Definition: The mighty men of Babylon have forborn to fight, they have remained in [their] holds: their might hath failed; they became as women: they have burned her dwellingplaces; her bars are broken.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 51:30. It’s a really powerful and dramatic passage about the downfall of Babylon. Here's a simplified explanation: What it means in plain English: “The mighty men of Babylon have been steadfast in their defenses, refusing to fight. They’ve become like women – they’ve burned down their homes and broken their walls.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: "Jeremiah 51:30” : This is a specific section of the Old Testament book of Jeremiah. It's a record of events leading up to a significant battle. “The mighty men of Babylon…” : This refers to the Babylonian army, which was incredibly powerful and formidable at the time. They were known for their strength and organization. “…have forborn to fight” : This means they’ve deliberately chosen not to engage in war. They're actively avoiding conflict. “they have remained in [their] holds” : "Holds" refers to their fortified cities, strongholds, or positions of power. They’re staying put and refusing to move. “their might hath failed” : This is a crucial part – their strength and ability to conquer has completely vanished. It's like a powerful engine sputtering out. “they became as women” : This is the shocking part. The Babylonians are now behaving in ways that are almost unrecognizable – they’re acting like women! They’re vulnerable, weak, and seemingly helpless. “they have burned her dwellingplaces” : This means they've destroyed the homes and places of worship for the Israelites. It was a deliberate act of aggression. “her bars are broken” : This is a metaphor – the walls and defenses of their cities have been shattered, making them vulnerable to attack. The overall message: This verse paints a picture of utter defeat and devastation. Babylon’s power has crumbled because they've chosen not to fight, become weak, and exhibited a disturbing lack of discipline. It's a stark warning about the consequences of resisting God’s will. Important Context (briefly): Jeremiah 51 is a prophecy about the impending destruction of Babylon. This verse is often interpreted as a sign that Babylon was on the verge of falling and that God would ultimately punish them. --- Do you want me to: Explain any particular part in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes? Discuss what this verse might symbolize (e.g., a lack of faith, the consequences of rebellion)?