Definition: And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; A great eagle with great wings, longwinged, full of feathers, which had divers colours, came unto Lebanon, and took the highest branch of the cedar:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 17:3. It's a pretty dramatic and unsettling passage about a huge bird appearing in Jerusalem. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: A Large Bird Arrives: The verse describes a massive eagle – imagine a giant bird with incredibly long, pointed wings – appearing in the city of Jerusalem. Different Colors and Size: This isn't just any eagle! It’s a huge bird with vibrant colors – “great colours” – and it’s noticeably long-winged. It’s bigger than usual. Taking the Highest Branch: The eagle is specifically focusing on a very tall, prominent branch of a cedar tree. This branch was considered sacred and important to the city. What It Means - A Possible Interpretation (and it's complex!): This verse is often interpreted as a sign of divine judgment and punishment. Here’s how we can understand it: God’s Wrath: The story symbolizes God’s anger at the people of Jerusalem. It shows that God is deeply disappointed with their wickedness and disregard for his word. A Warning: It's a warning to the people to repent and turn away from their ways, or else face consequences. Loss of Honor & Status: The eagle’s presence signifies a loss of honor and respect for the city and its leaders. It represents a symbolic “taking” of something precious – a symbol of power and prosperity. Important Note: The exact meaning of this verse has been debated by scholars for centuries, and there's no single, universally agreed-upon interpretation. It’s a powerful image that speaks to God’s displeasure with sin and the need for repentance. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like to know: The context of the entire chapter? How this story connects to other biblical events?