Definition: For thus saith the LORD touching Shallum the son of Josiah king of Judah, which reigned instead of Josiah his father, which went forth out of this place; He shall not return thither any more:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 22:11. It's a really important and somewhat unsettling passage. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God is deliberately sending someone back to a specific place – Shallum – who was ruling instead of his father, Josiah. It’s a very strong statement about God's judgment and the consequences of disobedience. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “For thus saith the LORD touching Shallum…” : This is a dramatic opening. It tells us that God is speaking directly to the king of Judah, specifically addressing him named Shallum. “…the son of Josiah king of Judah…” : This confirms who Shallum is – he’s the son of Josiah, which means he's the one who was previously king of Judah. "...which reigned instead of Josiah his father..." : This is the core of the verse. Shallum was replacing Josiah as king. He was ruling in exile and away from his family. "...which went forth out of this place;" : This is a crucial phrase. It means that Shallum’s actions – his rule – were moving away from the rightful line of succession and from the established kingdom of Judah. It suggests he was disrupting the natural order. “He shall not return thither any more:” This is the chilling part. God has made it clear that Shallum will never return to his position as king. He’s been banished and removed from his throne. What does this mean for us? This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of disobedience, rebellion against God's leadership, and the consequences of straying from righteous path. It speaks to: Divine Justice: God’s justice is being served – he's punishing those who deviate from his plan. The Importance of Obedience: It highlights how important it is to follow God's instructions and stay on the right course. A Broken Kingdom: It suggests that Judah was experiencing a period of instability and ruin because of Shallum’s rule. Important Note: The text itself doesn’t fully explain why God would send someone back, but it emphasizes the severity of the situation. It's a powerful verse that speaks to God’s sovereignty and his commitment to upholding his laws. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you an example of how this verse might be used in a story or metaphor?