Definition: And I will prepare destroyers against thee, every one with his weapons: and they shall cut down thy choice cedars, and cast [them] into the fire.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Jeremiah 22:7. It’s a really powerful and unsettling passage about judgment and punishment. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jeremiah is telling God that He intends to deliberately harm the people of Judah (a region in Israel) with terrible consequences. He's saying he's going to prepare them for a devastating attack. Let’s unpack each part: "And I will prepare destroyers against thee, every one with his weapons:" This is the core of the warning. Jeremiah isn't just saying things might happen; he's declaring that He will actively cause destruction. "Destroyers" means someone who is specifically designed to harm or kill. He’s emphasizing a deliberate and planned attack. “and they shall cut down thy choice cedars, and cast them into the fire.” This is a very vivid metaphor. “Choice Cedars”: This refers to significant, important trees – perhaps those that represent the people of Judah’s prosperity and faith. They were valued for their beauty and significance. "Cut down" : This means to destroy them completely. "Into the fire" : This is a symbolic image. Fire represents judgment, purification, and destruction. The cedars are being burned – symbolically, they’re being taken away or destroyed. Overall Meaning & Context: Jeremiah 22:7 is a deeply troubling prophecy about a period of rebellion and idolatry among the people of Judah under King Josiah. Jeremiah is warning that this rebellion will lead to devastating consequences - including the destruction of important religious symbols and the loss of prosperity. It’s a clear message of impending doom. Important Note: It's crucial to understand this verse within its historical context. The book of Jeremiah was written during a time of intense political turmoil in Judah, and it reflects the growing problems with the king and his people. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Discuss the historical background of this prophecy? Talk about the meaning of the metaphor of fire?