Definition: I will scatter them also among the heathen, whom neither they nor their fathers have known: and I will send a sword after them, till I have consumed them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 9:16. It's a pretty dramatic and unsettling passage about God’s plan for the future. Here’s a simplified explanation: What it says: “I will scatter them also among the heathen, whom neither they nor their fathers have known: and I will send a sword after them, till I have consumed them.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “I will scatter them also among the heathen…” – This means God is going to actively bring people from all over the world into a state of chaos and disorder. He’s not just letting things happen; he's deliberately choosing to introduce these people to a world that isn't familiar with his message or his plan. “whom neither they nor their fathers have known…” – This is key. It’s talking about a new group of people, completely separate from the established societies and traditions of those who already exist. They’re essentially strangers to God’s covenant (a promise) and his plan for Israel. “…and I will send a sword after them…” – This is where it gets serious. God intends to actively defeat and destroy these new people. He's not just letting them exist; he's using a “sword” – a symbol of judgment and power – to actively pursue them. “…till I have consumed them.” – This means God will continue this process of destruction until he’s completely wiped them out. It implies that his plan is complete, and he’s bringing about the end of everything as it was designed. What's the overall message? This verse paints a picture of a future time when God will: Disrupt established societies: He’ll introduce new groups of people to a world they don’t understand. Create chaos and disorder: He wants to shake things up and make it difficult for existing systems to function. Bring about complete destruction: The ultimate goal is to eliminate these new people, bringing about a final judgment. Important Context (briefly): Jeremiah 9:16 is part of a larger prophecy in the Old Testament. It’s often interpreted as a warning about the rise of idolatry and rebellion against God. It speaks to a time when God will ultimately punish those who reject him and turn away from his ways. In short, it's a vision of God actively working towards the complete destruction of a new group of people, with a focus on judgment and punishment. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event from the Bible? Discuss what the verse might symbolize (beyond just destruction)?