Definition: How shall I pardon thee for this? thy children have forsaken me, and sworn by [them that are] no gods: when I had fed them to the full, they then committed adultery, and assembled themselves by troops in the harlots’ houses.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Jeremiah 5:7. It’s a really harsh and unsettling verse, and it describes a devastating betrayal and a significant loss of trust. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Jeremiah is writing to a leader – likely a king or ruler – who has been consistently disobeying God’s commands. This leader is refusing to listen to the prophets and is leading his people into sin and moral decay. He’s essentially demonstrating that he’s rejecting God's will and ignoring His guidance. Here’s what happened, broken down: “How shall I pardon thee for this?” – Jeremiah is expressing profound sadness and anger at the leader's actions. He's asking if forgiveness is possible. “Thy children have forsaken me, and sworn by [them] that are no gods.” – This is a crucial point. The leader has completely abandoned him! He’s refusing to acknowledge God’s authority and has essentially declared he doesn’t believe in anything holy or divine. He's saying he’s rejecting the very foundation of faith and worship. “When I had fed them to the full, they then committed adultery…” – This is the core of the problem. The leader is engaging in a horrific act: he’s been leading his people in a blatant and immoral affair with other women! It's described as “adultery.” “And assembled themselves by troops in the harlots’ houses?” – He’s creating a scene of debauchery and moral corruption. He’s gathering his followers in places known for vice and sin, suggesting he's deliberately encouraging evil. The Message & Interpretation: This passage is a powerful warning about: The Consequences of Sin: It highlights the devastating impact of rejecting God’s guidance and choosing to live in defiance. It speaks to the gravity of wrongdoing. The Importance of Faith & Obedience: Jeremiah is emphasizing that true faith and obedience are essential for maintaining a relationship with God. Rejecting Him leads to a loss of trust and spiritual ruin. Justice and Accountability: The verse implies that this betrayal will not go unpunished. God has the power to call out those who reject His authority, and this act is a sign of that potential consequence. Overall Meaning: This passage isn’t just about a single incident; it's a symbolic representation of a larger trend – a nation or community that has strayed from God’s path and is embracing evil and moral decay. It calls for repentance, faithfulness, and a return to the ways of righteousness. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a warning about political corruption and the dangers of leaders who prioritize personal pleasure over divine law. However, it also speaks to the broader issue of rejecting God’s authority in all aspects of life. --- Would you like me to: Explain any part of this passage in more detail? Discuss the historical context of this verse? Provide a different perspective on its meaning?