Definition: Thus shall ye say every one to his neighbour, and every one to his brother, What hath the LORD answered? and, What hath the LORD spoken?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that passage from Jeremiah 23:35. It’s a really interesting and somewhat mysterious verse! Here's my explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about re-evaluating our relationship with God and acknowledging His judgment. It's saying that God has already spoken (or revealed) something terrible, and now it’s time for us to listen to what He has said. Let's unpack it word by word: “Thus shall ye say every one to his neighbour…” – This means everyone should be aware of the consequences God is bringing about. It’s a call to share this knowledge with others. “…and every one to his brother…” – It's not just about talking to people outside of our circle, but also to those we’re close to - our siblings, friends, and loved ones. “What hath the LORD answered?” – This is the key question. "Answering" refers to God’s judgment or punishment. “And, What hath the LORD spoken?” – This is a rhetorical question, meaning it's asking for the specific words of God's judgment. So, what does it all mean? Jeremiah is telling us that God has already announced something terrible – a great disaster and loss. He’s essentially saying: "You need to understand the consequences of this, and you need to acknowledge them." It suggests a sense of responsibility - we are now aware of God's plan for our world and must respond with awareness and perhaps repentance. Important Context: This verse comes from a time of great upheaval in Israel. The nation was facing famine, political turmoil, and a growing sense of despair. Jeremiah was warning about the coming destruction and urging people to change their ways to avoid suffering. In short, it’s a call to be aware of God's judgment and to consider how we should respond to it. --- To help me explain it even better for you , could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand about this verse? (e.g., its historical context, its meaning, or a particular interpretation?)