Definition: And he caused [it] to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water:

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Jonah 3:7. It’s a really important and surprising passage in the Bible because it challenges our assumptions about God’s justice and mercy. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Jonah was sent out to the city of Nineveh – a place that had been spared from judgment for centuries. Jonah was instructed to preach to them, telling them about the devastation they were about to experience if they didn't repent (turn back) and acknowledge God’s punishment. What Happened Next: Jonah disobeyed God's command. He ran away into the sea! God then sent a storm to pull him under. But God, in His mercy, miraculously saved Jonah and brought him back to shore. The Verse Explained: “And he caused [it] to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water:” “He caused it…” : This is a metaphorical way of saying that God initiated this action. He caused something significant to happen. “…to be proclaimed and published…” : God decided to tell the people of Nineveh about their impending doom. “…through the decree of the king and his nobles…” : The king and his leaders (the government officials) were involved in making this announcement. It wasn’t just God speaking; human action was part of it. “Saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water:” : This is the key part! God is telling them to stop everything – animals, people, anything – to avoid experiencing the consequences of their sin (which was causing God's wrath). They need to stop feeding and drinking. What it Means - The Big Picture: This verse is a powerful statement about God’s judgment and His willingness to forgive even when people are defiant. It suggests: God’s Justice: He doesn’t just punish bad things; He also takes action to correct them, even if that action involves forcing people to stop doing something harmful. Mercy & Grace: God's mercy is so great that He allows for a situation where people are about to suffer greatly, but then chooses to rescue them. It shows that His love isn’t limited to just punishing wrongdoing. In short, the verse is a dramatic reminder that God's justice can be surprisingly gentle. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Discuss its symbolism or relevance in modern times?