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Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 40 - Verse 4

40:4
And now, behold, I loose thee this day from the chains which were upon thine hand. If it seem good unto thee to come with me into Babylon, come; and I will look well unto thee: but if it seem ill unto thee to come with me into Babylon, forbear: behold, all the land is before thee: whither it seemeth good and convenient for thee to go, thither go.

Meaning

When considering the verse 'And now, behold, I loose thee this day from the chains which were upon thine hand. If it seem good unto thee to come with me into Babylon, come; and I will look well unto thee: but if it seem ill unto thee to come with me into Babylon, forbear: behold, all the land is before thee: whither it seemeth good and convenient for thee to go, thither go.', we are reminded of the encouragement to make our own choices and exercise our free will. This verse reflects the importance of autonomy and personal agency in decision-making. It highlights the idea that individuals have the freedom to choose their own path and that there are opportunities and possibilities available to them. The verse also emphasizes the importance of considering what is best for oneself, taking into account one's own desires and circumstances. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder that each person has the ability to determine their own journey and make choices that align with their values and aspirations.

Theological Overview

In this verse, we see a powerful display of God's sovereignty and guidance in the lives of His people. As King Cyrus of Persia speaks to an Israelite set free from captivity, he gives him the freedom to choose his path. This reflects the idea that God gives us free will to make choices in our lives. The mention of Babylon, a place synonymous with captivity in the Bible, can be seen as a symbol of the world and its temptations. The verse encourages us to seek God's guidance in our decisions and reminds us that He will always provide for us, no matter where our path may lead. The language used here, particularly the words 'seem good' and 'convenient', emphasizes the importance of discernment and seeking God's will in all that we do. Through studying the theological implications of these words, we can learn to trust in God's plan and follow His direction in our lives.

American Standard Version

And now, behold, I loose thee this day from the chains which are upon thy hand. If it seem good unto thee to come with me into Babylon, come, and I will look well unto thee; but if it seem ill unto thee to come with me into Babylon, forbear: behold, all the land is before thee; whither it seemeth good and right unto thee to go, thither go.
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