Definition: Therefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon Judah and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem all the evil that I have pronounced against them: because I have spoken unto them, but they have not heard; and I have called unto them, but they have not answered.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 35:17. It’s a really important and sobering passage about God's plan for the future of Israel. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Message: God is sending a very serious punishment to Judah (a region in Israel) and Jerusalem – essentially, a lot of hardship and destruction. He’s calling out to them, but they’re ignoring his message. Let's unpack it word by word: “Jeremiah 35:17 Therefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts…” This is just a formal introduction – it's a direct quote from Jeremiah. It establishes that this is a serious declaration from God. “…the God of Israel…” This tells us who’s speaking – it’s God, specifically the leader of Israel. “Behold, I will bring upon Judah and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem all the evil that I have pronounced against them…” This is the big part. "Evil" in this context isn't just a simple bad feeling. It means severe punishment – devastation, loss, suffering, and likely death. The verse specifically mentions both Judah (the region of Israel) and Jerusalem (the city). “because I have spoken unto them, but they have not heard…” This is a crucial part. God has called to Judah and Jerusalem, but they’re not listening . He’s tried to warn them about the dangers ahead. “and I have called unto them, but they have not answered.” This emphasizes that God's message of warning hasn't been received or understood by those he is addressing. What does this mean in a broader sense? This verse speaks to a long-term prophecy about the future of Israel. It’s often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of ignoring God's word and rejecting his guidance. It suggests that God will unleash terrible consequences on those who refuse to listen to him. Important Context (Briefly) Jeremiah 35:17 is part of a larger story in the Old Testament. It describes God’s plan to cleanse Israel of its evil ways and restore it through a period of judgment and purification. It's often seen as a prelude to the Babylonian exile, when the Israelites are forced to leave their homeland. In short, this verse is a dramatic declaration of God's justice and his intention to punish those who refuse to hear his message. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Talk about the historical context of this passage? Explore what this verse might be teaching us about faith and obedience?