Definition: Slay all her bullocks; let them go down to the slaughter: woe unto them! for their day is come, the time of their visitation.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Jeremiah 50:27. It's a pretty intense and dramatic verse, and it speaks to a very specific and serious situation. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a brutal and devastating punishment for those who are refusing to obey God’s commands. It’s essentially a warning about the consequences of disobedience. Let's unpack each part: “Jeremiah 50:27” : This is the name of the book, which tells us this is a significant and urgent message. “Slay all her bullocks” : This is the core of the verse. “Bullocks” refers to livestock – cattle, pigs, etc. The verb "slay" means to kill. So, it’s saying that the entire herd of animals will be slaughtered. “Let them go down to the slaughter” : This emphasizes the complete and swift nature of the killing. It's not a gradual process; it’s a complete act of violence. “Woe unto them!” : This is a mournful, prophetic phrase – it means “God has forsaken them.” It expresses deep sadness and disappointment for their actions. “The time of their visitation” : This is the key part. "Visitation" refers to God’s judgment or punishment upon those who are not following his will. It's a coming reckoning. What does it mean in terms of context? This verse comes from a very difficult situation in ancient Israel. The nation was facing severe drought and famine. The people were refusing to obey God’s instructions for how to rebuild the temple, which was crucial for religious rituals and worship. Jeremiah is warning them that if they continue this defiance, God will unleash a terrible punishment upon them – a complete loss of everything they have worked for. It's a message of impending doom and judgment. In short: Jeremiah is telling the people to be prepared for a devastating consequence if they don’t heed God's commands. It's a stark warning about the seriousness of disobedience and its potential consequences. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a symbol of widespread destruction – not just physical destruction, but also spiritual ruin. It represents a complete loss of hope and prosperity if people reject God’s guidance. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Connect this verse to other parts of the Bible? Discuss the historical context (when was it written, who wrote it)?