Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 38 - Verse 21

When examining the verse "But if thou refuse to go forth, this is the word that the LORD hath shewed me," it is crucial to understand the context in which it was spoken. In this verse, the speaker is relaying a message from the LORD to a person who is hesitant or unwilling to follow a command or directive. The phrase "if thou refuse to go forth" implies a sense of disobedience or resistance to what has been asked. The mention of "the word that the LORD hath shewed me" suggests that the speaker is acting as a messenger of God, delivering a message that has been revealed to them. In essence, this verse serves as a warning or a reminder that there are consequences for not heeding the word of the LORD. It conveys the importance of obedience and the potential repercussions of refusing to follow divine guidance.

When exploring the theological interpretation of the verse 'But if thou refuse to go forth, this is the word that the LORD hath shewed me:', it is important to consider the context in which it was written. This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah, a prophet who was called by God to deliver messages of warning and restoration to the people of Israel. In this particular verse, Jeremiah is relaying a message from the Lord to the people, urging them to listen and obey. The word 'refuse' is significant as it conveys the idea of willfully choosing to disobey God's commands. By refusing to go forth as instructed, the people are rejecting the guidance and direction of God, ultimately leading to consequences. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience in the eyes of God. Through word studies, scholars have examined the original language of the verse to gain deeper insights into the nuances of the text, helping to illuminate the message that the Lord intended to convey to His people.