Definition: Son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus saith the LORD; Say, A sword, a sword is sharpened, and also furbished:
Explanation: Okay, letâs break down this incredibly complex and somewhat unsettling verse from Ezekiel 21:9. It's a really significant and symbolic passage that speaks to the potential for devastating consequences when humanity fails to follow Godâs will. Here's a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is about judgment and retribution. Itâs saying that God intends to punish those who are willfully rejecting Him and his plan for the world. Itâs not just about punishment, itâs about consequences resulting from disobedience. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Ezekiel 21:9" : This refers to a prophecy written by Ezekiel, a Jewish prophet in ancient Israel. Itâs a part of a larger prophetic book. âSon of manâ : This is a title given to Ezekiel by God. It's a way for God to identify him as one of his messengers. âprophesy, and sayâŠâ : Ezekiel is tasked with speaking out about whatâs going to happen. ââŠThus saith the LORD; Say, A sword, a sword is sharpened, and also furbished:â This is where it gets really deep. What does âA sword, a sword is sharpened, and also furbishedâ mean? It's a metaphor for violence and destruction. Hereâs what the imagery represents: âA swordâ : Represents sin and wrongdoing . It signifies the actions of humanity â their selfishness, greed, pride, rebellion, and disregard for God. âIs sharpenedâ : This symbolizes that these sins are actively being pursued and intensified by human choices. The more we sin, the sharper it becomes. âAlso furbishedâ : This is a crucial part. It means the sharpened sword is also made ready to strike . It signifies that God's judgment isnât just about the initial act of wrongdoing; itâs about the potential for further devastation . The sword is not just capable of causing harm, but is poised to cause it. So, putting it all together: Ezekiel 21:9 is saying that God will use a "sword" (symbolizing sin and evil) to actively destroy those who are determined to reject him. It's a warning about the potential for consequences â that even seemingly small or momentary choices can lead to immense suffering and devastation. Important Note: This verse isnât meant to be interpreted as a literal prophecy of future events. Instead, itâs a powerful symbolic message about the ongoing battle between good and evil, and the inevitable consequences that follow when humanity fails to listen to God's guidance. --- To help me explain this further or answer any specific questions you have, tell me: Are you interested in a deeper dive into any particular aspect of the verse? (e.g., its historical context, theological significance?) Do you want me to relate it to a specific theme or idea that interests you?