Definition: Thus the slain shall fall in the land of the Chaldeans, and [they that are] thrust through in her streets.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 51:4. It’s a pretty dramatic and terrifying passage about the future destruction of Jerusalem. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a horrific event – a massive massacre – that will happen to the people of Jerusalem when the Chaldeans (a group of foreign rulers from Babylon) attack and conquer the city. It’s predicting a terrible, brutal end for the Jewish people. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Thus the slain shall fall…” – This means that everyone who is killed in the city will be dead. It’s not just soldiers or rebels; everyone will die. “…in the land of the Chaldeans.” – The Chaldeans are a group of foreign rulers, often referred to as Babylonians, and they were known for their oppressive rule and destruction of cities. They were exiled from Egypt and eventually settled in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). “[they that are] thrust through in her streets.” – This is the key part. "Her streets" refers to the walls and streets of Jerusalem. It means everyone will be killed as they run, walk, or otherwise move through the city. It’s a brutal, violent death. What's the context? This verse comes from a time when Judah (the region of modern-day Israel) was under severe threat from the Babylonians. The Babylonians were determined to punish them for their rebellion against God and for disobeying his laws. This verse is a prophetic warning about the coming destruction, emphasizing that this isn’t just a random event; it’s a deliberate act of violence by the Chaldeans. Important Note: The text is very symbolic and poetic. It’s not meant to be taken literally – it's a powerful message of impending doom. In short, Jeremiah 51:4 describes a massive massacre where everyone killed in Jerusalem will be crushed or driven through the streets. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this prophecy within the larger context of the book of Jeremiah? Answer any specific questions you have about the meaning of this passage?