Definition: For by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this powerful verse from Isaiah 66:16. It’s a really significant message about God’s plan for humanity and His ultimate victory over evil. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks of God preparing to confront a great evil – something that threatens all of humanity. He’s using both powerful tools – fire and his sword – to call upon everyone to come together and recognize the seriousness of the threat. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “For by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh…” This is the core of the message. "Fire" represents God’s judgment, a burning of evil and wickedness. “His sword” refers to God’s power to defeat and vanquish evil. It’s not just about punishment; it's about actively calling on His power to combat it. “…and the slain of the LORD shall be many.” “The slain of the Lord” is a figurative term, but it means "the number of the LORD," or “the defeat of the LORD.” It’s not necessarily literal slaying – it's about God’s power to completely destroy evil. So, what does this mean in simpler terms? It means that God is preparing a massive battle against evil. He’s actively working to bring about a time when His enemies are severely defeated and overwhelmed. He's not just waiting for things to happen; he's actively initiating the process of defeating evil. Why is this important? This verse speaks to themes of: Judgment: God is coming to judge those who oppose Him. Victory: God’s victory is assured, and He will ultimately prevail against all opposition. The Coming of a Great Battle: This isn't just about a single event; it’s about a long-term struggle between good and evil that will eventually be won by God. In essence, Isaiah 66:16 is a declaration of God’s power to overcome evil and prepare for a significant victory. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these concepts further? Give you some examples of how this verse relates to current events or historical times?