Definition: With thee also will I break in pieces man and woman; and with thee will I break in pieces old and young; and with thee will I break in pieces the young man and the maid;

Explanation: Okay, let’s unpack this verse from Jeremiah 51:22. It's a really powerful and disturbing passage about violence and destruction. Here’s a breakdown of what it means in simple terms: The Basic Situation: The Context: This verse comes out of a massive conflict during the time Israel was being exiled by Babylon. It’s happening just before the final destruction of Jerusalem. The Threat: Jeremiah, a prophet, is telling God that he will personally destroy all the people of Israel – including their leaders, warriors, and even their children. What it Says Literally: “With thee also will I break in pieces man and woman; and with thee will I break in pieces old and young; and with thee will I break in pieces the young man and the maid.” This describes a brutal massacre. It's saying that Jeremiah is going to systematically kill everyone – men, women, children – all of them. What it Means – Beyond the Literal: This verse isn’t just about physical violence. It speaks to: A Total Destruction: The word "break in pieces" means to destroy completely, utterly. It's not a casual killing; it’s a deliberate and complete annihilation. Justice and God’s Wrath: This verse is a direct consequence of God’s anger at Israel’s disobedience and rebellion against him. It’s a demonstration of God’s power and justice being unleashed. God is punishing those who have strayed from his path. A Symbolic Act: Some theologians believe this verse represents a symbolic act of judgment – a complete cleansing of the nation, wiping away all traces of their wickedness and shame. Important Note: This is a very harsh and disturbing passage. It’s important to remember that it describes a horrific event and reflects a deeply painful moment in biblical history. In short, Jeremiah 51:22 is a terrifying declaration of God's wrath against Israel, promising complete destruction. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? (e.g., the symbolism behind it?) Compare it to other stories or events in the Bible? Provide some context about the time period?