If so be they will hearken, and turn every man from his evil way, that I may repent me of the evil, which I purpose to do unto them because of the evil of their doings.
Maybe they will listen and each person will turn away from their evil ways, so that I might change my mind about the disaster I plan to bring on them because of their evil actions.
God is saying He hopes people will listen and change their ways so He can hold back the judgment He planned because of their wrongdoing.
📚 Historical Context
Jeremiah was a prophet in ancient Judah during the late 7th century BC, a time when the nation was deeply involved in idolatry and social injustice, leading to God's warnings of impending judgment from invading powers like Babylon. In this verse, Jeremiah is delivering a message in the temple court, urging the people to listen to God and repent to avoid the disaster that God had threatened due to their persistent sins. This reflects God's consistent pattern in the Old Testament of offering mercy if His people would turn back to Him.
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