Definition: And I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon, and put my sword in his hand: but I will break Pharaoh’s arms, and he shall groan before him with the groanings of a deadly wounded [man].

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezekiel 30:24. It’s a pretty dramatic and powerful statement about God’s plan for Babylon. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is going to actively protect Babylon from its enemies – specifically, Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. He’s going to use his power to weaken and ultimately destroy Pharaoh's army. But, he also intends to hurt Pharaoh with a powerful attack, causing him pain and distress. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: "And I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon..." – This means God is going to actively defend Babylon from attacks coming from its enemies. It's about protecting it. "...and put my sword in his hand..." – This suggests a deliberate and forceful action. It’s not just passively defending; God is taking control and using a weapon (a sword) to protect Babylon. "But I will break Pharaoh’s arms..." – This is the core of the verse. God intends to defeat Pharaoh's army, physically destroying their weapons and strength. "...and he shall groan before him with the groanings of a deadly wounded man." – This is a really striking image. It means Pharaoh will experience intense pain and distress. “Groaning” is a metaphor for suffering and agony. “Deadly wounded” suggests a severe, almost catastrophic injury - it’s not just a minor setback; he'll be severely weakened and vulnerable. Overall Meaning & Context: This verse is often interpreted as a prophecy of God’s ultimate victory over Egypt and its rulers. It speaks to the idea that God will ultimately establish his kingdom and protect his people, even if it means challenging and punishing those who oppose him. It's also a reminder of God's power and sovereignty. Important Note: This is a complex verse with layers of symbolism. Different interpretations exist within biblical studies. However, the core message is about divine protection and decisive action against evil. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part in more detail? Discuss what this verse might symbolize beyond just a battle? Compare it to another Bible passage with a similar theme?