Definition: We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: forsake her, and let us go every one into his own country: for her judgment reacheth unto heaven, and is lifted up [even] to the skies.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Jeremiah 51:9. It’s a really powerful and dramatic statement about God’s plan and judgment. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: God is saying that he could have stopped the destruction of Babylon (a major city in Mesopotamia – now part of Iraq) if he had intervened. But, because Babylon was already too far gone, it's reaching up to heaven and being lifted up. It’s a sign of God's displeasure with Babylon and its wicked ways. Let's unpack the parts: “We would have healed Babylon…” : This is the part that suggests a possibility – a chance for good to happen. God could have helped Babylon get better, perhaps even stop the destruction. “…but she is not healed…” : This is the key. The situation isn't improving; it’s getting worse. It's like a wound that hasn’t fully closed. “forsake her, and let us go every one into his own country” : This is the crucial part. God is telling Babylon to leave alone . It means to withdraw from the city and its problems. We are being sent to our own countries to find peace and restoration. “for her judgment reacheth unto heaven, and is lifted up [even] to the skies” : This is the most impactful part. "Judgment" refers to God's punishment or wrath. "Lifted up to the skies" means that this punishment will be seen from above – a grand, visible display of divine power. It’s like a giant, terrifying reminder of what happened. Overall Meaning & Context: Jeremiah 51:9 is a very serious message about God's justice and his willingness to punish evil. It suggests that Babylon’s wickedness was so great that it had become a threat to the entire world . It’s a warning, but also a statement of God's ultimate authority. Think of it like this: Imagine a giant, persistent storm that keeps coming. God says, "This storm is too powerful to ignore. We need to stop it from causing even greater harm." --- Do you want me to: Explain any particular part in more detail? Give you some examples of what this verse might be used to illustrate?