Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 34 - Verse 18

This verse from the Bible talks about God's judgment against those who have broken their covenant with Him. In this specific instance, it refers to a covenant where two parties would pass between the pieces of a sacrificed animal, symbolizing the seriousness of their agreement. God is stating that those who did not uphold their end of the covenant will face consequences for their actions. The cutting of the calf in twain and passing between its parts was a common practice in ancient times to seal agreements, and breaking such an agreement was considered a grave betrayal. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring one's commitments, both to God and to others. It teaches us about the principles of faithfulness and the repercussions of turning away from our promises.

In this passage, the focus is on the consequences of breaking a covenant with God. The act of cutting a calf in two and passing between the parts was a common ritual in the ancient Near East to seal a covenant. In this case, the covenant was between God and the people of Israel. By breaking this covenant, the offenders were essentially rejecting their relationship with God and disobeying His commands. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the seriousness of keeping promises and following God's laws. The word 'transgressed' in this context means to violate or go against the covenant with God. The use of 'before me' highlights the fact that God is a witness to all agreements and will hold individuals accountable for their actions. Therefore, the passage serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's word.