Definition: Thus saith the LORD, This city shall surely be given into the hand of the king of Babylon’s army, which shall take it.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 38:3. It's a really significant and dramatic statement about the future. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is telling Babylon (a powerful empire located in Mesopotamia – modern-day Iraq) that they are going to have control over the city of Jerusalem. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Thus saith the LORD…” : This is a direct quote from the prophet Jeremiah, who was essentially delivering this message to King Jehoiathan. It's a powerful and authoritative voice. “…This city shall surely be given into the hand of the king of Babylon’s army…” : This is the core of the verse. “City” refers to Jerusalem – the capital city of Israel. “Given into the hand of” means that it will be taken over, controlled, or ruled by someone else. What does this mean in a broader sense? This passage has several layers of meaning and is often interpreted as a warning about: Divine Sovereignty: God is clearly in control and actively choosing to punish Babylon. It's not just an accident; it’s a deliberate act by God. The Rise of Evil: It highlights the potential for evil and wickedness to rise and dominate, even within seemingly powerful nations. Judgment and Consequences: The verse speaks about a time of judgment and consequences for those who defy God's will. Important Context (a little background): Jeremiah was exiled to Babylon because he warned against the growing corruption and idolatry in Judah. This verse is essentially a prediction of Babylon’s rise to power and their conquest of Jerusalem. It’s part of a larger story of God's judgment and the eventual restoration of His people. In short, it’s a dramatic declaration that Babylon will control Jerusalem, and this is a message of impending doom delivered by God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context more deeply? Explore different interpretations of this passage?