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Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 14 - Verse 16

14:16
And the people to whom they prophesy shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and the sword; and they shall have none to bury them, them, their wives, nor their sons, nor their daughters: for I will pour their wickedness upon them.

Meaning

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is warning the people of Jerusalem about the consequences of their wickedness. He predicts that those who follow false prophets and continue in their sinful ways will face a harsh fate. The people who listen to these false prophets will suffer greatly during the impending famine and wars that are to come. They will be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem, with no one to bury them - not even their loved ones. This severe punishment is a result of their refusal to turn away from their sinful ways and seek forgiveness from God. Jeremiah conveys the message that God will not tolerate wickedness and disobedience, and that those who do not heed his warnings will face the consequences of their actions. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of repentance and turning towards righteousness in order to avoid the wrath of God.

Theological Overview

This verse from the book of Jeremiah portrays a grim picture of the consequences of the false prophets' actions. When the people listen to these deceitful prophecies, they will face dire circumstances. The phrase "cast out in the streets of Jerusalem" implies a public display of shame and rejection. The mention of famine and sword emphasizes the suffering and destruction that will come upon those who heed the false prophets. The lack of proper burial for the people, their wives, sons, and daughters underscores the severity of the punishment; they will be left to rot in the streets, a stark contrast to a proper burial which was considered important in Jewish tradition. The reason for this punishment is made clear - their wickedness will be poured upon them, showing that God's judgement is both just and severe. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of discerning true prophets from false ones and the consequences that come from following lies and deceit.

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