Definition: Flee ye, turn back, dwell deep, O inhabitants of Dedan; for I will bring the calamity of Esau upon him, the time [that] I will visit him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 49:8. It's a pretty intense and dramatic prophecy about the future. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially saying that God is going to punish a specific group of people – the inhabitants of Dedan (which is a region near Jerusalem) – with terrible consequences. He intends to bring a significant disaster upon them, and he’ll be visiting them at some point in the future. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Flee ye…” : This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a command. People should run away from danger. “…turn back…” : This means to stop and change direction, to avoid the impending doom. “Dwell deep…” : This suggests a retreat, a hiding place. It implies a sense of being hidden or escaping. “O inhabitants of Dedan…” : This identifies the people who are in danger – specifically, the people living in the region near Jerusalem. “…for I will bring the calamity of Esau upon him…” : This is the core of the warning. The verse uses a figure of speech called "Esau." Esau was a powerful and rebellious figure in the story of Jacob and his brothers. This verse suggests that God intends to inflict a great punishment on this group of people, mirroring the actions of Esau, who defied God and was exiled. “the time [that] I will visit him.” : This is a crucial part. It means that God’s judgment isn't just happening now ; it’s going to be a long-term event, a period of intense suffering and possibly even destruction. He intends to return to this region at some point in the future to deliver his punishment. Overall Meaning & Context: Jeremiah 49:8 is a very bleak prophecy about a devastating conflict and exile. It suggests that God is actively working to punish these people for their sins, potentially leading to widespread destruction and displacement. It’s often interpreted as a sign of impending judgment and divine wrath. Important Note: This verse is part of a larger prophetic book in the Old Testament. Prophets often use vivid imagery and prophecies to warn about future events, sometimes with a sense of urgency. --- Do you want me to: Explain any particular aspect of this verse in more detail? Compare it to other Bible stories or themes? Discuss the historical context surrounding this prophecy?