Definition: And Zedekiah king of Judah and his princes will I give into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of them that seek their life, and into the hand of the king of Babylon’s army, which are gone up from you.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 34:21. It's a really serious and dramatic statement about the future. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a very bleak scenario – Zedekiah King of Judah being completely controlled by enemies, particularly the Babylonians. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Jeremiah 34:21” : This is a specific passage from the Old Testament Book of Jeremiah. It’s a prophecy (a prediction about the future). “And Zedekiah king of Judah and his princes will I give into the hand of their enemies…” - This means that Zedekiah, the ruler of Judah, would be completely taken over by forces who are actively trying to harm or defeat him. Think of it as being utterly vulnerable. “…and into the hand of their life…” : This is a powerful phrase. It suggests that these enemies won't just attack; they’ll take Zedekiah’s people (his subjects, his family) as well . They’re not just fighting him; they’re targeting everything he holds dear. “…and into the hand of them that seek their life…” : This is a crucial part. It means these enemies are focused on causing Zedekiah’s people suffering and hardship – essentially, to make his kingdom fall. They're driven by malice and a desire for destruction. "...and into the hand of the king of Babylon’s army..." - Finally, this is the most shocking part. It says that the Babylonians, who are powerful and have invaded Judah (likely during the time of Jehoiachin), will be in control. They're coming to take over Zedekiah's kingdom. In simpler terms, it’s saying that Judah is about to be completely conquered by a hostile force – the Babylonians – who are actively working to destroy everything Zedekiah has built. Important Context (Briefly): This verse comes from a time of great crisis for Judah. It's part of a larger prophecy about the downfall of Israel and its ultimate submission to Babylon. Why is this significant? This verse highlights the gravity of the situation and speaks to the potential for devastating consequences when faith and obedience are broken. It’s a warning about the dangers of disobedience and the importance of staying true to God's plan. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes? Discuss what this verse might mean for our lives today (in terms of faith and responsibility)?