Definition: Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saying, I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 28:2. It's a really significant and dramatic part of biblical history. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God's anger towards King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon after he had enslaved the Jewish people. It’s essentially a declaration of God's punishment for this injustice. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts…” : This tells us who is speaking – God, in his powerful and righteous way. “…the God of Israel” : This clarifies who is speaking - God, specifically focusing on the people of Israel (meaning the Israelites). “…saying, I have broken the yoke…” : “Yoke” here refers to a binding agreement or restriction – like a yoke used for oxen. The “breaking” signifies freeing them from this constraint. “…of the king of Babylon.” : This is the key part. It's saying that God has officially declared that King Nebuchadnezzar II has violated his promise and obligations to the Israelites. He’s essentially stating that he’s been found guilty of a serious transgression. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of tyranny and oppression. It represents a moment when God intervened to protect his people from being ruled unfairly by a powerful foreign king. It's a reminder that even though kings are sometimes seen as powerful, they must always honor God and uphold justice. Important Note: This is a very famous and emotionally charged passage in the Bible. It's important to remember that it’s part of a larger story of exile and a period of hardship for the Jewish people. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this event? Talk about its significance in different interpretations of the Bible?