Definition: Therefore thus saith the LORD; Ye have not hearkened unto me, in proclaiming liberty, every one to his brother, and every man to his neighbour: behold, I proclaim a liberty for you, saith the LORD, to the sword, to the pestilence, and to the famine; and I will make you to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 34:17. It’s a really powerful and somewhat dramatic message about God’s plan for his people. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: God is saying that he wants to free his people – specifically the Israelites – from all kinds of hardship and oppression. He’s not just talking about physical things like famine or disease; he’s talking about a much more profound kind of freedom. Let's unpack it word by word: “Jeremiah 34:17 Therefore thus saith the LORD” : This is God speaking directly to us, confirming what he has just said. It’s a declaration from him. “Ye have not hearkened unto me, in proclaiming liberty, every one to his brother, and every man to his neighbour:” This is the core of the message. "Hearkened" means listened. God is saying we haven't been listening to him . He’s pointing out that we haven’t been sharing the news of freedom with everyone around us – not just our immediate family, but also our neighbors and even strangers. It’s a call to action. “Behold, I proclaim a liberty for you, saith the LORD” : This is a powerful declaration of God's intention. He’s saying he is giving us this liberty. “to the sword, to the pestilence, and to the famine;” This describes the kinds of hardships God wants to remove us from. It’s not just about bad weather or illness – it’s about things that can cause immense suffering. “and I will make you to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.” This is the most dramatic part. It means that God intends for everyone in the world, from the smallest villages to the largest empires, to experience this freedom. He wants us to be free everywhere! What's it really about? This verse speaks to a time of great upheaval and potential danger for Israel. It’s a message of hope and protection – God is preparing them for a period of intense pressure and hardship that will ultimately lead to their liberation. It’s a reminder that God is actively involved in the world and wants to protect his people. Important Note: This verse isn't necessarily about us being freed in a literal sense. It speaks to a larger, divine plan for the entire world to experience freedom from oppression. --- Do you want me to explain anything in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Discuss the context of this verse in the Old Testament? Explore why it’s considered a significant part of the prophetic books? Compare this verse to other similar passages from the Bible?