Definition: And I will leave thee [thrown] into the wilderness, thee and all the fish of thy rivers: thou shalt fall upon the open fields; thou shalt not be brought together, nor gathered: I have given thee for meat to the beasts of the field and to the fowls of the heaven.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 29:5. It's a really interesting and somewhat unsettling passage about God’s plan for a future time. Here’s what it essentially means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is preparing a future event where He will use a specific group of people – specifically, those who are associated with the sea – to serve as a sacrifice. It's a dramatic and somewhat ominous setup. Let’s unpack each part: “And I will leave thee [thrown] into the wilderness…” : This suggests a dispersal or exile. God is sending someone out into a wild, open area – essentially a “wilderness.” It’s not a comfortable situation. “…thee and all the fish of thy rivers:” : This refers to a group of people who are skilled in fishing. They're part of a specific community or network. "Thee" is a plural form, suggesting there are many of them. “Thou shalt fall upon the open fields; thou shalt not be brought together, nor gathered:” : This is the core of the image. God is telling these people to fall – to become a sacrifice. They’re expected to be free to roam and wander without being controlled or bound by any particular group. “Thou shalt” is an imperative - a command. “I have given thee for meat to the beasts of the field and to the fowls of the heaven:” : This is the most striking part. God is saying that these people will be used as food – specifically, as a meal for wild animals (beasts) and birds (fowls). It’s not a comfortable thought, but it’s presented as a necessary, albeit unsettling, purpose. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: The verse speaks to a future time of intense suffering and upheaval for these people. God is deliberately setting them up as a sacrifice, a point of focus for his judgment. It's a stark image of being used solely as a tool – a means to an end, without dignity or respect. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted symbolically. It’s not necessarily about the people literally becoming food. It speaks more broadly to the idea that God will use people for His purposes, and sometimes those purposes can be harsh and require sacrifice. It's a message of judgment and a reminder of God’s sovereignty over all things. Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/29:5](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/29:5) Wikipedia - Ezekiel 29: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ezekiel_29] --- Would you like me to: Explain a specific aspect of the verse in more detail? (e.g., its connection to prophecy?) Discuss the symbolism surrounding this passage?