Definition: And, behold, all the women that are left in the king of Judah’s house [shall be] brought forth to the king of Babylon’s princes, and those [women] shall say, Thy friends have set thee on, and have prevailed against thee: thy feet are sunk in the mire, [and] they are turned away back.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 38:22. It's a really dramatic and unsettling passage about a terrible situation in ancient Judah. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: King of Judah is Facing a Crisis: The verse comes after King Josiah has been trying to do good and reform his kingdom. But, something terrible happens – the women of Judah are being brought before King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon. They’re Being Forced to Speak Out: These women are being forced to speak against King Josiah. They're essentially saying that he has been tricked or manipulated and that his judgment is wrong. They’re Being Left Behind: The key part is that these women are being abandoned – left behind and alone. They’re Trapped in a Mire: The imagery here is powerful. "Mire" means a swampy, dark, and treacherous place. This suggests they've been trapped, overwhelmed, and facing a hopeless situation. Turned Away Back: Finally, the women are being told to turn away – to abandon their support for him, to show that he is not strong enough. What it’s Saying (The Message): Jeremiah is warning about a very dangerous and spiritually corrupt kingdom. It's saying that Judah was failing to follow God’s laws and was allowing wickedness and pride to take over. These women, acting as messengers, are exposing this failure to King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon – who ruled over them. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse is a warning about the dangers of: Pride and Self-Reliance: It highlights that Judah was becoming so focused on its own power that it lost its way in following God's guidance. Ignoring Divine Law: The verses suggests that ignoring God’s laws and commandments led to this situation. The Consequences of Disobedience: It signifies a significant consequence for the kingdom, as these women are being used as a tool to deliver judgment upon Judah. Important Note: It’s crucial to remember this is a historical account rooted in ancient texts. The imagery and message have been interpreted through a lens of understanding the religious and political context of the time. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Discuss the historical context (what was happening in Judah at this time)? Explore the possible meaning or symbolism of the "mire" imagery?