a dramatic expression of God's frustration with the people's lack of faith and a warning about the potential for spiritual devastation. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse in more detail? Discuss the context of this passage within the larger story of Jeremiah’s prophecies? Explore what this verse might be teaching us about faith and obedience?