Definition: [Know] that thus saith the LORD of the king that sitteth upon the throne of David, and of all the people that dwelleth in this city, [and] of your brethren that are not gone forth with you into captivity;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 29:16. It's a pretty powerful and slightly dramatic statement about God’s plan for the future. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is saying that He knows exactly what will happen to this city (the city mentioned – likely Jerusalem). And He has a very specific plan for its future, even if it involves separation from the world. Let's unpack each part: “Jeremiah 29:16 [Know]…” : This tells us that God is aware of what’s going to happen. It’s not just a vague thought; he knows . “…that thus saith the LORD of the king that sitteth upon the throne of David, and of all the people that dwelleth in this city, and of your brethren that are not gone forth with you into captivity.” This is the most complex part. Let’s break it down: “the LORD of the king” : This refers to God Himself. He's the ultimate authority and ruler. “…that…” : This signals a statement or promise. “…David’s throne” : David was King of Israel, a very important figure in Jewish history. This suggests that this isn't just about any king; it’s about God's plan for the kingdom of Israel. “…and of all the people that dwelleth in this city…” : This means everyone who lives in Jerusalem, and everyone in surrounding areas, is part of God’s plan. “…and of your brethren that are not gone forth with you into captivity” : This is the crucial phrase. "Gone forth" means “leaving” or “being taken away.” “Captivity” refers to being exiled from their homeland – often meaning being forced to leave and live far away. So, this part says God intends to remove this city from the world, even though it’s still there. Overall Meaning: God is saying that He has a very clear and determined plan for Israel's future. Even though Jerusalem will face challenges, God intends to ultimately remove it from the world – perhaps through exile or other means. It’s a declaration of unwavering faith and a promise of ultimate victory for His kingdom. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a prophecy about the rise and fall of kingdoms and empires. It speaks to God's sovereignty over all things, including human civilizations. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to other Bible stories or themes? Give you a different perspective on the meaning of the verse?