Definition: Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Take these evidences, this evidence of the purchase, both which is sealed, and this evidence which is open; and put them in an earthen vessel, that they may continue many days.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 32:14. It’s a pretty poetic and symbolic passage about preparing something for a future time. Here's a breakdown in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially saying that God wants to prepare something – perhaps a future, significant event or outcome – with specific “evidence” or proof of its existence. It’s like setting the stage for something big to happen. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Thus saith the LORD of hosts…” : This is just a fancy way of saying "God speaks." It emphasizes that this is from a very powerful and authoritative source. “…the God of Israel” : This clarifies who is speaking – we’re talking about God, specifically the leader of Israel. “Take these evidences, this evidence of the purchase…” : This is the core of the verse. "Evidence" means proof or something that shows something is real. “Purchases” refers to a transaction or agreement – like a deal or a promise. So, God wants to see and know about these things. “…both which is sealed, and this evidence which is open…” : This is where it gets a little more figurative. It’s talking about two different types of “evidence.” “Which is sealed” : This refers to something that's already been established or promised – like a covenant, an agreement, or a promise. It’s the existing part. “This evidence which is open…” : This refers to things that are still happening and being revealed – it could be a process, a situation, or even a future event itself. “…and put them in an earthen vessel…” : This is a crucial part. God isn’t just showing these things; he's protecting them. He’s putting them inside something – like a container - to keep them safe and secure for a long time. An "earthly vessel" suggests something that can be used and protected, but will eventually decay or change. What does it mean in the bigger picture? This is often interpreted as a preparation for a future time when God’s plan is fully revealed and realized. It's about God actively working towards his purpose, even if we don’t see the full result immediately. It suggests a long-term, deliberate process. Important Note: The verse is written in a very symbolic way – it's not meant to be taken literally. The imagery of the earthen vessel helps us understand that God’s plan is important and enduring, even if it doesn’t show itself immediately. --- To help me explain this further or answer more specific questions, could you tell me: What specifically are you interested in learning about this verse? (e.g., its symbolism, historical context, etc.)