Definition: Who [is] the wise man, that may understand this? and [who is he] to whom the mouth of the LORD hath spoken, that he may declare it, for what the land perisheth [and] is burned up like a wilderness, that none passeth through?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It's a really poetic and dramatic passage from Jeremiah 9:12, and it’s packed with meaning! Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is about the potential for disaster and destruction, and it’s urging us to be careful. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Jeremiah 9:12” : This tells us we're talking about a specific prophecy – a message written down by Jeremiah, a prophet of God. “Who [is] the wise man, that may understand this?” - This is asking, “Who has the wisdom to grasp what’s being said here?” It’s not just a straightforward instruction; it's inviting us to think . “[who is he] to whom the mouth of the LORD hath spoken, that he may declare it…” – This is the core of the verse. The Lord (God) is speaking directly to Jeremiah. The “mouth of the LORD” means God’s voice or words. So, this is a very powerful statement. “…that he may declare it, for what the land perisheth [and] is burned up like a wilderness…” – This part describes the potential outcome: a complete destruction and ruin. The word "perish" means to cease to exist or be destroyed. The phrase “like a wilderness” suggests a desolate, barren place - a complete loss of everything. Putting it all together - A Simple Interpretation: Jeremiah is saying that God has a very serious warning about the future. He’s telling us this specific prophecy – this message – is crucial because it describes a catastrophic event: the destruction of an entire land. It's not just a simple fire; it’s a complete annihilation, leaving nothing behind. The Significance & Why It Matters: This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of wickedness and rebellion against God. It suggests that if we don’t repent (turn away from our wrongdoings) and seek to live in accordance with God's will, there will be a complete loss of everything – not just physical things but also spiritual life and hope. In essence, the verse is a dramatic declaration of judgment and a call for vigilance. It’s a reminder that God doesn’t tolerate sin and that His presence is threatened when we stray from Him. --- Do you want to delve deeper into any aspect of this verse? For example: We could talk about the context of Jeremiah 9:12 in the Old Testament? How this verse relates to themes of judgment, repentance, and hope?