Definition: Why [then] is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Jeremiah 8:5. It’s a really important and somewhat dramatic verse that speaks about the state of Israel after the fall of Babylon. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: Jeremiah is saying that despite all the promises and hope for the future, the people of Jerusalem are still falling back into the same mistakes and behaviors they’ve done before. It's a deep sense of despair and hopelessness. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Jeremiah 8:5 Why [then] is this people of Jerusalem slidden back..." – This immediately establishes the problem. Jeremiah is pointing out why they’re not returning to their righteous ways. It's a deliberate, active choice to go in the wrong direction. "...they hold fast deceit..." – "Deceit" means lying or misleading. These people are actively deceiving themselves and each other. They are pretending things are okay when they aren’t. "...they refuse to return." – This is the key phrase. They actively choose not to go back. They're resisting change, repentance, and a return to God. Overall Meaning & Context: This verse paints a picture of a nation deeply flawed. It suggests a cycle of failure: they make mistakes, they lie, they resist God’s guidance, and ultimately, they refuse to turn around. The "perpetual backsliding" refers to a repeated pattern of wrongdoing that seems impossible to break. Why is this important? This verse is often seen as a warning about the dangers of complacency and resisting God's call to righteousness. It’s a reminder that even when things seem okay, we must always be vigilant against falling back into bad habits and choices. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Connect it to a specific historical event or time in Israel's history?