This verse in Jeremiah 44:20 is a transition, setting the stage for Jeremiah to deliver a prophetic message specifically to the people who had just responded to him. Let's break it down:
"Then Jeremiah said to all the people...": This emphasizes that Jeremiah is addressing a large group.
"...to the men, and to the women...": This highlights that both men and women are included in the audience. This is significant because the following verses reveal that women were heavily involved in the worship of other gods.
"...even to all the people who had given him an answer...": This is the crucial part. It clarifies that Jeremiah is specifically responding to a group of people who had already spoken to him. This implies a previous interaction or dialogue. It's important to read the preceding verses to understand the context of their response. In Jeremiah 44:15-19, the people defend their practice of burning incense to other gods (especially the Queen of Heaven). They argue that they were more prosperous when they did so, and that their misfortune started when they stopped.
"...saying,": This is a simple introductory word indicating that Jeremiah is about to speak.
In summary, this verse means:
Jeremiah is about to give a direct response to the people (men and women), who had defended their idolatrous practices by claiming they were better off when they worshipped other gods. He is specifically addressing those who had voiced that opinion. The verse sets up a prophetic rebuke and warning from Jeremiah based on their stated beliefs. This verse prepares the reader for a direct confrontation between Jeremiah and those who refused to acknowledge Yahweh as their sole God.
This verse in Jeremiah 44:20 is a transition, setting the stage for Jeremiah to deliver a prophetic message specifically to the people who had just responded to him. Let's break it down:
"Then Jeremiah said to all the people...": This emphasizes that Jeremiah is addressing a large group.
"...to the men, and to the women...": This highlights that both men and women are included in the audience. This is significant because the following verses reveal that women were heavily involved in the worship of other gods.
"...even to all the people who had given him an answer...": This is the crucial part. It clarifies that Jeremiah is specifically responding to a group of people who had already spoken to him. This implies a previous interaction or dialogue. It's important to read the preceding verses to understand the context of their response. In Jeremiah 44:15-19, the people defend their practice of burning incense to other gods (especially the Queen of Heaven). They argue that they were more prosperous when they did so, and that their misfortune started when they stopped.
"...saying,": This is a simple introductory word indicating that Jeremiah is about to speak.
In summary, this verse means:
Jeremiah is about to give a direct response to the people (men and women), who had defended their idolatrous practices by claiming they were better off when they worshipped other gods. He is specifically addressing those who had voiced that opinion. The verse sets up a prophetic rebuke and warning from Jeremiah based on their stated beliefs. This verse prepares the reader for a direct confrontation between Jeremiah and those who refused to acknowledge Yahweh as their sole God.
