Definition: Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, unto all that are carried away captives, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse. It’s a really powerful and somewhat dramatic one! Here's an explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God’s plan for those who are being held captive – meaning they’re being kept away from their home or rightful place. It’s a message of hope and restoration. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Thus saith the LORD…”: This means God is speaking directly to him/herself, but in this case, it's a statement of authority and judgment. “…of hosts”: "Hosts" refers to a large group – like a nation or people. This suggests a significant number of people are being affected. “…unto all that are carried away…”: This is the core of the verse. "Carried away" means exiled or separated . It’s referring to people who have been taken from their home, often due to war, oppression, or disobedience. “…from Jerusalem unto Babylon”: This is where it gets interesting! Jerusalem was the capital of Israel and a very important city for God. Babylon was a powerful kingdom in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). So, God is sending these people away from Jerusalem to Babylon as a consequence of their actions or choices. What does this mean practically? This verse isn't about punishment; it’s about reversal . It’s about a judgment that God will make for those who have been set apart from their rightful place. It suggests a time when God will bring about a restoration – a return to the original, right place where they belong. Important Note: The Bible often uses figurative language here. The "capture" isn't necessarily literal captivity in the way we might think of it today. It’s more symbolic, representing spiritual bondage and separation from God's favor. In short, this verse speaks of God’s judgment on those who have been exiled or separated from his people, but also promises a future restoration. --- Would you like me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the meaning of a specific symbol connected to this verse (like a boat)?