Definition: Then shalt thou say, O LORD, thou hast spoken against this place, to cut it off, that none shall remain in it, neither man nor beast, but that it shall be desolate for ever.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 51:62. It’s a really powerful and dramatic statement about the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem during the Babylonian exile. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says: “Jeremiah is saying that God has already spoken against this place – specifically, this temple – and he wants to make it completely empty and desolate forever.” Let’s unpack it a little further: “Then shalt thou say…” : This is Jeremiah's voice, and he’s declaring something important. “…O LORD, thou hast spoken against this place…” : This means that God has already judged this place – the Temple – to be cursed. He’s acknowledging that it was a problem and that God is angry with it. “…to cut it off, that none shall remain in it…” : This is the core of the verse. God wants to completely eliminate the Temple. He doesn't want any people, animals, or anything else left there – no one at all. "...neither man nor beast..." : He’s emphasizing that this destruction will be total and complete; it won’t just affect people; everything will be gone. It's a complete and utter removal. "...but that it shall be desolate for ever.” : This is the final, devastating part. The Temple will be forever empty, abandoned, and devoid of life. It will be a place of nothingness. What’s the context? This verse comes from a time when the Babylonian Empire was conquering Judah. The Temple in Jerusalem was the center of Jewish worship and a symbol of God's presence with His people. It was a major target for the Babylonians, who wanted to destroy it and punish the Israelites. Jeremiah is essentially saying that God’s judgment was complete; he will not allow the Temple to be rebuilt or used again. In short, it's a very strong statement of divine wrath and a declaration of utter destruction. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Jeremiah? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Explore what this verse might mean in terms of God’s perspective on Israel's situation?