Definition: They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 5:28. It's a really powerful and complex message about God’s judgment and compassion. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Core Idea: This verse describes God’s absolute and unwavering judgment of those who deliberately mistreat the vulnerable – the poor, the abandoned, and those who are without hope. It's a stark warning about the consequences of selfishness and disregard for others. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked:” This is metaphorical. "Waxen fat" suggests something that’s beautiful and shining, but ultimately brittle and easily broken. Think of a candle – it can be dazzling, but it's also fragile. “Overpass” means to go beyond or surpass something. It’s like someone is deliberately breaking boundaries and defying God’s principles. “They judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper:” This is where it gets really significant. The verse says they are judging – condemning – those who are without hope or support. Crucially, they don't judge the reason for their suffering. They don’t see why someone is abandoned or facing hardship. It implies that they’re not concerned with the underlying circumstances causing the pain. They’re focused on the immediate consequences. “And the right of the needy do they not judge?” This is the core of the warning. The verse says, “Yet they prosper.” This highlights the irony. While these individuals are benefitting from their actions – they're accumulating wealth and comfort – they don’t show compassion or justice towards those who are struggling. They don’t care about the suffering of others because they aren't concerned with its root cause. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: Jeremiah 5:28 is a condemnation of injustice and selfishness. It suggests that those who deliberately mistreat the vulnerable are setting themselves up for a terrible fate – being consumed by God’s judgment. It’s a call to repentance, urging people to look beyond the immediate consequences and consider the suffering of others. Important Context: This verse is part of a larger narrative in the Book of Jeremiah, which describes God's anger at Israel’s idolatry and wickedness. It warns of impending judgment and emphasizes that God will ultimately punish those who reject him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another specific aspect of this verse? Provide a more detailed explanation of the historical context? Discuss the theological significance of this passage?