Definition: The sword of the LORD is filled with blood, it is made fat with fatness, [and] with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams: for the LORD hath a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Idumea.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 34:6. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling passage about God’s plan for judgment. Here’s a breakdown in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a devastating event where God is preparing to punish those who oppose him. It's essentially a preemptive strike – he’s setting up something terrible that will happen to those who are resisting him. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Isaiah 34:6” : This refers to a prophecy written in the Old Testament (specifically, the Book of Isaiah) and is part of a larger series of prophecies about the future. It's a very dramatic prediction. “The sword of the LORD…” : This isn’t a literal sword being wielded. It means God is using his power to defeat and punish those who are defiant or rebellious against him. Think of it like a strategic attack. “…filled with blood…” : This signifies that God's punishment will be violent and painful, not just a simple reprimand. It’s a heavy cost for their defiance. “it is made fat with fatness…” : This is metaphorical. “Fatness” represents completeness, fullness, and a great amount of something. It suggests a situation that's overflowing with consequence. “[and] with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams:” This is where it gets really striking. The imagery is incredibly vivid: “Lambs and Goats” : This represents offerings – things that are holy and pleasing to God. They’re sacrificial gifts. “Fat of the kidneys of Rams” : Rams are prized animals, known for their fat. The "kidneys" part is key - they're believed to be a special, precious portion of the animal. This symbolizes something incredibly valuable being sacrificed – perhaps a person's life or a kingdom’s prosperity. “for the LORD hath a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Idumea.” : This is the most disturbing part . “Bozrah” : This is a very specific location – an ancient city in modern-day Lebanon (the area surrounding Israel). It’s described as a place of intense suffering and destruction. “A great slaughter” : This refers to a massive, brutal event where many people are killed, often with extreme violence. It's not just a few sacrifices; it’s a huge, overwhelming event. “in the land of Idumea” : This is a region in Lebanon – a place of intense and often difficult conditions. Overall Meaning: The verse paints a picture of God’s righteous wrath being unleashed upon those who are resisting him. It's a warning about the consequences of rebellion and a demonstration of his power. It suggests that this punishment will be severe, involving a lot of suffering and destruction. Important Note: This passage is complex and has been interpreted in different ways throughout history. Some scholars believe it refers to a specific historical event, while others see it as a general prophecy about judgment coming upon those who oppose God. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Compare this verse to other passages in the Bible that talk about judgment or punishment? Discuss what the verse might be really saying about human behavior and God’s perspective?