Thou shewest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them: the Great, the Mighty God, the LORD of hosts, is his name,
You show loving kindness to thousands of people, and you hold children accountable for their fathers' sins that come after them. You are the Great and Mighty God, the LORD of hosts—that is your name.
The writer is declaring that God shows incredible love to countless people, but also holds future generations responsible for inherited sin, because He is the supremely powerful God over all.
📚 Historical Context
This verse comes from Jeremiah's prayer during the siege of Jerusalem by Babylon around 586 BC. Jeremiah had just purchased a field as an act of faith in God's promises, even though the city was about to fall. The prophet is acknowledging both God's mercy and His justice as he wrestles with understanding God's character during this time of national judgment.
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