Definition: Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon this city and upon all her towns all the evil that I have pronounced against it, because they have hardened their necks, that they might not hear my words.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 19:15. It's a really powerful and dramatic message about judgment. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is going to punish a city and its surrounding areas because they’ve refused to listen to him. Let’s unpack the parts: “Thus saith the LORD of hosts…” : This sets the scene – it's God speaking directly, with authority and severity. “…I will bring upon this city and upon all her towns…” : God is going to actively destroy something. He’s not just saying might happen; he’s promising will happen. This refers to a specific city – likely Jerusalem – and the surrounding areas. It's a very serious declaration of impending disaster. “…all the evil that I have pronounced against it…” : God has already told this city and its neighbors about terrible things they need to do – things he finds morally wrong or sinful. These are things like: Hardening their necks: This means becoming stubborn, resistant, and unwilling to listen to God’s guidance. It’s like refusing to bend towards him. Not hearing my words: This is the key part. God is saying he's told them something terrible – something that will cause pain and destruction. What does it mean for the city? The verse suggests a devastating outcome: Destruction: The city will be destroyed physically, possibly by fire or other disasters. Suffering: The people of the city will experience immense suffering, hardship, and loss. Judgment: It’s not just about destruction; it's about God's judgment on their wickedness and refusal to listen to him. Important Note: This is a very intense passage, often interpreted as a foreshadowing of God’s ultimate punishment for sin. It speaks to the seriousness of disobedience and the consequences of rejecting God’s will. In short, Jeremiah 19:15 warns about the dangers of resisting God's guidance and promises that those who refuse to listen will face severe consequences. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from this passage? Discuss what this verse might symbolize in a broader context (like the story of Noah)?