Definition: Because of the wrath of the LORD it shall not be inhabited, but it shall be wholly desolate: every one that goeth by Babylon shall be astonished, and hiss at all her plagues.
Explanation: Okay, letās break down this verse from Jeremiah 50:13. It's a really powerful and dramatic statement about the future of Babylon. Hereās what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a complete destruction of Babylon ā it will be utterly ruined and desolate. Itās not just a simple fire or a war; itās a total annihilation. Let's unpack the parts: āBecause of the wrath of the LORDā : This is the key part. "Wrath" means intense anger, fury, and punishment. The Lord (God) is sending out his anger on Babylon. It suggests a very serious and righteous judgment. āit shall not be inhabitedā : This means Babylon will not be a place for people to live or dwell. Itās being abandoned. ābut it shall be wholly desolateā : This is the core of the verse. It's a completely empty and barren place ā nothing will ever be built there again. āevery one that goeth by Babylon shall be astonishedā : This means people who pass by (travel through) Babylon will be amazed, shocked, and likely frightened by its destruction. āand hiss at all her plaguesā : āHissesā suggests a feeling of anger and resentment. Babylon is expressing this anger and bitterness towards Godās judgment. It's like a very loud, angry reaction to whatās happening. What it means on a deeper level: This verse speaks about Godās ultimate justice being executed against a place that has been evil and defiant. Itās a clear message of divine punishment for sin and disobedience. It represents a complete turning away from God and a consequence of rejecting his will. In short, the verse predicts a catastrophic event ā the destruction of Babylon ā because of God's righteous anger. Important Note: This is a very Old Testament passage, and its meaning has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. Itās important to understand the historical context when looking at biblical prophecies. --- Do you want me to: Explain it further? Discuss the historical background of this verse? Connect it to a specific event or story in biblical history?