Definition: And they shall come from the cities of Judah, and from the places about Jerusalem, and from the land of Benjamin, and from the plain, and from the mountains, and from the south, bringing burnt offerings, and sacrifices, and meat offerings, and incense, and bringing sacrifices of praise, unto the house of the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 17:26 together. It's a pretty interesting and important passage about how God sees things. Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, God is saying that He will judge people based on the quality of their offerings to Him. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And they shall come from the cities of Judah…” – This refers to a specific group of people called Judah. Historically, Judah was a region in ancient Israel and later part of Palestine. It's essentially the area around Jerusalem at the time. “…and from the places about Jerusalem, and from the land of Benjamin, and from the plain, and from the mountains, and from the south…” – This lists several geographical areas: Jerusalem (the capital), the land of Benjamin (where the first kings of Israel came from), and the area surrounding the mountains and plains. It’s emphasizing a specific location where these people are coming from. “…bringing burnt offerings, and sacrifices, and meat offerings, and incense…” – These are the things they're bringing. "Burnt offerings" means things that were offered to God as a sign of worship and repentance. “Sacrifices” is a formal offering made to show devotion. “Meat offerings” refers to animals sacrificed for food and spiritual benefit. "Incense" is a fragrant smoke used in religious ceremonies. “…unto the house of the LORD.” – This is the crucial part. It means that these offerings are specifically for God’s house , which is His dwelling place or temple. It's a direct plea to worship and honor Him. The Overall Message: Jeremiah 17:26 tells us that God isn’t just looking at the quantity of what people offer (how much they give). He’s judging them based on what kind of offering they make – whether it's heartfelt worship, repentance, or devotion. It’s a warning about the importance of religious faithfulness and showing reverence to God. Why is this important? This verse highlights that God is judgmental . He doesn’t just want good people; He wants good offerings. It emphasizes the seriousness of worship and the need to be faithful to His will. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail with an analogy? Discuss what it might mean in a specific historical context (like the time Jeremiah wrote)?