Definition: Arabia, and all the princes of Kedar, they occupied with thee in lambs, and rams, and goats: in these [were they] thy merchants.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 27:21. It’s a really strange and unsettling passage, and it’s important to understand what it's trying to say. Here’s the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a bizarre scene where powerful figures – Kedar and Arabia – are engaging in a symbolic representation of trading or commerce with God. It’s not a straightforward story of business; it’s deeply symbolic. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Ezekiel 27:21” : This is the verse itself, written in Ezekiel’s prophetic writings. “Arabia…” : This refers to a man named Arabia. He’s the central figure of this story. “…and all the princes of Kedar…” : Kedar was a powerful and influential figure in ancient Israelite society. The "princes" are basically high-ranking officials or leaders. "...they occupied with thee in lambs, and rams, and goats:" : This is the key part. Arabia is leading a group of people – presumably merchants – in a symbolic representation of livestock. He's setting them up to trade. Lambs, rams, and goats are all symbols of wealth and prosperity. “in these [were they] thy merchants?” : This is the crucial part. The verse says that this entire scene was designed to be a commercial transaction . The "they" aren't just any people; they’re merchants – people who trade goods. What it means (and the layers of meaning): This verse is incredibly symbolic and suggests a very dark and unsettling truth: Deception and Hidden Evil: The most common interpretation is that this scene represents a hidden, deceptive power within the system of commerce. It’s suggesting that powerful figures might be involved in trickery and exploiting others for their own gain. Political Corruption: Some scholars believe it could be a commentary on political corruption. The merchants are being used as a tool by those in power to benefit themselves at the expense of the people. Divine Judgment: It can also be interpreted as a warning about the dangers of unchecked power and vanity, suggesting that the leaders might be engaging in something morally wrong. Important Note: This is a complex passage filled with symbolism. It's not meant to be taken literally. The imagery is designed to convey a deeper message about human behavior and potential corruption. In short, this verse describes a bizarre scene where powerful figures are using a symbolic trade to represent potentially deceptive or corrupt activities. --- Do you want me to: Explain any particular part of the verse in more detail? Discuss different interpretations of the story? Connect it to other biblical themes (like temptation, sin, or divine judgment)?