Definition: But if ye say, We will not dwell in this land, neither obey the voice of the LORD your God,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 42:13. It’s a pretty important and somewhat dramatic statement about a difficult situation. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that if you choose to stay in a place and disobey God’s instructions, it will have serious consequences. It’s a warning against disobedience. Let’s unpack it word by word: “But if ye say…” : This immediately shifts the focus from a general statement to a specific situation – you are choosing to stay or disobey. “…We will not dwell in this land…” : "Dwell" means to live and stay in a place. This refers to staying in a specific region, likely Israel, where God has given instructions. Basically, it’s saying you're refusing to follow God’s direction for a particular area. “…nor obey the voice of the LORD your God…” : This is the core of the warning. “The Lord” refers to God himself. "Obey" means to listen and follow what He says. This part emphasizes that you are deliberately ignoring His commands – specifically, the instructions given to you by God. In simpler terms: It’s saying: If you choose to resist God's guidance, even if you say you don’t want to stay or disobey Him, it will lead to problems. What does this verse mean in context? This verse is part of a larger story about the prophet Jeremiah and his warnings during a time of famine and political turmoil in Israel. God was sending him to tell them that they were being misled by their leaders and that they needed to repent (turn back) from their wickedness. Staying in a place and disobeying God's law is seen as a major sin, and it’s presented as a path to disaster. Important Note: This verse isn’t about simple disagreement. It speaks to a deliberate choice to reject God’s will. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that I can help you with? For example, would you like me to: Explain the historical context of Jeremiah 42? Discuss what it might symbolize in a broader theological sense?