Definition: Shall I not visit them for these [things]? saith the LORD: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly powerful verse from Jeremiah 9:9. It's a really weighty statement, and it speaks to a profound sense of God’s judgment and his concern for His people. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This passage is about God feeling deeply hurt and angry at a nation that is failing to follow His instructions and doesn’t care for the true ways he wants them to live. He's essentially saying, "I will come back and punish this nation if they continue on their path of wickedness." Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “Shall I not visit them…” : This is a very direct command from God. He’s going to be actively involved in this nation's fate. “Saith the LORD: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?” – This is the core of the verse. “Avenged” means punished severely, often with death or suffering. The Lord is saying he will punish them. What does it mean in simpler terms? It’s a warning from God about the consequences of a nation’s actions. He's not just worried; he's prepared to take action if they continue down a destructive path – a path that ignores His guidance and leads to injustice, immorality, and ultimately, destruction. The Context - Why is this important? This verse comes from a time when Israel was deeply in trouble. They were wandering in idolatry (worshiping false gods) and were experiencing immense suffering. Jeremiah was essentially telling the people that God would not tolerate such behavior. It’s a crucial moment where God showed his displeasure with their choices and set about delivering judgment. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a prediction of future destruction, but it's more nuanced than just predicting a single event. It’s a warning about the potential for serious consequences if a nation continues to reject God’s will. In short, this verse expresses God's deep concern and righteous anger at a nation that is failing to listen to Him and is on a path that leads to harm. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the Bible? Discuss the historical context more deeply? Explore the different interpretations of this verse?