Definition: Go and tell Hananiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Thou hast broken the yokes of wood; but thou shalt make for them yokes of iron.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Jeremiah 28:13. It's a pretty serious message about consequences and justice. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that someone has intentionally damaged the ropes or cords used to restrain animals – specifically, wood – and they are now facing a very harsh punishment. It's a direct warning of wrongdoing. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Jeremiah 28:13” : This is the verse itself, coming from the Book of Jeremiah, which is part of the Old Testament. It’s a specific passage that was read in a very important way. “Go and tell Hananiah…” : This tells us who the message is going to. The messenger is telling Hananiah – a person named Hananiah – something. “…saying, Thus saith the LORD; Thou hast broken the yokes of wood…” : This is the core of the warning. “Yokes of wood” refers to animal ropes or cords. The act of breaking them is what’s wrong. “But thou shalt make for them yokes of iron.” : This is the consequence. It's not just enough to simply stop the damage – they need to be replaced with strong, metal ropes. What does it mean in a bigger picture? This verse speaks to a situation where someone has done something deeply wrong and deliberately damaged something important - in this case, animals. It’s about: Justice: God is showing his justice because he’s punishing the one who has broken the law or violated his will. Punishment for Sin: It's a reminder that sin leads to consequences. Breaking the rules – even something seemingly small – can have serious repercussions. God's Sovereignty: It highlights God’s absolute authority and control over everything. He isn't just passively watching; he is actively intervening and delivering his judgment. Context - Important Background This verse comes from a period of intense conflict in ancient Israel. The book of Jeremiah was used to deliver messages of judgement, and this passage was part of a larger story about the rise of King Josiah. It suggests that Josiah had been involved in a rebellion against God, and God's judgment was coming down upon him. In short: The verse warns about breaking a law or rule deliberately and then demands that the person make things new with stronger, more secure ropes to prevent further harm. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of situations where something similar might happen? Talk about the significance of Jeremiah 28:13 in the context of biblical history?