Definition: Then he put out the eyes of Zedekiah; and the king of Babylon bound him in chains, and carried him to Babylon, and put him in prison till the day of his death.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 52:11. It’s a really significant and dramatic passage about a devastating event. Here's a simple explanation: Basically, it describes a very harsh punishment for King Zedekiah of Babylon. Here’s the breakdown piece by piece: “Then he put out the eyes of Zedekiah…” – This is the key part. Jeremiah is describing a deliberate act of removing his sight. He was essentially trying to blind him. It wasn't just a simple mistake; it was a specific and forceful action intended to stop him from leading Babylon into war. “…and the king of Babylon bound him in chains…” – This means the Babylonians, after destroying Jerusalem, put Zedekiah behind bars. They used chains to keep him confined. “And carried him to Babylon…” – They took him to Babylon, a city that was already a symbol of Babylonian power and ambition. “…and put him in prison till the day of his death.” - This means he was imprisoned for the rest of his life. He wasn’t released until the end of his days. What's the bigger picture? This verse is part of a larger story about judgment and punishment God has dealt with those who have disobeyed him. It’s a message of divine justice, showing that God will hold accountable those who stray from his path. It speaks to the consequences of sin and rebellion against God's will. In short, it’s a story of a king being punished severely for his actions, demonstrating God’s power and the importance of obedience. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Tell you more about the historical context of this event? Give you some of the theological significance of this passage?