Definition: And the slain of the LORD shall be at that day from [one] end of the earth even unto the [other] end of the earth: they shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried; they shall be dung upon the ground.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 25:33. It's a pretty dramatic and unsettling passage about the final judgment of the world. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse speaks of a catastrophic event – a final, complete destruction of the earth – and describes how those who are saved will be left untouched and undisturbed. Let's unpack each part: “Jeremiah 25:33” : This is the specific passage we’re looking at. It’s from the book of Jeremiah, a prophetic text written by an Israelite prophet. “And the slain of the LORD shall be at that day from [one] end of the earth even unto the [other] end of the earth” : This is the key part. "The slain of the LORD" refers to God’s people – all those who are saved and reconciled with Him through faith in Jesus Christ. “From one end of the earth to the other” means everywhere on Earth. It's a vast, comprehensive statement about the complete destruction of the world. “they shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried; they shall be dung upon the ground.” : This is the consequence of this final judgment. It’s a very bleak picture: Not Lamented: People won't mourn or cry out for their loss. There will be no sorrow or grief. Not Gathered: Their bodies will not be collected in graves. They will simply lie lifeless and undisturbed. Not Buried: Their remains will not be buried, which is a common practice of mourning and remembrance. Crucially, the verse says they will be dung upon the ground . This is a powerful image - it suggests a state of utter desolation and decay, like lifeless matter. It’s a picture of a world stripped bare of its life, its beauty, and its people. It's as if the earth itself is being left to decompose. In essence, this verse paints a picture of a complete and utter destruction of the world, where all who are saved will be left untouched and in a state of nothingness. Why is this significant? This passage is often interpreted as a prophecy about the end times, the final battle between good and evil. It speaks to the ultimate judgment of God's people, and the idea that those who remain after the destruction will be left behind in a desolate state. It’s a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of faith. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss its historical context (when was it written, and why)? Compare it to other biblical passages about judgment or the end times?