Definition: And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this incredibly complex verse from Revelation 20:9. It’s a really rich and symbolic passage, so we need to approach it with some understanding. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: This verse describes the final judgment of all people after death. It speaks about a massive event – fire descending from heaven – that takes place as believers are released from their earthly suffering. Let's unpack each part: “And they went up on the breadth of the earth…” : "Breadth" means "wide-open" or “covering.” This refers to a vast, expansive area – essentially all of humanity. It’s not just about physical space, but also about the entire world and its inhabitants. “…and compassed the camp of the saints about…” : "Camp" is a symbolic gathering place for believers. The word “compassed” means to gather or surround. This suggests that God is bringing together all those who have faith in Jesus Christ. “And the beloved city: ” : The "beloved city" is a powerful metaphor. It’s not a literal city, but rather represents the Church – the community of believers who have been saved by God through Jesus Christ. It signifies the culmination of God's plan for salvation. “and fire came down from heaven…” : This immediately establishes a dramatic and intense event. Fire is often associated with divine judgment, purification, and ultimately, eternal life. “…and devoured them.” : This is the shocking part! The fire consumed – destroyed – all those who were in that camp. It’s not just a simple burning; it's a complete annihilation. So, what does this mean? The verse speaks of a final judgment where God’s righteous people are released from their earthly suffering and are brought into eternal life with him. It’s a powerful image of the ultimate triumph of good over evil. Important Considerations & Interpretations: Not Just About Punishment: It's crucial to understand this isn't about punishment for wrongdoing in the present. It's about the end of human suffering and the restoration of all believers. Symbolic, Not Literal: The "fire" is often interpreted as a cleansing fire that removes imperfection and death from the world. A Promise of Eternity: The verse is part of a larger prophecy in Revelation about the end times. It promises a future where all believers will be reunited with God forever. In short, this verse describes a grand finale – a complete destruction of those who have faith in Jesus Christ, signifying eternal life and victory for those who are saved. --- Disclaimer: I’ve provided an explanation based on common interpretations of biblical passages. Different theological perspectives can offer varying understandings of the meaning of this verse. Would you like me to: Explain another part of Revelation? Discuss a specific interpretation of this verse?