Definition: Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, of Ahab the son of Kolaiah, and of Zedekiah the son of Maaseiah, which prophesy a lie unto you in my name; Behold, I will deliver them into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon; and he shall slay them before your eyes;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 29:21. It's a really powerful and unsettling passage about God’s plan for Israel. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes God’s intention to punish the people of Israel – specifically, the kings of Judah and Ishmael – for their wickedness and disobedience. It says that God is going to deliver them into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Thus saith the LORD of hosts..." : This sets the scene as a direct address from God himself. It’s a serious and authoritative statement. "...of Ahab the son of Kolaiah, and of Zedekiah the son of Maaseiah..." : These are two specific kings mentioned – Ahab (who was known for his pride and rebellion) and Zedekiah (who was a leader who disobeyed God). "...which prophesy a lie unto you in my name;" : This is the core of the verse. The prophet, Jeremiah, is saying that he (God) is speaking something that’s false or misleading. It's a deliberate attempt to trick people into believing something terrible will happen to them. "Behold, I will deliver them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon..." : This is the crucial part – God is going to actively take control and execute his plan. He’s choosing to send these kings to Babylon. "...and he shall slay them before your eyes;" : This is a horrifying image. It means that Nebuchadnezzar will systematically destroy the entire people of Israel, killing them in their homes, cities, and all their possessions. What's the message? The verse conveys a sense of immense judgment and God’s absolute control. It highlights: God’s Sovereignty: He is actively choosing to punish those who disobey Him. Divine Justice: It speaks to a righteous, albeit harsh, plan of God. Fear and Warning: The verse isn't meant to be interpreted as a comforting message. It serves as a warning about the dangers of disobedience and rebellion against God’s will. Important Note: This is a very difficult passage to understand because it describes a future event that many people find deeply disturbing. It’s a reminder that God can be just, powerful, and ultimately in control of events, even when they seem chaotic or unpredictable. --- To help me explain this verse better for you , could you tell me: What specifically about this verse are you finding confusing? (e.g., the imagery, the language, its connection to other biblical stories?) Are you interested in a deeper understanding of its historical context?