Definition: Neither shall ye build house, nor sow seed, nor plant vineyard, nor have [any]: but all your days ye shall dwell in tents; that ye may live many days in the land where ye [be] strangers.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 35:7. It’s a pretty interesting and symbolic passage about God’s plan for Israel after the Babylonian exile. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says: “Don’t build houses, plant crops, or have any kind of farming – just stay in tents and live in this land as strangers.” Let’s unpack that a little further: “Neither shall ye build house…” : This refers to not building new homes. It's about returning to the way things were before the exile. “…nor sow seed…” : This means stopping planting crops. It’s about returning to the land God gave them as a promise. “…nor plant vineyard…” : Similar to the house, this signifies stopping farming and cultivating land. “…nor have [any]:” : This is a crucial part – it's not about just leaving behind possessions. It means they must completely leave behind their belongings and way of life. “that ye may live many days in the land where ye [be] strangers.” : This is the key takeaway. “Strangers” refers to the Israelites who were exiled from Babylon. It’s saying that by staying in tents, they can endure for a long time – essentially, they'll be able to survive and rebuild their lives in this new land. The Big Picture: Jeremiah is telling God that Israel needs to return to the land they were given as a promise. It’s about a return to the way things were before a terrible time, but with the understanding that God will guide them through it and allow them to endure for a long time. Why is this important? This verse represents a hope for restoration and rebuilding after a difficult time. It suggests a focus on living in harmony with God’s plan, even when things are challenging. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Give you a little background about the context of Jeremiah 35?