Definition: And when he was in the gate of Benjamin, a captain of the ward [was] there, whose name [was] Irijah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Hananiah; and he took Jeremiah the prophet, saying, Thou fallest away to the Chaldeans.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 37:13. It’s a really dramatic and unsettling passage about a man named Irijah who is trying to stop Jeremiah from going somewhere. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Jeremiah is speaking to a leader. The verse describes Jeremiah being questioned by a powerful figure – likely a high-ranking official or leader – and being told he’s straying away from his duty. Irijah is the one who stops him. Irijah is identified as a man named Irijah, who was previously in charge of the ward (a group of people) at the gate of Benjamin. Benjamin is a specific area or region in Judah. He says, “Thou fallest away to the Chaldeans.” This is the crucial part. Irijah tells Jeremiah he's urging him to go to "the Chaldeans." What does that mean? The Chaldecs: The Chaldecs were a group of people living in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) during ancient times. They were known for their wealth, power, and often brutal rule. They were considered enemies of Israel. “Fall away” – meaning to abandon or leave. Irijah is essentially saying that Jeremiah is abandoning his duty, his responsibilities, and his path of righteousness. He’s choosing a dangerous, potentially destructive course. The Overall Meaning & Context: This verse paints a picture of a man who is deeply troubled and concerned about Jeremiah’s actions. It suggests: A Threat to Israel: Irijah is warning Jeremiah that he's on a path that could harm or even destroy the nation of Judah (the region he’s in). Moral Conflict: The verse highlights a conflict between Jeremiah’s duty and the potential consequences of his choices. It suggests a deep moral struggle within him. Important Note: The context of this verse is significant because it's part of a larger story about Jeremiah's exile and the challenges he faces. It shows that even powerful leaders can be troubled by the actions of their people. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss what this verse might symbolize in a broader biblical context (like the struggle between good and evil)?