Definition: And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, [that] I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the LORD, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 25:12. It's a pretty dramatic prediction about the future, and it speaks to a really significant event – the destruction of Babylon. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse says that God is going to punish Babylon for a long, long time. He’s saying that Babylon will be completely destroyed and left to rot. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And it shall come to pass…” : This is a general statement – it’s predicting something that will happen in the future. “…when seventy years are accomplished…” : This refers to a very long period, roughly 70 years. Think of it as a significant amount of time. “[That] I will punish the king of Babylon…” : This is the core of the verse – God is going to punish Babylon. “Punish” means to make someone suffer or face consequences for their wrongdoings. "...and that nation, saith the LORD, for their iniquity…” : “Iniquity” means "sin" or "evil deeds." This part tells us that Babylon has been practicing evil and wrongdoing for a long time. It’s saying that they've been causing trouble and hurting people. "...and the land of the Chaldeans…” : “Chaldeans” is a Greek name for Babylon, and it refers to the city of Babylon itself – the capital of the Babylonian Empire. God is saying that Babylon will be destroyed . "...and will make it perpetual desolations.” : This is the most powerful part. “Desolations” means destruction or ruin. This verse isn’t just about a temporary setback; it's a lasting, permanent destruction of Babylon and its land. What does this all mean practically? Jeremiah 25:12 describes a cycle of destruction – Babylon will be punished repeatedly over many years. It’s a message of judgment and a warning to the people of Judah (and later, eventually to Israel). It suggests that God is ultimately in control and will bring about justice and retribution for those who stray from His path. Important Note: This verse is part of a larger story in the Old Testament – it’s connected to a period of exile and judgment for the Israelites. It's a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of seeking God's forgiveness and living a righteous life. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Compare it to other prophecies in the Bible? Discuss what this verse might teach us about forgiveness and repentance?