Definition: Cut off the sower from Babylon, and him that handleth the sickle in the time of harvest: for fear of the oppressing sword they shall turn every one to his people, and they shall flee every one to his own land.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a pretty dramatic message about impending judgment and a shift in focus. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Core Idea: This verse is telling us that God is going to punish a specific place – Babylon – with a very harsh consequence. He's saying that the person or group who is responsible for this punishment will be forced to change their behavior and move away. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Jeremiah 50:16” : This refers to a specific event in ancient history – a prophecy given by Jeremiah, a prophet of God, about the destruction of Babylon. “Cut off the sower from Babylon…” : The “sower” is a metaphor for someone who plants seeds. The "cut off" means they will be prevented from continuing their work. It’s like someone is being blocked from doing something important. “…and him that handleth the sickle in the time of harvest:” This describes someone who is preparing to sow new seeds (planting). The “sickle” symbolizes a tool for gathering and cultivating crops – working with the land. It's someone actively involved in planting. “For fear of the oppressing sword they shall turn every one to his people…” : This is the most important part. God is warning that this person or group will be attacked. “Oppressing sword” means a powerful, potentially destructive force will come and harm them. It's not just random violence; it’s a deliberate attack intended to take away their livelihood and their way of life. They’ll be forced to focus on their own people , meaning they’ll prioritize their own community or nation over everyone else. “and they shall flee every one to his own land.” : Finally, this means that the people involved will scatter and leave, seeking refuge in a safe place – essentially fleeing. So, what's the big takeaway? This verse speaks about a period of intense judgment and a shift in focus. God is punishing Babylon because it’s causing harm to the people who are responsible for its prosperity. It’s a warning that those who are leading or controlling a situation – perhaps through greed, injustice, or mismanaging resources – will face consequences because they’re prioritizing their own interests at the expense of others. In simpler terms: "God is punishing a group of people for their actions and will force them to leave their current location to protect themselves." --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific historical event? Discuss the potential meaning or interpretation of the verse from a spiritual perspective?