Definition: The king of Babylon hath heard the report of them, and his hands waxed feeble: anguish took hold of him, [and] pangs as of a woman in travail.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 50:43. It's a really powerful and dramatic passage about the downfall of Babylon. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jeremiah is telling us that Babylon – a very powerful city – has learned about the Israelites (and their faith) being safe and thriving under God’s protection. Babylon was once a major center of power, but now, because of this knowledge, its strength is weakening. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “The king of Babylon hath heard the report…” – This means Babylon knows what happened. It’s not a secret; it's been discovered. “…his hands waxed feeble…” – Think of it like a muscle weakening. Babylon's power and influence are starting to diminish. “Anguish took hold of him…” - This is the key part. Babylon is experiencing intense, overwhelming fear and distress. It’s not just a little worry; it's a deep, crippling panic. “[and] pangs as of a woman in travail.” – This is where the image comes in. It’s like a really intense labor or pain. Imagine a woman going through a very difficult birth – that kind of pain and struggle. It suggests Babylon is experiencing a terrible, overwhelming crisis. Overall Meaning: Jeremiah 50:43 paints a picture of immense devastation for Babylon. It's not just about physical destruction; it’s about spiritual ruin and a loss of power. It’s a sign that God is working to bring about a time of restoration and deliverance for His people, even if it means a painful and terrible outcome for those who have been powerful and dominant. Important Note: This verse often gets misinterpreted as a prophecy of Babylon’s complete destruction. However, the more accurate understanding is that it's a warning – a lament about the rise and fall of power and the importance of faithfulness to God. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that I can help answer? For example: Are you curious about its historical context? Would you like me to explain it in a different way?