Definition: Then will I cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers, for ever and ever.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 7:7. It’s a really powerful and dramatic statement about God’s judgment. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is saying that He will permanently keep his people in a specific place – the land he gave to their ancestors – forever and ever. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Then will I cause you to dwell…” : This means God intends for the people of Israel (and perhaps other nations) to remain in this particular location, permanently. “…in this place that I gave to your fathers” : This refers back to the land God initially gave to Abraham and his descendants – the Israelites. It’s a deep connection to their history and origin. “for ever and ever” : This is the really striking part. "Forever" means an infinite amount of time. “Ever” emphasizes that this dwelling will last eternally. It's not just for a short period; it’s a state of being. What does it mean in context? This verse comes after Israel has been consistently disobeying God and practicing injustice. It’s a consequence of their rebellion against him. Jeremiah is essentially saying, “Because you have disobeyed me, I will permanently keep you here.” It signifies a time of intense punishment and separation from God’s favor. Important Note: This verse often gets misinterpreted. It's not about permanently being banished – it's about being foreverly kept in a specific place. It speaks to the severity of their sin and the ultimate consequence of their choices. In short, this verse is a declaration of God’s eternal judgment on Israel and a permanent separation from him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Provide more context about Jeremiah 7:7? Discuss the significance of this verse within the larger story of the Old Testament?