Definition: As keepers of a field, are they against her round about; because she hath been rebellious against me, saith the LORD.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Jeremiah 4:17. It's a really important and somewhat dramatic verse with a lot of meaning. Here’s what it says in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a group of people – we can call them “keepers of a field” – who are being treated harshly by God. They’re essentially being punished for disobeying him. Let's unpack the parts: “As keepers of a field…” : This paints a picture of these individuals as responsible for tending to something valuable – a field, perhaps representing a community or a land. “…are they against her round about?” : "Her" refers to God. “Round about” means "around her." So, this means they’re being actively harassed and opposed by God. It suggests a constant struggle. “Because she hath been rebellious against me, saith the LORD.” : This is the core of the message. "She" is God, and "rebellious" means going against, disobeying, or defying him. The Lord (God) has been angry with this group because they’ve disobeyed his commands. “Saith the LORD” means “The Lord says…” – it's a formal declaration from God. What does this mean practically? This verse is often interpreted as a warning about: Disobedience: The people are disobeying God’s rules and laws. Opposition: They’re actively resisting God’s will. Serious Consequences: God is punishing them for their actions, and these consequences could be significant. Important Note: It's important to remember that this verse is part of a larger story in the Old Testament. It's a dramatic example of how God can respond to disobedience. In short, Jeremiah 4:17 describes a group of people being punished for disobeying God, and it’s a reminder that obedience is essential. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss what this verse might be teaching us about obedience or faithfulness? Give you some context about the story surrounding this verse?