Definition: But the king commanded Jerahmeel the son of Hammelech, and Seraiah the son of Azriel, and Shelemiah the son of Abdeel, to take Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet: but the LORD hid them.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 36:26. It's a really important and somewhat mysterious part of the Old Testament. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse tells us that God deliberately kept two people – Baruch (a scribe), Jeremiah (a prophet) – hidden from the King, David, and the other officials. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Jerahmeel the son of Hammelech…” : This refers to a specific person named Jerahmeel, who was a young man in the king’s court. “Hammelech” is a biblical title for David, the King of Israel. “…Seraiah the son of Azriel…” : Another young man, Seraiah. “…Shelemiah the son of Abdeel…” : A third young man, Shelemiah. “To take Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet:” : This is the key part. It means these three people were specifically assigned a task – to be kept hidden by God. “But the LORD hid them.” : This is the crucial part! God himself intervened, seemingly deliberately choosing not to reveal them to anyone. What's the Significance? This verse is often interpreted as a sign of God’s judgment or displeasure with David and his actions. It suggests that David was behaving immorally, perhaps involving deceit, betrayal, or injustice. Possible Interpretations (There are several theories): Divine Protection: Some believe it's a way for God to protect someone from danger or harm. A Warning: It could be a warning to David about the consequences of his choices. Focus on the Future: The verse might be setting up events that will occur later, emphasizing God’s role in bringing justice and correction. Important Note: This is just one interpretation of this verse. It's a complex passage with layers of meaning, and different people have offered various explanations over time. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss a specific interpretation of this passage?