Definition: Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The broad walls of Babylon shall be utterly broken, and her high gates shall be burned with fire; and the people shall labour in vain, and the folk in the fire, and they shall be weary.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Jeremiah 51:58. It’s a really powerful and dramatic prophecy about the future of Babylon. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a catastrophic event – the destruction of Babylon – and sets the stage for immense hardship and suffering. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Thus saith the LORD of hosts…” - This is a very formal and authoritative way of saying God is speaking. It’s not just a casual statement; it’s a declaration of something significant. “…The broad walls of Babylon shall be utterly broken…” – Babylon was a powerful city, a huge empire, and a center of wealth and power in ancient times. The "walls" here refer to the fortifications, the cities, and the entire political structure of Babylon. It’s saying that it will be completely destroyed. “…and her high gates shall be burned with fire…” – Babylon's gates were prominent landmarks and symbols of its power. Burning them with fire is a very strong image - it symbolizes destruction and utter ruin. “And the people shall labour in vain, and the folk in the fire, and they shall be weary.” - This is the most impactful part. It means: "Labour in vain": The people will do all the work they can, but it won’t matter because everything they do will be destroyed. “The folk in the fire”: This refers to a massive, intense fire that engulfs the city. It's not just a small blaze – it’s a consuming, overwhelming destruction. The people will be trapped and suffer immensely. "They shall be weary": This suggests that the suffering and hardship will be immense, causing exhaustion and despair. Overall Meaning: This verse paints a picture of a complete and utter annihilation of Babylon. It’s a message of judgment and devastation – God is punishing Babylon for its wickedness and defiance. The imagery emphasizes the devastating consequences of sin and rebellion against God. Important Context (Briefly): Jeremiah 51 was written during a time when Babylon had been conquering Judah, causing significant hardship in Israel. This verse is a powerful declaration that God intends to completely destroy Babylon's power and influence. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Connect it to other Bible stories or themes? Give you some historical context about the time it was written?