Definition: Then the city was broken up, and all the men of war fled, and went forth out of the city by night by the way of the gate between the two walls, which [was] by the kingâs garden; (now the Chaldeans [were] by the city round about:) and they went by the way of the plain.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 52:7. It’s a really important and dramatic passage in the Bible that tells us about a massive attack on Jerusalem. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Situation: Jeremiah is Warning: The verse comes from a prophecy given by Jeremiah, who was essentially warning God about a terrible threat to Jerusalem. A Giant Army Attacks: A huge army of Chaldean (Persian) soldiers – they were the enemy at the time – is coming to attack Jerusalem. This wasn’t just a small group; it was a massive, organized force. They're Fleeing: They're fleeing away from the city entirely! This isn't a retreat; they’re abandoning everything. By Night and Secretly: They’re doing this at night, and they're going through a secret passage – a path between the walls of the city. They're avoiding being seen by the people in Jerusalem. What’s Happening – The Context: The King’s Garden: The “king’s garden” refers to the royal gardens surrounding the temple. This was a very important and protected area for the king and his family. The Chaldeans are Around: The Chaldeans were a powerful Persian dynasty who had been repeatedly trying to influence Israel, often through harsh treatment and demanding taxes. They were seen as a threat to the kingdom of Judah. The Plain: They’re going by a relatively open plain – it's a large area where people could see and hear them. In essence, the verse describes a desperate escape orchestrated by the Chaldeans to avoid being caught. It's a dramatic warning about impending doom and a significant turning point in history. Important Note: This is a very difficult passage to understand because it’s filled with symbolism and prophecy. It speaks to the idea that God’s judgment will be severe against those who defy him. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Discuss what this verse might symbolize (like a battle between good and evil)?