Definition: Did Hezekiah king of Judah and all Judah put him at all to death? did he not fear the LORD, and besought the LORD, and the LORD repented him of the evil which he had pronounced against them? Thus might we procure great evil against our souls.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Jeremiah 26:19. It’s a really important and unsettling passage about a king and his actions. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core of the Verse: “Jeremiah 26:19 says that King Hezekiah, and all of Judah, conspired to kill him. But he wasn't just angry; he began to pray to God and plead for forgiveness. He even tried to find a way to do terrible things against his own people – something truly evil.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Did Hezekiah king of Judah and all Judah put him at all to death?” This is the shocking part. It suggests a deliberate plan to kill Hezekiah, and perhaps the entire population of Judah. It implies a serious and coordinated effort. “did he not fear the LORD?” This is crucial. The verse emphasizes that Hezekiah didn’t fear God. This is significant because it shows a lack of respect for divine authority. “and besought the LORD, and the LORD repented him of the evil which he had pronounced against them?” This is where the story gets deeper. Hezekiah pleaded with God to forgive him. Hezekiah had spoken out against Judah, declaring that they were wicked and deserving of punishment. He asked for mercy. “Thus might we procure great evil against our souls.” This is the chilling part. The verse implies that by acting in this way – by plotting revenge and seeking to harm Judah – they (Hezekiah’s followers) would be doomed to do terrible, devastating things against themselves. It's a warning about the potential consequences of evil actions. What does it mean practically? This passage is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of: Uncontrolled Anger: It highlights the importance of controlling anger and resentment, especially when it leads to destructive actions. Disrespect for Authority: It suggests that ignoring or disobeying God’s authority can have serious repercussions. The Consequences of Evil Intent: It emphasizes that evil intentions, even if seemingly small at first, can lead to profound and devastating consequences. Important Note: This verse is often used as a symbolic warning rather than a literal account of a specific event. It’s about the potential for evil to arise from disobedience and disrespect. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss its context within the larger story of Jeremiah’s book? Connect it to other biblical stories or teachings?