Definition: But, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them: and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 16:15. It's a really important and somewhat poetic passage about God’s plan for Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is looking back at the Israelites – meaning the people of Israel – and he wants to bring them back to their original homeland, which was in the north. He’s essentially saying, “I’ve been watching you for a long time, and I’m worried about your future.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “But, The LORD liveth…” : This is a statement of God’s sovereignty – his power and control. He is living and active. “…that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north…” : This refers to the time when the Israelites were in Egypt, living in a place called “the land of the north.” They were enslaved there. God had been watching over them for a long period. “and from all the lands whither he had driven them…” : This means that God had repeatedly pushed the Israelites away from their ancestral homeland – the land they came from, which was in the west (the "lands of the north"). He’d made them wander and be forced to leave. “and I will bring them again into their land…” : This is the core of the verse. God intends to lead the Israelites back home. It's a promise that he wants to restore them to where they started. What does it mean for us today? This verse speaks to themes of: God’s faithfulness: He’s not just passively watching; he’s actively working to bring people back to the right place. Restoration: It signifies a return to a blessed and original homeland, symbolizing a restoration of God's blessings. Hope for the future: It’s a message of hope, because it speaks of God’s plan to reunite with his people. In short, Jeremiah 16:15 is a powerful statement about God's ongoing watchfulness and his intention to bring the Israelites home. --- Do you want me to: Explain any particular part in more detail? Connect this verse to other biblical stories or themes?