Definition: Then all the princes of the sea shall come down from their thrones, and lay away their robes, and put off their broidered garments: they shall clothe themselves with trembling; they shall sit upon the ground, and shall tremble at [every] moment, and be astonished at thee.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 26:16. It’s a really interesting and symbolic passage about God’s judgment on the sea. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is sending a powerful message to the sea – specifically, to the ocean – and He’s telling the people who live there to prepare for a significant change. Let’s unpack the parts: “All the princes of the sea shall come down from their thrones…” : Think of “theories” or “predictions” – the sea is filled with these kinds of plans made by prophets and sages. These are not literal people, but rather symbolic figures representing those who have been planning to deceive God. “…and lay away their robes…” : “Robes” represent the wealth, power, and status of these leaders. They're putting on a lavish display – a false image of importance. "...and put off their broidered garments:" This means they’re removing any decorations, embellishments, or outward show of authority. It’s stripping them down to their bare essentials. “They shall clothe themselves with trembling…” : This is the key part. “Trembling” suggests a state of fear and vulnerability – like being shaken by a powerful force. "...they shall sit upon the ground, and shall tremble at thee." : This is the most striking part. It’s saying that they are expecting God to confront them directly. They're anticipating judgment and a direct reaction from Him. The word "tremble" emphasizes this – it’s not just a slight feeling of nervousness; it's a deep, visceral fear. Overall Meaning - A Warning & a Call to Action: This verse is essentially a warning to the people of Israel (and perhaps even to all who live near the sea) to be cautious and to recognize that those in power are planning to deceive God through their lavish displays of wealth and influence. It's a message about divine judgment and the need for humility and honesty. God is sending a powerful reminder to be watchful and to not take themselves for granted. Think of it like this: The sea is a metaphor for the world, and these leaders are representing those who might try to mislead people. God is showing them that their actions will be judged harshly if they don't repent and show true faith. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse in more detail? Connect this passage to a specific biblical story or theme?