Definition: O LORD, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering: know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 15:15. It's a really powerful and complex passage, but we can understand the core message without getting bogged down in technical details. Here’s what it basically means, explained in simpler terms: The Situation: God is deeply troubled by a group of people who are relentlessly persecuting a specific tribe – the Ephraimites – for disobeying God's commands. They’re acting with cruelty and hostility. What Jeremiah Says: “O LORD, thou knowest…” : This means that God knows exactly what’s happening. He’s aware of their actions. “…remember me…” : This is a direct plea from God to remember him. It's a way for God to acknowledge his own presence and importance. “…visit me…” : God wants to be involved in the situation, to directly confront these persecutors. “…revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering:” This is the most important part. God is asking for a specific action – he wants to punish those who are harming the Ephraimites. He also needs to be protected, and doesn't want to be forgotten or abandoned. “…know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke.” : This is a crucial point. God is admitting that he has endured suffering and hardship because of the actions of these persecutors. It’s a humbling acknowledgment of his own pain. Putting it All Together – A Simple Interpretation: God is deeply upset by the Ephraimites' relentless attacks and cruelty. He wants to be involved, actively punish them, and ensure he isn't forgotten or abandoned because of this suffering. He’s acknowledging that he has experienced hardship as a result of their actions. Why is this important? This verse speaks to several themes: Divine Justice: It highlights God’s justice and his desire for righting wrongs. God's Involvement: It shows that God isn’t just passively watching; he’s actively intervening in the world. Suffering as a Response: It underscores the idea that suffering can be a consequence of wrongdoing, and it also demonstrates a willingness to endure hardship for the sake of righteousness. In essence, Jeremiah 15:15 is a plea from God to confront evil and ensure his own presence and protection amidst suffering. --- 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? Discuss the historical context of this passage?