Definition: Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took him out: and the king asked him secretly in his house, and said, Is there [any] word from the LORD? And Jeremiah said, There is: for, said he, thou shalt be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Jeremiah 37:17. It’s a really dramatic and unsettling part of the book. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Jeremiah is a prophet who’s been warned by God to tell Zedekiah, the king of Judah, that he's going to be punished for his wickedness. The king is desperately trying to stop Jeremiah from revealing this warning. What Happened Next: Zedekiah Sends His Men: Zedekiah sends his guards and messengers to force Jeremiah out of his house. This shows how much he’s being threatened. The King Asks a Crucial Question: Zedekiah's king, who is incredibly worried about the repercussions, asks Jeremiah directly: "Is there any word from the LORD?" Jeremiah Answers with a Promise: Jeremiah responds with a very strong and hopeful statement: “There is: for, said he, thou shalt be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon.” What Does It Mean? This verse paints a picture of a devastating future. Here’s a breakdown of what it suggests: “There is” – It's Not Just a Chance: Jeremiah isn’t saying this is a random occurrence. He’s saying God knows he will be delivered. This is a very significant declaration. "Thou shalt be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon." - This is the core message. The King of Babylon (a powerful and often oppressive empire) is prophesied to intervene and deliver Zedekiah. It’s a clear indication that he's about to be overthrown and imprisoned. Important Context: Zedekiah’s Wickedness: The verse comes after Zedekiah has been involved in numerous acts of corruption and abuse of power, which God views as a sign of his displeasure. God’s Judgment: This is a direct consequence of Zedekiah's actions. God is actively choosing to punish him. Overall Significance: This passage is a powerful warning about the consequences of sin and disobedience. It highlights God’s sovereignty – His absolute control over events. It speaks to the idea that even when we try our best to hide, God will ultimately reveal his judgment. --- Do you want me to explain any particular aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like a deeper look at: The context of Jeremiah's warnings? The significance of Babylon as a symbol of evil?