Definition: Moreover thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD; Shall they fall, and not arise? shall he turn away, and not return?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly powerful verse from Jeremiah 8:4. It's a really striking and thought-provoking passage, and it carries a lot of weight. Here’s an explanation in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse is about the potential for complete destruction and the impossibility of things returning to their former state. It speaks about a situation where someone or something is on the verge of complete ruin and has no hope of recovery. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Jeremiah 8:4” : This refers to a specific prophecy given by Jeremiah, a prophet in ancient Israel. “Moreover thou shalt say unto them…” : This is a command from Jeremiah – he’s telling someone (likely a leader or authority figure) to act . “…Thus saith the LORD; Shall they fall, and not arise?” : This is the key part. “Fall” means to cease to exist, to fail completely. "Not arise" means to never return, to be extinguished. It’s essentially saying: “Will these people succeed? Will they ever become successful again?” “shall he turn away, and not return?” : This is the most unsettling part. “Turn away” means to abandon, to fail to fulfill their purpose or mission. “Not return” means to cease to exist entirely. It implies a complete abandonment of hope, a final, irreversible loss. What's the Big Message? The verse paints a picture of utter devastation and hopelessness. It suggests that if people don’t repent (change their ways), they will be completely destroyed – they won’t exist anymore. It carries a strong warning about the consequences of disobedience and the importance of maintaining faith and following God's guidance. Why is this verse significant? It’s often interpreted as a warning against: Disobedience: Following God’s commands, even when it seems difficult or unpopular. Idolatry: Seeking false gods or abandoning the true God. Moral Decay: Allowing sin and wickedness to take root and consume society. In short, it's a dramatic declaration of potential ruin – a call to action based on fear and urgency. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail with examples? Discuss the historical context of Jeremiah’s prophecy? Explore the different interpretations of the verse?