Definition: Saying to a stock, Thou [art] my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: for they have turned [their] back unto me, and not [their] face: but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 2:27. It's a really powerful and somewhat poetic passage about God’s relationship with humanity. Here's a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is essentially saying that God is incredibly disappointed with people. He’s feeling abandoned and ignored. He’s looking at humanity as a group of things – like a stock (which represents a commodity or product) and a stone – and they’re not showing Him any respect or loyalty. They've turned away from him, and he expects them to eventually recognize the importance of their relationship with him. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Jeremiah 2:27 Saying to a stock, Thou [are] my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: for they have turned [their] back unto me, and not [their] face:” “Jeremiah 2:27” : This is the specific verse we're talking about. It’s a significant passage in the Old Testament. "Saying to a stock, Thou [are] my father;" - This refers to God’s relationship with Israel – specifically, the people of Judah. He sees them as his children and considers them important. "and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: for they have turned [their] back unto me, and not [their] face:” - This is where it gets really interesting. It’s comparing God to a rock or a stone. The "they" refers to humanity. The verse says that humanity has been rejecting God, turning away from him, and not showing any respect or loyalty. “Not their face” – this is the crucial part - they've forgotten about Him. What’s the Message? The verse paints a picture of a broken relationship. It suggests: God’s Perspective: God feels abandoned and ignored by humanity. Responsibility: God is calling out for people to acknowledge His presence and show respect. Hope for Redemption: There's still hope that, despite their rejection, they will eventually recognize the importance of their relationship with Him and change their ways. In essence, it’s a call to repentance – a plea for humanity to turn back to God and seek His favor. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event in the Bible? Give you some broader context about why this verse is significant?