Definition: The sea is come up upon Babylon: she is covered with the multitude of the waves thereof.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 51:42 together! It’s a really powerful and dramatic passage. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: This verse comes after the Israelites are being captured by the Babylonians. The Babylonians were a powerful, militaristic empire that had been ruling much of Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) for a long time. They were incredibly wealthy and powerful, but they weren’t very religious. What's Happening in the Verse? “The sea is come up upon Babylon…” – This means the sea, which has been calm and peaceful for a while, suddenly starts to swell and rise dramatically. It's like a huge wave is coming. “…she is covered with the multitude of the waves thereof.” – This is where it gets really striking. The sea isn’t just rising; it’s completely covering the city of Babylon. “The multitude” refers to a massive, overwhelming crowd – thousands and thousands of people! “Waves thereof” means enormous, powerful waves. What Does It Mean? This verse is essentially a symbolic representation of a devastating invasion and destruction. Here’s what it suggests: God’s Judgment: Jeremiah was writing during a time of intense political turmoil and rebellion in Israel. This verse is seen as a sign that God is actively punishing the Babylonians for their wickedness and oppression. It's a direct expression of God’s displeasure with them. The Power of God: It shows how God can unleash his power to overcome even the most powerful empires. He doesn’t just cause the sea to rise, he transforms it into something overwhelming. Overall Significance: This verse is a vivid image of a catastrophic event – a massive wave crashing down on Babylon. It emphasizes God's justice, his ability to punish evil, and the devastating consequences that can result from rebellion against him. It’s a powerful message about the potential for destruction when people stray from God’s path. Do you want me to: Explain another part of Jeremiah 51? Discuss the historical context of this verse? Or maybe you have another Bible passage you'd like me to explain?