Definition: Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also destroy the idols, and I will cause [their] images to cease out of Noph; and there shall be no more a prince of the land of Egypt: and I will put a fear in the land of Egypt.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 30:13. It’s a pretty powerful and significant passage about God's judgment and a shift in how people should worship. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: God is going to actively remove all idols and images from the land of Egypt (which was a region near Jerusalem). He intends to create a deep sense of fear and anxiety among the people. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Thus saith the Lord GOD…” : This sets up a statement from God, emphasizing his authority and intent. “…I will also destroy the idols, and I will cause [their] images to cease out of Noph…” : This is the key part. "Noph" is a Hebrew word that means "out of," “to stop,” or “to end.” So, God intends to remove these idols – which could be anything from simple carvings to elaborate temples and religious rituals. He’s actively taking them away. “…and there shall be no more a prince of the land of Egypt…” : This highlights the consequence of this action. The people of Egypt will lose their power, influence, and perhaps even their sense of security. The “prince” refers to a leader or ruler – essentially, they’ll be weakened. “And I will put a fear in the land of Egypt.” : This is the most crucial part. God isn't just removing idols; he’s also creating a profound and lasting feeling of dread and anxiety among the people. He wants them to understand the seriousness of what's happening. What does it mean, practically? This verse speaks to a time of spiritual crisis and judgment. It suggests that God is concerned about the idolatry (worship of false gods) prevalent in Egypt. He’s using this as a way to: Restore God’s authority: By removing idols, it emphasizes that God is supreme and his will is absolute. Discourage sin: The fear he creates is meant to deter people from engaging in idolatry. It's a warning about the dangers of straying from God’s path. Prepare for a greater judgment: The verse implies a larger, more dramatic event – a change in the land and its people – that will follow this removal of idols. Important Note: This is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of God’s ultimate triumph over evil and a restoration of his kingdom. It's a call to repentance and a reminder of God’s judgment, but also one of hope for eventual restoration. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to other biblical stories or themes? Discuss the historical context of this passage?