Definition: And I brake the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful verse from Job 29:17! It's a really powerful statement about God’s role in the world. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse describes God actively protecting and defending things that are harmful or destructive. He’s not just passively watching; he’s actively intervening to stop bad things from happening. Let's unpack it word by word: "And I brake the jaws of the wicked..." – “Brake” means to stop or halt something. “The jaws of the wicked” refers to people who are doing evil, wrong, or causing harm. It’s like stopping a whip or a falling object. "...and plucked the spoil out of his teeth." – “Spoil” is a metaphor for something that's damaged, weakened, or lost its power. "Plucked" means to take something from it, often with care and precision. “Out of his teeth” is a really striking image - it suggests he’s removing the source of harm, like a venomous creature or a destructive force. So, putting it all together: God isn't just sitting around feeling sorry for people. He actively protects those who are causing harm and takes away the ability of those harmful things to do any damage. What does this say about God? This verse speaks to several important truths: God is a protector: He’s not just powerful, he’s actively involved in safeguarding good. God is watchful: He sees what's happening and intervenes. God has a plan: This isn't random; it’s deliberate action to maintain order and protect His creation. Important Note: It’s worth remembering that this verse speaks about his actions, not necessarily our actions. It doesn't mean God is always in control or that we should be perfect. He’s still working through the world, even when we make mistakes. --- Do you want me to: Explain a different part of the verse? Give you some examples of how this verse might be interpreted? Or would you like me to provide a little context about why this verse is significant in biblical interpretation?