Definition: Shall I not visit for these [things]? saith the LORD: and shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Jeremiah 5:9. It's a really dramatic and unsettling verse in the Old Testament. Here’s an explanation in simple terms: The Basic Situation: Jeremiah is a prophet who’s been warning God about a nation called Judah (the area around Jerusalem) for a long time. He’s essentially saying that the people of this nation are going to face terrible consequences. What's Happening? A Visit: Jeremiah says he will come to visit them. This isn’t just a casual, friendly visit. It means he’s coming with a very serious message and a plan to punish them. “These things”? This is the key part. He's asking, “What ‘things’?,” which is incredibly vague but carries huge weight. The Lord’s Warning: “Saith the LORD: And shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?” This is the core of the verse. The Lord says, "I will punish this nation with terrible consequences." "Avenged" means to be punished severely, often by death. What Does It Mean? This verse paints a picture of a devastating judgment coming on Judah. It’s suggesting that God is going to unleash a profound and awful punishment upon them – possibly involving widespread destruction and suffering. Important Context: The Exile: This verse appears just before the events of the Book of Jeremiah, which describes the Babylonian and Persian invasions of Judah. It's a sign that God is actively preparing for a major catastrophe. God’s Justice: It highlights God’s justice – His righteous anger against those who oppose him. He doesn’t tolerate sin; he will punish it severely. In short, this verse is a terrifying prediction of a coming judgment on Judah, with the Lord promising devastating consequences if they don't repent. --- To help me explain it even better and tailor it to your needs, could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand about this passage? (e.g., Are you curious about its meaning in a specific context – like the story of the Exile?) Are there any particular aspects you're most interested in exploring? (e.g., The symbolism, the historical background, or the theological significance?)