Definition: And the LORD said unto me, The backsliding Israel hath justified herself more than treacherous Judah.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 3:11. It’s a really important and somewhat sobering passage about God’s perspective on Israel's relationship with Him. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is saying that Israel has become too comfortable and self-reliant, to the point where they are actually more likely to stray from His path than Judah. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the LORD said…” : This tells us this isn't just a casual observation; God is speaking directly to him. “…The backsliding Israel hath justified herself more than treacherous Judah.” : This is the core of the verse. Let’s break down “backsliding” and "treacherous": “Backsliding” : This means they've started to go wrong, to move away from what God has taught them. It’s like a gradual decline or mistake. “Justified herself” : This is a strong word – it means they’re believing themselves to be good enough and righteous enough to please Him, rather than recognizing their need for His forgiveness and guidance. They've become self-assured of their own righteousness. "Treacherous Judah" : This refers to Israel, specifically the nation Judah. It suggests they’ve been less faithful to God and have fallen into disobedience. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse speaks to a long history of conflict between God and Israel. It's a warning about: Disobedience: They've ignored God’s laws and commandments. Self-Reliance: They are becoming too dependent on themselves, rather than relying on God for strength and guidance. Loss of Faith: They may be losing their connection to the divine and turning away from Him. Important Note: It's a warning and a call to repentance. God is asking Israel to return to Him and to change their ways before it’s too late. In short, Jeremiah 3:11 warns of a growing tendency for Israel to become self-satisfied and resistant to God's guidance, suggesting they are on a path that could lead to further separation from Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific event or time period in biblical history? Discuss the historical context of this passage?