Definition: To hearken to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I sent unto you, both rising up early, and sending [them], but ye have not hearkened;
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 26:5. It's a really important part of understanding a challenging situation in the Old Testament. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Situation: Jeremiah was a prophet who warned about a time when people would be angry and rebellious against God. He sent prophets to try and persuade them to follow God's will. But, the people ignored his messages. What the Verse Says – A Chain of Events: This verse describes a pattern: “To hearken to the words of my servants” : Jeremiah was telling these prophets specifically to listen to him. He was giving them a message of warning and instruction. “whom I sent unto you, both rising up early, and sending [them]” : He’d already sent these prophets out to try and convince people to obey. “but ye have not hearkened.” : This is the crucial part. The people didn't listen . They didn't respond to his message or follow his guidance. What it Means – A Warning & a Plea: This verse is a serious warning, and it’s about a pattern of behavior that Jeremiah felt was happening with the people. It suggests: Disobedience & Rebellion: The people were refusing to obey God's laws and commands. Jeremiah’s Frustration: Jeremiah was deeply disappointed and frustrated by this lack of obedience. He felt like his message was being ignored. In a nutshell, the verse warns that the people are deliberately rejecting God's guidance, and it sets the stage for a difficult situation to come. Why is this important? This verse is often seen as a foreshadowing of events in the Old Testament, particularly concerning the rise of Israelite rebellion against God. It’s a reminder that disobedience can have consequences, and that God's message must be heard and obeyed. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Talk about the context of this passage in the Old Testament? Or, do you have any other questions about this verse?