Definition: Behold, I [am] against thee, O destroying mountain, saith the LORD, which destroyest all the earth: and I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and roll thee down from the rocks, and will make thee a burnt mountain.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 51:25. It’s a really powerful and dramatic passage about God's anger and plan. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is intensely furious with the destruction of Mount Zion – a holy city built by Judah. He’s saying he will actively destroy this mountain, making it unusable and ultimately worthless. He’s going to use his power to move it down from its rocky base. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Jeremiah 51:25” : This is the verse itself – a specific section of a larger story in the Old Testament. “Behold, I am against thee…” : This is God’s opening statement – he's directly confronting the Mount Zion. It’s a strong declaration of his will. “…O destroying mountain, saith the LORD…” : He's identifying who is causing the problem. The “destroying mountain” refers to Mount Zion, which was a significant religious center in Judah. "...which destroyest all the earth…” : This highlights the HUGE impact of this destruction. It’s not just about destroying a single place; it's going to have devastating consequences for the entire world. It suggests a global catastrophe. “and I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and roll thee down from the rocks…” : This is the action God plans to take. He’s using his power – stretching out his “hand” – to move the mountain. He intends to push it down. "...and will make thee a burnt mountain.” : This is the result . The mountain won't be beautiful or pristine anymore; it will be transformed into something that looks like a charred, ruined landscape. It’s a symbolic representation of destruction and devastation. What does this verse mean in a broader sense? This passage is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of the rise of Assyria – a powerful empire that would eventually conquer and destroy Judah. It's a warning about the dangers of pride, rebellion, and ignoring God’s judgment. Important Note: The context of Jeremiah 51:25 is complex. It’s part of a larger story involving a rebellion against God and a devastating war. However, it’s often seen as a powerful expression of God's righteous wrath and his determination to protect His people. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss the historical context? Connect it to other biblical stories?