Definition: Therefore thus saith the LORD, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, [and] thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 15:19. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious passage about God’s plan for Israel after the Babylonian exile. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is telling Israel to return to him, but he also has a specific condition. If they return, God promises to bring them back again , and then God will treat them like his mouth – meaning, they’ll be given a role and responsibility to help rebuild and restore the land. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Therefore thus saith the LORD…” : This is just a way of saying that this is what God has said directly. “…If thou return, then will I bring thee again…” : This is the core message. If Israel returns to him, God will bring them back. “[and] thou shalt stand before me:” This means they need to be ready and prepared to meet with God. “and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth…” : This is the key part! “The precious” refers to a specific group of people – likely the Jewish people themselves. If they take forth (bring out) the "precious" – which could mean anything valuable or important – from the "vile" (meaning something undesirable or corrupt), God will treat them like his mouth. Think of it like this: God wants to give a purpose and responsibility to these people, just as he does with his own mouth. “let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them.” : This is the crucial part that creates the condition. It's a warning – it’s not an invitation to return. God says: “Go back, but don’t come back!” What does it mean in simpler terms? Essentially, God wants to restore Israel and give them a role again. He wants to see the Jewish people actively help rebuild the land and become a powerful and righteous nation. However, he doesn't want them to simply return – they need to be ready to serve as a vital part of that process. Context & Significance: This verse is significant because it highlights God’s ongoing concern for Israel and his desire for their restoration. It speaks to the idea that God’s plan is not just about returning to a previous state, but also about actively participating in rebuilding and restoring His people. It’s a call to action – to be ready to serve and contribute to God’s purpose. Resources: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/15:19](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/15:19) - This site has a good explanation of the verse with commentary and context. Different Bible Resources: Search online for "Jeremiah 15:19 explanation" to find articles that provide additional insights. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss its historical significance? Relate it to a particular event or story in the Bible?