Definition: They shall be carried to Babylon, and there shall they be until the day that I visit them, saith the LORD; then will I bring them up, and restore them to this place.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 27:22. It's a pretty dramatic and important part of the Old Testament. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about God’s judgment on a nation – specifically, the Israelites – and his plan for their future. It essentially says God is going to forcefully remove them from their home land. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “They shall be carried to Babylon…” : This refers to the ancient city of Babylon, which was a powerful and wealthy kingdom in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). It’s a symbol of power and corruption. “…and there shall they be until the day that I visit them…” : This is the core of the verse. God is saying he will not leave these people for long. He intends to stay with them, even if it means enduring hardship. “Saith the LORD…” : This is God speaking directly to us, making his word clear. What does “until the day that I visit them” mean? This is where it gets interesting. It’s a promise of future action. It's not just about a single event; it’s about a long period . God intends to: 1. Force Removal: He will actively drive these people out of their land and homes. 2. Wait for His Return: After they are removed, God will intervene. He will bring them back to their original place – back to the land where they were originally established. The Significance & Context This verse is part of a larger prophecy about Israel's exile. It’s often interpreted as a foreshadowing of the Babylonian conquest and the eventual loss of the Israelites' homeland. It highlights God’s unwavering commitment to his people even during times of great difficulty. In short, this verse describes God's plan for a devastating event – the removal of Israel from their land – but also includes a promise of his ultimate return and restoration. --- Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/read?search=Jeremiah+27%2C22](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/read?search=Jeremiah+27%2C22) Wikipedia - Jeremiah 27:22: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremiah_27:22](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremiah_27:22) Do you have any specific questions about this verse that I can help you with? For example, would you like to know: What does it mean in a broader context of the Old Testament? How is this verse related to other prophecies?