Definition: And I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms, and I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the heathen; and I will overthrow the chariots, and those that ride in them; and the horses and their riders shall come down, every one by the sword of his brother.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Haggai 2:22. It’s a really important passage about rebuilding and leadership! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is urging God to take a very bold step – to actively overthrow the existing kingdoms of the world (the "heathen" – meaning those not following God) and dismantle their power. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms…” – This means God wants a complete dismantling of all existing political and royal systems. He doesn't just want to make things better ; he wants to completely remove them. Think of it as taking down the entire structure of power. “…and I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the heathen;” – This refers to those who don’t worship God and live according to their own laws and traditions. “Strength” here means their ability to govern, to protect themselves, and to have influence. “…and I will overthrow the chariots, and those that ride in them;” - This is a symbolic image. The "chariot" represents power and authority – the rulers and leaders of these kingdoms. “Those that ride in them” are the people within those kingdoms. “And the horses and their riders shall come down, every one by the sword of his brother.” - This is the most shocking part. It’s a clear threat! It means that the rulers and leaders of these kingdoms will be attacked and defeated, not with force, but with violence – by their own people . The “sword” represents their own power and ambition. What's the overall message? The verse is a call to action from God for a complete overhaul of the world's political landscape. He wants a new order based on righteousness and justice, where God’s rule is supreme. It speaks to a desire for a just and powerful kingdom, free from tyranny and oppression. Important Context: This verse comes after Haggai has been called to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. It's a moment of urgency, as God wants this rebuilding to be a truly monumental undertaking – one that will demonstrate his power and bring about lasting change. --- In short, it’s a powerful warning to actively challenge and overthrow existing systems of power, emphasizing God's absolute authority and the need for a just and righteous world. Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Talk about its significance within the context of the Old Testament?