Definition: To make their land desolate, [and] a perpetual hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished, and wag his head.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Jeremiah 18. It's a really striking and symbolic verse, and it speaks to a powerful idea about God’s judgment and the consequences of disobedience. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes a situation where God is deliberately creating a harsh, desolate place – essentially a wasteland – for a specific group of people. It's designed to be shocking and demonstrate God’s power and displeasure with their actions. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “To make their land desolate…” This means the land will be ravaged and barren. It won’t be lush or fertile; it’ll be empty and unproductive. “…and a perpetual hissing…” This is key. The land isn't just desolate; it’s always filled with a constant, unpleasant sound – like steam or gas – that makes it uncomfortable to live in. It’s a persistent, irritating presence. “Every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished…” This is the most important part. God is deliberately setting this place up so that anyone who enters will be utterly amazed and bewildered. It's not just a harsh environment; it’s a demonstrative of his power. “…and wag his head.” This is a vivid image – the people are physically turned away, their heads hanging downwards in a gesture of shock and disapproval. It suggests that God is actively observing and judging them. What does this mean about God’s perspective? This verse suggests several things: God is watching: He's not just passively allowing things to happen; he's actively controlling the situation with a deliberate, forceful intention. God is angry: The verse conveys a strong sense of God’s displeasure and judgment. It’s not just about natural events; it’s about something more profound – a violation of his will or plan. It’s a warning: It's urging people to consider the consequences of their actions and to turn away from what they are doing, because God is coming after them with His judgment. In short, it's a powerful image of divine punishment and a reminder that God’s judgments can be very dramatic. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further in more detail? Connect it to another Bible passage? Give you some examples of how this concept might manifest itself in the Bible?