Definition: And they shall turn the rivers far away; [and] the brooks of defence shall be emptied and dried up: the reeds and flags shall wither.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Isaiah 19:6. It's a pretty dramatic description of a devastating future for the land. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says that God is going to cause a massive amount of destruction and hardship in a specific area. Here's a breakdown of each part: “And they shall turn the rivers far away…” : This refers to the flow of water – rivers, streams, lakes. It means the water will stop flowing completely. “…and the brooks of defence shall be emptied and dried up.” : This describes the streams that protect a place (like a city or village) becoming useless. They’ll dry up completely. “The reeds and flags shall wither.” : Reeds are tall grasses, and flags are often used for signaling or decoration. This means these things – plants and structures – will die and become lifeless. Overall Meaning: Isaiah 19:6 describes a complete and utter loss of life, prosperity, and beauty in a particular region. It’s a picture of a land ravaged by God's judgment. It suggests a period of intense hardship and potentially even destruction. Context is Key: This verse comes before the book of Revelation, which tells us about a coming apocalypse. Isaiah 19 describes a specific situation – a place that’s suffering. It’s often interpreted as a sign of impending judgment or a time of great trouble for the world. Important Note: It's important to remember that this is a poetic and symbolic passage in the Bible. It doesn’t necessarily mean literal destruction, but rather a representation of God’s power and judgment against evil. --- Do you want me to: Explain any particular part of the verse in more detail? Discuss what the verse might symbolize in a broader context (like the coming of Christ)?