Definition: But Jeremiah said, They shall not deliver [thee]. Obey, I beseech thee, the voice of the LORD, which I speak unto thee: so it shall be well unto thee, and thy soul shall live.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 38:20. It’s a really powerful and important message about responsibility and obedience. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jeremiah is telling someone – likely a leader or someone entrusted with something important – that they are facing a difficult situation, and God is going to help them. He’s giving them a clear instruction: “You must obey me.” Let's unpack the details: "But Jeremiah said..." : This sets up the scene. Jeremiah is expressing his concern or warning. "...They shall not deliver thee." : This is the core of the message. "Deliver thee" means to be saved, to be protected, or to have a good outcome. It suggests someone is in danger – perhaps facing a terrible fate. "Obey, I beseech thee, the voice of the LORD..." : This emphasizes that Jeremiah isn’t just giving instructions; he's asking for direct obedience . He’s calling for a specific command from God. “The voice of the Lord” refers to God speaking directly to them. "...which I speak unto thee:" : This is a direct address, showing it's a serious message coming from a divine source. "So it shall be well unto thee, and thy soul shall live." : This is the result of obeying this instruction. “Well” means good or favorable. "Thy soul shall live" means to live in peace, safety, and happiness – both physically and spiritually. Overall Meaning & Context: This verse is a warning about the consequences of disobedience. Jeremiah was facing a serious crisis – a prophecy that spoke of a terrible judgment on Judah (the nation of Israel). God is telling him to take action, and he's asking for a specific response - obedience. The verse emphasizes that God’s word carries weight and that following His instructions brings good things – protection, safety, and ultimately, eternal life. In essence, it’s a plea for faithfulness and a promise of reward for doing what is right. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to other parts of the Bible? Give you an example of how this message might have been applied in ancient times?