Definition: Israel [is] a scattered sheep; the lions have driven [him] away: first the king of Assyria hath devoured him; and last this Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon hath broken his bones.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 50:17. It’s a really powerful and dramatic statement about Israel's situation. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jeremiah is saying that Israel has been completely lost and abandoned – they’ve been scattered and are now vulnerable to danger. It’s like being lost in a wilderness with no one to help you. Let's unpack the details: “Jeremiah [is] a scattered sheep…” This is a metaphor. Sheep are symbols of Israel, representing their people. Being “scattered” means they’re not together anymore; they've been divided and lost. “…the lions have driven him away…” This refers to a time in the past when God was protecting Israel with powerful forces – like the lions – who were keeping them safe. These lions represented God’s protection. “First the king of Assyria hath devoured him…” This is the key part. The king of Assyria, a powerful empire in ancient times, devoured (destroyed) Israel. This was a brutal and devastating event. It suggests a complete annihilation – they were completely wiped out. “…and last this Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon hath broken his bones.” This is the final blow. Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, a powerful empire in ancient times, broke (destroyed) Israel’s bones and further devastated them. This reinforces the idea of complete destruction. So, putting it all together: Jeremiah 50:17 describes a time when Israel is utterly lost and vulnerable. They've been abandoned by their own people, and now they are facing a powerful enemy – Assyria and Babylon – who have completely destroyed them. It’s a very bleak picture of the future for Israel. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a prophecy about the eventual destruction of Israel, but it's also seen as a message of hope. God promises to ultimately restore Israel, even after this devastating period. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Talk about the context of the verse (when and why it was written)? Connect it to a larger theme in the Bible (like repentance or restoration)?