Definition: And Babylon shall become heaps, a dwellingplace for dragons, an astonishment, and an hissing, without an inhabitant.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 51:37. It’s a really powerful and dramatic image! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes the complete destruction of Babylon as a place of utter chaos and horror. It’s saying that Babylon will be utterly ruined – become a wasteland, filled with fire, and filled with terrible things. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Jeremiah 51” : This refers to a specific event in the Book of Jeremiah, which was about a major conflict between God and Babylon (a powerful kingdom). “And Babylon shall become heaps…” : This means Babylon will be completely destroyed. Think of it like a massive pile – it’s going to collapse into a huge mass of rubble. “…for heaps…” : This is the key word here. It's not just about destruction; it’s about complete devastation. It’s like a mountain of something terrible. “…a dwellingplace for dragons…” : This is a figurative way of saying Babylon will be filled with unimaginable, terrifying things – creatures that are wild and dangerous. Dragons are often used to represent powerful, destructive forces. “…an astonishment, and an hissing…” : This describes the atmosphere of destruction. It’s not just about physical devastation; it's a feeling of overwhelming fear and horror. “Hissing” suggests a terrible, unpleasant sound – like smoke or fire. “…without an inhabitant.” : This is the final, most shocking part. Babylon will be empty - utterly devoid of people living there. It’ll be a place where nothing can exist. Overall Meaning: The verse paints a picture of complete annihilation and utter chaos. Babylon will be transformed into a horrifying, desolate place – a symbol of God's judgment and the ultimate defeat of evil. Why is this important? This passage highlights God’s power and his desire to punish wickedness. It shows that even the most powerful kingdoms can be brought down by divine justice. It’s a stark reminder of the consequences of sin and rebellion. --- Do you want me to: Explain it in more detail about the context of Jeremiah 51? Connect it to a specific event in biblical history?