Definition: At that time shall it be said to this people and to Jerusalem, A dry wind of the high places in the wilderness toward the daughter of my people, not to fan, nor to cleanse,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 4:11. It's a really powerful and unsettling passage about the future of Israel. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse is warning about a devastating period of drought and ruin for Israel. It suggests that God will punish them with a severe lack of water, leading to widespread suffering and destruction. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “At that time shall it be said…” : This tells us this isn’t happening right now , but in the future – a long period away. It’s a prophecy about a significant event. “…to this people and to Jerusalem…” : This focuses on two key groups: “This people” : This refers specifically to Israel, the nation God chose to be blessed. “Jerusalem” : This is the city that was the center of their power and a symbol of their identity. “A dry wind of the high places in the wilderness…” : This is the core image. A "dry wind" suggests a lack of moisture, a lack of life. The “high places in the wilderness” refers to a specific area – likely the desert region near the border of Israel. It’s like a desolate place with little water. “Toward the daughter of my people…” : This is a very important phrase. It means "towards the people God loves most" - specifically, towards the Jewish people. “…not to fan, nor to cleanse” : This is where it gets really significant. It's not about helping them. Instead, God is saying that he will stop any effort to alleviate their suffering. “Not to fan…” : This means He won’t offer them relief, support, or even a little bit of water. He won’t do anything to make things better for them. “…nor to cleanse” : This is the most disturbing part. It means God will not remove the drought, nor will he purify the land. He will leave them to suffer in their misery. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: Jeremiah 4:11 is a stark warning about a period of severe hardship for Israel. It suggests that God's judgment will be swift and brutal if they don’t repent (change their ways) and seek His favor. It's a message of impending doom, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God’s commands and seeking his guidance. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a prediction of a long drought, but it also carries a deeper theological meaning – that God’s judgment is always necessary for those who stray from His path. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of the verse in more detail? Provide context about the book of Jeremiah? Discuss how this verse relates to other biblical stories or themes?