Definition: Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, mine anger and my fury shall be poured out upon this place, upon man, and upon beast, and upon the trees of the field, and upon the fruit of the ground; and it shall burn, and shall not be quenched.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this powerful verse from Jeremiah 7:20. It’s a really intense warning about God's judgment. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Message: God is incredibly angry with the people of Judah (a region near Jerusalem) and their actions. He’s threatening to unleash severe punishment on everyone – people, animals, trees, and even the crops themselves! It's a message of impending disaster. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD…” : This is God speaking directly to us. It’s a declaration of his displeasure. “…Behold, mine anger and my fury shall be poured out…” : This means God is really furious. He's not just annoyed; he's about to unleash a tremendous amount of his wrath. Think of it like an immense, burning fire. “…upon this place, upon man, and upon beast, and upon the trees of the field, and upon the fruit of the ground…” : This is where it gets really serious. God isn’t just angry at people – he's angry with them for their wickedness and disobedience. He’s targeting everything they’ve done wrong: “this place” : This refers specifically to Jerusalem, the heart of Judah. “…man…” : This includes everyone – kings, priests, farmers, etc. “…beast…” : This could refer to animals, but it also suggests a broader condemnation of all living things that are corrupt or sinful. “…trees of the field…” : The land itself is being punished. It’s not just individual people; the entire landscape is suffering. “…fruit of the ground…” : This highlights the consequences of their wickedness – they're destroying the bounty God provides. “and it shall burn, and shall not be quenched.” : This is the most dramatic part. It means that this punishment will never stop. It’s a destructive fire that will continue to burn until everything is destroyed. It’s a promise of complete devastation. What does this mean for us? The verse speaks to a time of great crisis and potential disaster for Judah. It's a warning about the dangers of sin, disobedience, and turning away from God. It’s a reminder that God is just and righteous, and he will hold people accountable for their choices. Important Context (Briefly): This passage comes before Jeremiah’s prophecy about the destruction of Jerusalem. It's essentially a prelude to God's judgment on Israel. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific event or story from biblical history? Discuss what this verse might mean for our lives today?