Definition: So they shall bring out all thy wives and thy children to the Chaldeans: and thou shalt not escape out of their hand, but shalt be taken by the hand of the king of Babylon: and thou shalt cause this city to be burned with fire.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 38:23. It's a really serious and dramatic passage about God’s judgment on Judah. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: What it says: “So they shall bring out all thy wives and thy children to the Chaldeans: and thou shalt not escape out of their hand, but shalt be taken by the hand of the king of Babylon: and thou shalt cause this city to be burned with fire.” Here’s a breakdown of what it means: “So they shall bring out all thy wives and thy children…” : This is the core of the message. God is telling Judah (the nation of Israel) that he's going to punish them severely. He’s asking them to completely remove their families – women and children – and bring them to Babylon. “…to the Chaldeans” : Babylon was a powerful city in ancient Mesopotamia (now part of Iraq). God is calling them to bring these people specifically to Babylon. It's a clear message of judgment. “And thou shalt not escape out of their hand…” : This is a crucial point. God isn’t just asking them to stay; he’s saying they are completely under control and unable to leave. He’s giving them absolute dominion over these people. “…but shalt be taken by the hand of the king of Babylon” : This is where it gets really unsettling. The King of Babylon is portrayed as a powerful and ruthless ruler. God is saying that he will control them, and they will be under his command. “And thou shalt cause this city to be burned with fire.” : This is the most terrifying part. The entire city of Judah – the nation – is instructed to be destroyed by fire! This isn't just a random act; it’s a deliberate and devastating punishment for their sins. What’s the big takeaway? This verse speaks about a time of great crisis for Israel, and God is using a dramatic event – bringing these people to Babylon – as a way to demonstrate his displeasure with them and to ultimately lead them to repentance and restoration. It's a warning about the consequences of disobedience and a call for repentance. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted in a very negative light, but it’s important to remember that it comes from a place of divine judgment. It wasn’t meant to be a happy story; it was a powerful expression of God's righteous anger against a nation that had strayed from his path. Do you want me to: Explain this verse further in more detail? Discuss the historical context of this event? Talk about the significance of Babylon as a symbol of evil?