Definition: And I will fan them with a fan in the gates of the land; I will bereave [them] of children, I will destroy my people, [since] they return not from their ways.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 15:7. It's a really dramatic and intense passage about a serious crisis in Israel. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Jeremiah is writing during a time of great distress for the Israelites. They were wandering in the desert, and God had warned them that they would return to their sins and disobey Him. He's essentially saying that if they don’t repent (change their ways), they will face terrible consequences. Let’s unpack each part: “And I will fan them with a fan in the gates of the land” : This is a metaphor. Imagine a fan used to cool down a hot oven or a blazing desert sun. Jeremiah is saying that He will use a powerful, forceful “fan” – representing divine intervention – to cool down the land and its people. It’s not about literal cooling; it's a symbolic act of removing the heat of their sinfulness. “I will bereave them of children” : This means that the Israelites will lose their offspring, their future generations. It’s a devastating loss for families and society. “I will destroy my people” : This is a very strong statement – it signifies a complete destruction of the entire nation. “[since] they return not from their ways” : This is the crucial part. It means that if the Israelites don’t stop their wandering and disobedience, God will take action to punish them. He'll use His power to remove them from the land. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: This verse paints a picture of a complete catastrophe – a devastating loss of life, prosperity, and future generations due to continued sin and disobedience. It’s essentially a warning about the consequences of rejecting God’s guidance and choosing to stray from His path. It highlights God's judgment and his desire for restoration. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as referring to the destruction of the entire nation of Israel during the time of the judges, but it can also be seen as a broader warning about the dangers of rejecting God’s will in any aspect of life. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss what the verse might symbolize (like the consequences of sin)? Compare it to another passage in the Bible that deals with judgment or repentance?