Definition: Then rose up certain of the elders of the land, and spake to all the assembly of the people, saying,

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Jeremiah 26:17. It’s a really important part of understanding what happened in ancient Israel during a time of great conflict. Here’s a simple explanation: The Verse Says: “Then rose up certain of the elders of the land, and spake to all the assembly of the people, saying…” What's Happening? This verse describes a group of leaders – the "elders" – speaking to the people. They’re essentially declaring a war. They are announcing that they will not allow God’s laws and instructions to be followed. Let's unpack it: “Then rose up certain of the elders…” - This means these leaders were prominent figures, possibly influential people in the community. They were taking a bold stance. “…and spake to all the assembly of the people…” – This is key! They were addressing everyone in the land – the entire population. It’s a direct plea to the whole community. “saying” - This indicates that they are making a statement or announcement. What was the message? The elders were saying, "We will not follow God's laws! We will break everything he has commanded us to do!" They were essentially signaling a rebellion against God’s authority and the rules set by Moses. Why is this important? This verse is a crucial part of the story of the prophets of Jeremiah. It marks the beginning of a period of intense hostility between God and Israel. It's often considered the start of the “Age of Wrath” in the Old Testament – a time when God was very angry with his people. In short: Jeremiah 26:17 tells us that leaders began to declare war against God’s laws, setting the stage for a major conflict in Israel's history. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you more context about the time period this verse comes from?