Definition: And afterward, saith the LORD, I will deliver Zedekiah king of Judah, and his servants, and the people, and such as are left in this city from the pestilence, from the sword, and from the famine, into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of those that seek their life: and he shall smite them with the edge of the sword; he shall not spare them, neither have pity, nor have mercy.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 21:7. It's a really powerful and dramatic passage about God’s judgment on a city. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Jeremiah is writing about a terrible time coming to Jerusalem – a time of great hardship and destruction. He predicts that Zedekiah, the king of Judah, will be hit by a devastating plague (a sickness) and a famine. After this, God’s plan is to exile the entire population of Jerusalem into Babylon. Let's unpack the key parts: "And afterward, saith the LORD..." – This is Jeremiah speaking directly to God, acknowledging that this is a divine command. "...I will deliver Zedekiah king of Judah, and his servants, and the people, and such as are left in this city from the pestilence, from the sword, and from the famine..." - This describes a massive disaster unfolding. Jeremiah is saying God will actively remove the people of Jerusalem – including the king, his officials, their families, and everyone else who remains. He’s talking about a complete exile. "...into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon..." - This is the crucial part. Nebuchadnezzar was a powerful king in ancient Babylon. God has chosen him to execute this judgment. Think of him as a ruthless, powerful enforcer. "...and into the hand of their enemies..." - This emphasizes that this isn’t just about punishing the people of Jerusalem; it's also about punishing those who attack or threaten them. It’s a warning about potential dangers beyond the city walls. "...and into the hand of those that seek their life." – This is a very unsettling phrase. It suggests that God is deliberately targeting anyone who might try to harm the people of Jerusalem, even if they don't know they are being targeted. The Tone and Significance: This verse is incredibly serious and conveys a sense of overwhelming judgment. It’s a stark warning about the potential for terrible consequences when God’s wrath is unleashed. It highlights that God is actively working to punish those who defy him. Important Note: The text also suggests this punishment won't be merciful or compassionate, it will be harsh and focused on inflicting suffering. In short, Jeremiah 21:7 describes a catastrophic event where God will utterly destroy the people of Jerusalem, leaving them completely exiled to Babylon. --- Do you want me to: Explain any particular part in more detail? Compare this verse to other stories about God’s judgment? Discuss the context of this passage in the Old Testament?