Definition: For, lo, I will raise and cause to come up against Babylon an assembly of great nations from the north country: and they shall set themselves in array against her; from thence she shall be taken: their arrows [shall be] as of a mighty expert man; none shall return in vain.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 50:9. It’s a pretty dramatic and important prophecy about the future. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God is going to punish Babylon – a city in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) – with devastating force. He’s planning to send an army to defeat it. Let’s unpack each part: “For, lo, I will raise and cause to come up against Babylon…” This means God is deliberately causing something terrible to happen to Babylon. It's not a random event; he’s actively setting things in motion. “Raise” suggests a deliberate action – a gathering of forces. “…an assembly of great nations from the north country…” This is where it gets interesting. "North country" refers to countries located north of Babylon. It's not just any single nation, but a group of powerful nations – likely including Egypt, Assyria, and other empires that were dominant at the time. “…and they shall set themselves in array against her…” This describes a military formation – an army ready to attack. “Array” means arranged in lines or formations. “From thence she shall be taken…” This is the key part. "Hence" means then , and it promises that Babylon will be taken by God’s forces. “…their arrows [shall] be as of a mighty expert man…” This emphasizes the power of the attack. “Arrows” are symbolic – representing skilled, focused attacks. The phrase "[shall be] as of a mighty expert man" is a figurative expression highlighting the precision and effectiveness of God’s plan. “None shall return in vain.” This is the most important part! It means that every attack will be successful. No matter how many arrows are fired, they will all hit their target – Babylon. It's a guarantee of victory for God. In simpler terms: Jeremiah 50:9 predicts that God will unleash a devastating military campaign against Babylon, and he’ll utterly destroy it with his forces. It’s a promise of complete triumph for the one who trusts in God. Important Context (Briefly): The Bible describes Babylon as a very powerful and influential city during this time. It was often seen as a symbol of evil and a threat to the entire region. This prophecy is part of a larger series of events in the Old Testament, anticipating God’s ultimate judgment and restoration. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes (like judgment, exile, or restoration)?