Definition: To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear [is] uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the LORD is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 6:10. It’s a really important and somewhat dramatic passage about a nation and its people. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that the people of Israel are completely deaf to God’s message – their “ear” (their understanding) is closed, and they don’t want to hear what He has to say. It’s like they’re actively rejecting His guidance. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Jeremiah 6:10” : This refers to a specific prophet named Jeremiah in ancient Israel. “To whom shall I speak, and give warning…” : Jeremiah is speaking to someone who has been asking him for guidance or explanations. He’s essentially telling the listener that he needs to explain something important. “…that they may hear?” : This is the crucial part. He's asking if anyone can understand what he's saying. “Behold, their ear [is] uncircumcised…” : This is a key metaphor. "Ear" represents understanding, wisdom, and the ability to listen to God’s message. “Uncircumcised” means they haven’t been taught or enlightened about God's will. They haven’t opened themselves up to hear His word. “…and they cannot hearken: behold…” : This means they cannot respond to, understand, or obey what Jeremiah is telling them. It implies a blockage of their ability to listen and follow. “Behold, the word of the LORD is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it.” : This is the devastating part. The words of God (the Bible) are causing harm and unhappiness to the people. They are rejecting His message, and as a result, they don’t enjoy it or find comfort in it. In simple terms: Jeremiah is warning that the people of Israel were rejecting God's guidance, and this rejection was leading them down a path of misery and unhappiness. Why is this significant? This verse is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of the nation’s eventual downfall – a time when they would become so isolated and disconnected from God that they would ultimately turn away from Him completely. It highlights the importance of listening to God's message and maintaining a relationship with Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event in biblical history? Discuss the meaning of the metaphor of “ear”?