Definition: For, lo, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel and Judah, saith the LORD: and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 30:3. It's a pretty serious message about God’s plan for Israel and Judah. Here’s a simplified explanation: Basically, it means: God is going to restore Israel and Judah back to the land they were given by God in the beginning. He’s saying he’ll bring them back to what they had before – their ancestral homeland. Let's unpack it further: “For, lo” : This means "it is" or "it has come." It’s a way of emphasizing that this is an important event that’s about to happen. “Sayeth the LORD” : God is speaking directly to us through the prophet Jeremiah. “The days come…” : This refers to a long period of time – likely many years – and it's about to start happening. “…that I will bring again…” : God intends to restore something that has been lost or damaged. “…the captivity of my people Israel” : This means restoring the Israelites, specifically those who are considered "captives" in a sense – perhaps due to their rebellion or wandering. "...and Judah” : This refers to the Southern Kingdom of Israel, which is often seen as a more rebellious and divided branch of the larger Israel nation. “… saith the LORD” : God is speaking clearly and deliberately. “And I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers…” : This is the core of the message – God intends for them to go back to the land they were originally given by God. “…and they shall possess it” : This means they'll have a new life, ownership, and prosperity in that land again. What’s the big takeaway? It's a promise of restoration and a return to their ancestral homeland. It speaks of a time when God will restore his people back to their rightful place. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a prophecy of a future, possibly a period of rebuilding and renewal. However, it’s also important to remember that this was written in a very difficult time for Israel, and the message carries a significant weight of hope and promise. --- Do you want me to explain anything in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Discuss the context of this verse within the larger Old Testament narrative? Explain what "captivity" might mean in this context? Talk about the significance of the land itself?