Definition: O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, [and] they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 17:13. It’s a really powerful and somewhat sobering message about God’s perspective on those who stray from Him. Here's a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse speaks about judgment and the consequences of rejecting God. It’s saying that those who completely abandon faith and disobey His commands will be marked for punishment, and their story will ultimately be recorded throughout the world. Let's unpack it word-by-word (roughly): “Jeremiah 17:13” : This is a specific passage from the Old Testament book of Jeremiah. It’s a dramatic statement about the role of this verse. “O LORD, the hope of Israel…” : This tells us that this isn't just any judgment; it’s about the hope of Israel – their people – and God’s ultimate concern for them. “…all that forsake thee shall be ashamed…” : This is a strong warning. “Forsake” means to leave or abandon someone or something. So, this means those who deliberately reject God are going to feel shame. It's like being exposed in front of everyone. “they that depart from me shall be written in the earth…” : This is the key part. It’s not just about feeling ashamed – it’s about being recorded . “Written in the earth” means their story will be preserved forever, likely in history books or records. Think of it as a permanent mark on the world. “because they have forsaken the LORD…” : This is crucial. It emphasizes that this isn't just about disobedience; it’s about completely rejecting God. It means they’ve actively chosen to turn away from Him and his ways. “…the fountain of living waters” : This is a poetic image. A "fountain" represents something pure, abundant, and life-giving. “Living waters” suggest that the faith and obedience of those who remain with God are precious and valuable. Overall Meaning & Significance: The verse essentially says that those who actively reject God and abandon his guidance will be remembered forever and their story will be a negative one, potentially impacting the entire world. It’s a stark warning about the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's laws. It suggests that true faith isn’t just about believing – it's about doing what God commands and following his path. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a prophecy about the end times, but its message of judgment and consequence remains relevant today. It serves as a reminder to prioritize our relationship with God and live a life that honors Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how this verse applies to modern life? Compare it to other Bible verses on judgment or repentance?