Definition: Therefore I said, Surely these [are] poor; they are foolish: for they know not the way of the LORD, [nor] the judgment of their God.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 5:4. It’s a pretty powerful and important statement about the people of Israel. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that the people of Israel were so deeply wrong and misguided that they didn’t understand or respect God’s plan for them. They were acting foolishly and not following His guidance, and they weren’t even aware of His judgment. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Jeremiah 5:4” : This refers to a specific event in the Old Testament – a time when the people of Israel were refusing to listen to God and practicing idolatry (worshiping other gods). “Therefore I said…” : Jeremiah, a prophet, was speaking out against this behavior. He felt it was wrong and needed to address it. “…these [are] poor; they are foolish: for they know not the way of the LORD…” : This is the core of the message. "Poor" means lacking in wealth or prosperity. "Foolish" means lacking wisdom or understanding. The key here is that they don’t understand God's ways. They aren’t even trying to figure things out. “…nor [the] judgment of their God.” : This is the most crucial part. “Judgment” refers to God’s righteous punishment for their wrongdoings. Jeremiah was saying that they weren’t receiving the consequences He intended – a period of hardship and devastation. What does this mean in a broader sense? This verse speaks to several things: The importance of obedience: It highlights how crucial it is to listen to God's word and follow His instructions. The consequence of sin: It shows that our choices have consequences, and we are accountable for them. God’s Sovereignty: It emphasizes that God has a plan and will ultimately judge those who oppose it. In short, Jeremiah was warning the people of Israel about their disobedience and impending judgment, urging them to repent (change their ways) and seek God's guidance. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give a historical context for this passage? Connect it to a specific story or event from the Bible?