Definition: Her cities are a desolation, a dry land, and a wilderness, a land wherein no man dwelleth, neither doth [any] son of man pass thereby.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 51:43. It’s a really powerful and dramatic statement about the situation in Israel during a time of intense conflict. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a completely desolate and barren area – essentially, a wasteland – where all the cities and settlements of Israel are now. It’s so empty that no person, including anyone who was a son of man (meaning an Israelite), is allowed to pass through. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Her cities are a desolation…” : This means the cities themselves are ruined and destroyed – they’re not just damaged; they've been completely wiped out. “…a dry land…” : It’s not just empty space, it's dry . It lacks water and life. "...and a wilderness…" : This evokes a feeling of isolation and abandonment - like a wild, untamed landscape. “…a land wherein no man dwelleth…” : This is the key part. There’s absolutely no human presence – no people living there, not even a single son of man. "...neither doth [any] son of man pass thereby.” : This emphasizes that it's a completely barren and uninhabited area. It suggests a profound lack of life and activity. What does this verse mean ? It’s a dramatic representation of God’s judgment against Israel. Jeremiah is describing a time of utter devastation caused by the Israelites' rebellion, and this verse captures the complete loss of their ability to thrive – both physically and spiritually. It symbolizes a complete destruction and abandonment of the nation. Context & Significance: This verse appears right after Jeremiah describes the destruction of the Tabernacle and the people’s idolatry. It highlights God's absolute power and his determination to punish those who reject him. It’s a moment of intense focus on judgment and restoration. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Jeremiah? Discuss the symbolism behind this image (desolation, wilderness)?