Definition: Thy bow was made quite naked, [according] to the oaths of the tribes, [even thy] word. Selah. Thou didst cleave the earth with rivers.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Habakkuk 3:9 together. It’s a really interesting and somewhat complex verse, so we'll go through it step by step. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about someone who speaks lies or makes false promises – and the consequences of that. It’s warning us about the dangers of deception. Let's unpack it: “Thy bow was made quite naked…” - Imagine a bow, like a long stick used for archery. “Naked” means exposed and vulnerable. This suggests the person is speaking something that isn't true or honest. “…according to the oaths of the tribes…” – The "tribes" refers to groups of people who were important in ancient Israel. The "oaths" are promises made between them, often related to agreements and responsibilities. So, this is saying the person's words weren’t just a random thing; they were based on something sacred and binding. “Even thy [word]…” – This emphasizes that the lies aren't just any words; they are the words of this person. “Selah” - A Pause: This is a pause in the text, adding to the weight of the statement. It’s like a moment of reflection before the consequence. “Thou didst cleave the earth with rivers.” – This is the most dramatic part. "Cleaving the earth" means creating a channel or path through the land. “With rivers” suggests a powerful, unstoppable flow of something. It's like the person’s lies are causing widespread destruction and chaos. Putting it all together: The verse is saying that this person made false promises, using the sacred bonds of their people, and they did so with such boldness and conviction that they created a massive problem – a flood of destruction and chaos. It’s a powerful warning against deceit and the potential for harm caused by lies. Overall Meaning: The verse is a strong condemnation of dishonesty and the destructive power of speaking false words. It’s a call to be truthful, to honor commitments, and to avoid causing harm through deception. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or example from the Bible? Discuss its significance in the context of ancient Israel?