Definition: And it shall come to pass at that day, saith the LORD, [that] the heart of the king shall perish, and the heart of the princes; and the priests shall be astonished, and the prophets shall wonder.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 4:9. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling passage in the Bible about the future of leadership and power. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse warns that the leaders – kings, princes, and priests – will be deeply worried and perplexed because their own hearts and motivations will become corrupted. It suggests a potential for disaster and instability. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And it shall come to pass at that day…” : This is a prophecy about a future event. “That day” isn't just any specific date, but a period of time – likely a significant period in the future (perhaps 70 years). It’s a general statement about something will happen. “Saith the LORD…” : This is Jeremiah speaking as God himself – it's a direct quote from scripture. It's authoritative and important. “[That] the heart of the king shall perish…” : This is the core warning. “Heart” refers to a person’s true intentions, desires, and motivations. The King (a ruler) is being cautioned that his own heart will be compromised – it will be driven by selfish or corrupt desires. “Perish” means to fail completely, to end up lost or destroyed. “…and the heart of the princes shall be astonished…” : This highlights that not just the king but also the princes (high officials and leaders) are concerned. They’re anticipating a major shift in power and direction. “…and the priests shall be astonished…” : The priests, traditionally responsible for guiding and advising the rulers, are also warned of being troubled by this situation. “…and the prophets shall wonder.” : This is the final point – the prophets, who interpret God’s word, are feeling a sense of confusion and uncertainty about what's happening. They're questioning God's will and guidance. What does it mean practically? Jeremiah isn’t saying that everyone will become corrupted. It’s a warning about the potential for leaders to lose their way, driven by personal ambition or selfishness. It suggests a decline in ethical leadership and a possible descent into chaos or instability. Why is this important? This verse speaks to the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of moral leadership. It’s a reminder that true authority comes from God and should be used for good, not for personal gain at the expense of others. It's a call to vigilance and a plea for righteous rule. --- To help me tailor this explanation further, could you tell me: What specifically are you interested in learning about this verse? (e.g., its historical context, its connection to other biblical stories?)