Definition: She doted upon the Assyrians [her] neighbours, captains and rulers clothed most gorgeously, horsemen riding upon horses, all of them desirable young men.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ezekiel 23:12. It’s a really interesting and somewhat unsettling image! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: The verse describes a situation where a powerful woman – likely a queen or ruler – was showing immense favor and luxury to the Assyrian kings and military leaders of the region. She was treating them with incredible splendor, almost as if they were valuable possessions. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “She doted upon…” This means she gave them a lot of attention, care, and perhaps even lavish gifts. It wasn't just polite; it felt like she was truly loving and cherished them. “…the Assyrians [her] neighbours…” This is the key part. She was showing favor to all the Assyrian rulers – not just a few. It suggests a widespread pattern of kindness and generosity. “…captains and rulers clothed most gorgeously…” The Assyrians were dressed in beautiful, expensive clothes. It’s like they were being treated as royalty. “Horsemen riding upon horses…” This is where it gets a bit strange – the Assyrian military was riding on horses . It implies a sense of power and dominance. They weren't just traveling; they were actively controlling the region through their force. “…all of them desirable young men.” This is the unsettling part. The Assyrians were treating these men as…well, attractive and valuable. It suggests a focus on physical attractiveness and perhaps a way to solidify their power over those subjects. Overall Interpretation – A Warning: The verse is generally understood to be a warning about the potential for abuse of power. It highlights how easily people can become corrupted by favoritism and lavish displays of wealth, especially when that wealth is used to exert control over others. It’s a reminder that true leadership should be driven by justice and concern for the well-being of those under their care, not by superficial displays of luxury. Important Note: The text itself is somewhat cryptic and open to interpretation. Different scholars have offered various explanations about what this scene meant in its original context. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of the verse in more detail (e.g., its historical context)? Discuss potential interpretations of the imagery? Talk about how this passage relates to broader themes like justice and power?