Definition: And all the princes of the king of Babylon came in, and sat in the middle gate, [even] Nergalsharezer, Samgarnebo, Sarsechim, Rabsaris, Nergalsharezer, Rabmag, with all the residue of the princes of the king of Babylon.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Jeremiah 39:3. It’s a really strange and unsettling passage from the Old Testament, and it’s packed with symbolism. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a massive gathering of Babylonian officials – essentially, representatives from the king of Babylon – who were invited to sit at the center of a specific gate. Let's unpack each part: “And all the princes of the king of Babylon came in…” - This is key. It’s not just any group of people; it's a very significant and powerful delegation from Babylon. “…and sat in the middle gate, [even] Nergalsharezer…” – This is where the strangeness really begins. "Nergalsharezer" is a Hebrew word that roughly translates to "the deep darkness," or “the abyss.” It's often interpreted as a representation of chaos and destruction. The fact that they’re sitting in this gate, suggests a place of power and control. “…Samgarnebo, Sarsechim, Rabsaris, Nergalsharezer, Rabmag…” - These are all names of Babylonian officials – high-ranking administrators and leaders. It's like a royal council. “with all the residue of the princes of the king of Babylon.” - This means they were completely surrounded by these powerful officials. It’s a massive, overwhelming presence. What's the Big Picture? This verse is deeply symbolic and speaks to a terrifying vision of impending doom. It suggests: Babylonian Invasion: The text points toward Babylon’s ambition to conquer Judah (the region encompassing Israel). Destruction: The combination of the “deep darkness” gate, the powerful officials, and the sheer number involved indicates a massive, destructive invasion is coming. Chaos and Rebellion: The imagery evokes a sense of chaos and rebellion – a situation where power is collapsing and things are turning dark. Important Note: It’s crucial to understand that this verse doesn't describe a literal battle or an immediate attack. It’s a premonition – a warning about the future. It’s a sign of impending disaster. In short, this verse describes a powerful delegation from Babylon being invited to sit in a place of significant threat and control, foreshadowing a terrible event. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Compare it to other biblical imagery related to judgment or destruction?