Definition: And lest your heart faint, and ye fear for the rumour that shall be heard in the land; a rumour shall both come [one] year, and after that in [another] year [shall come] a rumour, and violence in the land, ruler against ruler.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 51:46. It’s a really important and sobering passage about judgment and the potential for chaos. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is warning about a period of intense trouble and violence that will follow a significant event – likely related to the invasion of Judah by the enemies of Israel. It’s saying that something bad is going to happen, and it won’t just be a small problem; it’ll be a widespread, ongoing crisis. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And lest your heart faint, and ye fear for the rumour that shall be heard in the land…” – This is the core of the warning. It's asking if someone might feel afraid or worried about what’s coming. The word “lest” means "if only" or "so that." It's a plea to be cautious and not let fear paralyze you. “…a rumour shall both come [one] year, and after that in [another] year [shall come] a rumour, and violence in the land, ruler against ruler.” – This is where it gets more specific. “A rumour shall both come…” – This means rumors (stories or whispers) will start spreading throughout the land. It's not just one isolated story; many rumors are going to be told. “…one year, and after that in [another] year [shall come] a rumour…” - This highlights the fact that these rumours won’t just disappear quickly. They’ll continue to spread for a period of time. “…and violence in the land, ruler against ruler.” – This is the worst part. It predicts that violence (fighting and harm) will become widespread as a result of these rumors. It says this violence will be caused by rulers (leaders) fighting among themselves – possibly due to pride, anger, or other issues. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of the Babylonian exile – the destruction of Jerusalem and the Israelites’ deportation to Babylon. It suggests that God is preparing for a time of conflict and upheaval because of human wickedness. Important Context: Jeremiah 51 was written during a period of intense political turmoil in Judah. The people were divided, and there was a growing threat from neighboring nations. This verse reflects the seriousness of the situation and the potential for disaster. In short, it’s a warning about the dangers of unrestrained fear and gossip, urging us to be mindful of what we say and do, and to seek God's guidance during times of crisis. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Explore how this verse relates to other biblical stories or themes?