Definition: So Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces, and all the people, obeyed not the voice of the LORD, to dwell in the land of Judah.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 43:4. It’s a really important part of a story about a time of great trouble in Israel. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse describes a serious failure to listen to God's guidance. Let's unpack it: "Jeremiah 43..." : This refers to a specific prophecy written by Jeremiah, a prophet for the Jewish people during a time of great crisis. "...and all the captains of the forces..." : This means everyone in charge – military leaders, kings, and rulers – were refusing to listen to God’s commands. "...and all the people..." : It also includes the common people, who were not listening either. "obedience not the voice of the LORD..." : This is the key part. “Obedience” means following what God tells you to do. This verse says they didn't listen to God’s instructions. "...to dwell in the land of Judah." : This is where it gets serious. The land of Judah, which is a significant area in Israel, was facing a terrible problem – it was becoming a place of sin and wickedness. It was a place that God had warned them against. So, what's happening? Jeremiah is telling us that these leaders were ignoring God’s warnings and the instructions he gave them. This caused a situation where they weren't following God's plan for his people – and it led to a very difficult time for Israel. It was like a big failure to follow what was right and good. Why is this important? This verse is often seen as a warning about the dangers of disobedience and the importance of listening to God’s guidance, especially when it comes to following His commands. It highlights that even powerful people can make bad choices if they don't listen to God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from this passage? Give you a little more context about the situation in ancient Israel? Or, perhaps answer a specific question about this verse?