Definition: And I will make drunk her princes, and her wise [men], her captains, and her rulers, and her mighty men: and they shall sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake, saith the King, whose name [is] the LORD of hosts.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 51:57. It’s a really powerful and dramatic statement about God’s judgment. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is going to completely incapacitate and paralyze those who are leading the Israelite army during a major battle – specifically, during the time of the Babylonian siege. He’s intentionally making them unable to think, act, or even move. Let's unpack it word-by-word: “And I will make drunk her princes…” - This means God is going to cause those in charge of the army – the princes, officers, and leaders – to become incredibly intoxicated with alcohol. “…her wise men…” - This refers to the advisors and strategists who are crucial for planning the battle. “…her captains…” - The commanders leading the troops. “…and her mighty men…” - This covers the soldiers themselves, those who fight in the battle. The Crucial Part: “And they shall sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake…” – This is the most important part. God is instructing them to enter a deep, permanent slumber. He’s saying they will be completely unconscious and unable to react to anything. It’s like a frozen state of being. “Saith the King, whose name [is] the LORD of hosts.” – This is a very important detail. "The King" refers to God himself. The phrase "whose name is the Lord of hosts" emphasizes that this isn't just about a single person but a divine authority – God’s ultimate power and control. What’s the Purpose? This verse is designed to overwhelm the enemy, making it impossible for them to fight effectively. It’s a dramatic example of God’s power and his intention to protect His people through utter devastation. In essence, this verse describes a complete and absolute shutdown of the opposing forces – a frozen state of war. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific event in the Bible? (e.g., The Siege of Jerusalem?) Discuss its symbolism or meaning beyond just the literal event?