Definition: For through the anger of the LORD it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, till he had cast them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Jeremiah 52:3. It’s a really important part of understanding a pivotal moment in biblical history. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse describes a very bad situation that happened in Jerusalem and Judah when Zedekiah the king became defiant. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “For through the anger of the LORD…” – This is the key. The word "anger" here means intense displeasure or rage. It wasn’t just a mild disagreement; this was God's direct reaction to something he found wrong. “…it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah…” – This tells us where this anger happened: Jerusalem, the capital of Judea (a region in what is now Israel), and the people who lived there. “till he had cast them out from his presence…” - This is a HUGE phrase. "Cast them out" means to completely reject or exclude someone – essentially, to be banished from God's favor. It’s not just a simple disagreement; it's a deliberate act of rebellion against God’s authority. “that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon.” – This is what happened because of this anger. Zedekiah, who was King of Judah, started to disobey and defy the king of Babylon (a powerful kingdom in Mesopotamia). So, putting it all together: God’s intense anger towards Judah caused Zedekiah to act like a rebel against his own king. It's like when someone breaks a rule – God is angry about that, and it leads to trouble. Why is this significant? This event happened during a time of great political tension in the ancient Near East. It’s often seen as a warning about the dangers of disobedience and rebellion against God's authority. It set the stage for the downfall of Judah under Babylonian rule. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these concepts further? Provide more context around this event in biblical history?