Definition: When they took hold of thee by thy hand, thou didst break, and rend all their shoulder: and when they leaned upon thee, thou brakest, and madest all their loins to be at a stand.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 29:7. It's a really powerful image with a few layers of meaning. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: This verse describes a dramatic and violent event that happened to the King of Judah (Ezekiel was speaking about him). Here’s how it unfolded: 1. Taking Hold of Him: The people, led by the king, intentionally grabbed and held onto the king's hand. 2. Breaking and Rend: They then violently ripped and tore at his hands, causing significant damage to them. It was a brutal attack. 3. Leaning Upon Him: Next, they began leaning heavily upon him, pressing down on him with their weight. 4. Braking and Making Loins Stand: This is the most striking part. They started to push and force his legs into a standing position – essentially, making them bend and stand straight up. What it means in simpler terms: This verse describes a complete and forceful assault on the king’s body. It's not just physical violence; it’s a deliberate attempt to dominate him and control him completely. The image evokes a feeling of overwhelming power and being utterly subdued. Possible Interpretations (These are just some ideas, and different people have different views): Symbolic of Oppression: Some see this as a symbolic representation of oppression or tyranny. The king's hands represent authority, and the forceful action represents the ways in which those in power can control and dominate others. A Warning about Power: It could be interpreted as a warning against unchecked power – a reminder that even the most powerful individuals are vulnerable to being overcome. Divine Justice: It might also symbolize God’s justice, punishing those who seek to dominate and oppress others. Important Note: This is a complex verse with historical and symbolic meaning. It's important to read it within its context of Ezekiel’s prophecy about the future destruction of Judah. --- Do you want me to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this verse? For example, would you like to know: More about the historical context of the story? The symbolism of “loins” in this verse? How this verse relates to other Bible stories?