Why do we sit still? assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the defenced cities, and let us be silent there: for the LORD our God hath put us to silence, and given us water of gall to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD.
Why are we just sitting here doing nothing? Let's gather together and go into the fortified cities, and let's be quiet there. The LORD our God has silenced us and given us bitter, poisonous water to drink because we have sinned against the LORD.
The people realize they need to flee to safety because God is punishing them with suffering for their disobedience.
📚 Historical Context
This verse comes during Jeremiah's ministry before the Babylonian invasion of Judah (around 600-586 BC). The people are beginning to recognize that their military defeats and hardships are divine judgment for their idolatry and rebellion against God. The 'defenced cities' refers to fortified towns where they hoped to find protection from invading armies.
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