Definition: For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; I have put a yoke of iron upon the neck of all these nations, that they may serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; and they shall serve him: and I have given him the beasts of the field also.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 28:14. It’s a really significant and dramatic passage in the Bible about God’s plan for the future. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is saying that he (God) is deliberately setting up a system of control and servitude for all nations, specifically for Babylon. He’s essentially declaring that he will use Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, as the focal point of this new system. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “For thus saith the LORD of hosts…” : This is a very formal and authoritative way to start. It means God is speaking directly to us in a powerful way. “…the God of Israel” : This identifies who’s speaking – God Himself. “I have put a yoke of iron upon the neck of all these nations…” : This is the most important part. The “yoke of iron” isn’t just a literal yoke (like a yoke worn on oxen). It represents a powerful, restrictive system of control and servitude. Think of it as being tied down, limited, and under constant management. “…that they may serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon…” : This is the direct consequence of God’s action. Nebuchadnezzar will be the central figure in this new system of control. He'll be the one who demands obedience and serves him. “And I have given him the beasts of the field also.” : This adds a chilling detail. God is giving Nebuchadnezzar control over the agricultural workforce – the farmers, laborers, and animals that support the kingdom. This reinforces the idea of complete control and exploitation. What’s the Big Picture? Jeremiah 28:14 describes a period of intense oppression and exile for Judah (the region encompassing modern-day Israel and Palestine). It's a warning about God’s judgment and a declaration that He will be in charge, using a system of control to ensure the Babylonian Empire's dominance. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a prediction of future events, particularly concerning the rise of Babylon. However, it's also seen as a reflection of God's ultimate plan for Israel’s ultimate destruction and restoration. --- To help me explain further or answer any specific questions you might have, could you tell me: Are you interested in a deeper understanding of the historical context? Do you want to know how this verse relates to other parts of the Bible?