👉 But if ye will not hear these words, I swear by myself, saith the LORD, that this house shall become a desolation.
Explanation: Okay, letās break down this powerful verse from Jeremiah 22:5. It's a really significant and sobering warning about leadership and faithfulness. Hereās what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that if people donāt listen to the instructions and promises given by God, the leaders of this nation (the āhouseā) will eventually become empty and desolate ā a place where nothing good can grow. Let's unpack it piece by piece: āBut if ye will not hear these wordsā¦ā : This is a direct command from God to the people. Heās telling them to listen to what he says. āā¦saith the LORDā¦ā : This means that this is a direct message from God, with authority and weight. It's not just someone saying it; it's God himself speaking. āthat this house shall become a desolationā : This is the key part. āHouseā refers to the government, the leadership of this nation ā the people who are in charge. āDesolationā means a place where thereās no life, prosperity, or good things can grow. It's a wasteland - a place completely devoid of hope and blessings. What itās saying about leaders: Jeremiah is warning that those in power ā the leaders ā are responsible for this outcome if they donāt listen to Godās words. He's essentially saying that leaders who fail to uphold their duties and follow Godās guidance will face serious consequences. Important Context (Briefly): Jeremiah was writing during a time of great political turmoil and division in Israel. He was prophesying about the rise of a king named Josiah, and he feared that Josiah would become oppressive and lead the nation into ruin. This verse is a warning against those who abuse their power and fail to do whatās right. In essence, it's a strong call for responsibility, obedience, and faithfulness in leadership. It's a reminder that true authority comes with a commitment to follow Godās will and act justly. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Connect it to a specific historical event or story? Discuss the potential meaning of "desolation" in different contexts?