Definition: And he shall lead Zedekiah to Babylon, and there shall he be until I visit him, saith the LORD: though ye fight with the Chaldeans, ye shall not prosper?

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Jeremiah 32:5. It’s a really important and dramatic verse that speaks about God’s plan for a devastating future. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is telling Zedekiah, the King of Judah, that He intends to punish him severely. He’s saying that he will be sent to Babylon, and he’ll remain there until God finally decides what to do with Zedekiah. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "And he shall lead Zedekiah..." : This means God is taking action to bring about a specific outcome for Zedekiah. "...to Babylon..." : Babylon was a very important and wealthy city in ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). It was often associated with sin and idolatry, so choosing it as the destination for Zedekiah suggests a significant punishment is coming. "...and there shall he be until I visit him..." : This is the core of the verse. God has a plan to visit Zedekiah. It's not just about punishing him; it’s about a divine judgment and a final encounter. He will remain in Babylon for a while, perhaps even forever, until God decides what to do with him. "Saith the LORD..." : This is God speaking directly to us. It emphasizes that this isn't just an opinion or a suggestion; it’s a definite promise from God. What does it mean practically? This verse highlights several key themes: Divine Justice: God is taking action to punish wrongdoing. A Waiting Game: It suggests a long-term, potentially agonizing period of suffering for Zedekiah. God’s Sovereignty: It emphasizes that God is in control and has his own plan, even when things seem bad. Important Note: The verse doesn't say how God will punish Zedekiah. It simply states that He intends to do so. It’s a powerful message of judgment and the ultimate authority of God. In short, this passage is about God’s plan to bring about a terrible future for Zedekiah through a prolonged period of punishment in Babylon. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Compare it to another Bible story or concept?