Definition: The nations shall see and be confounded at all their might: they shall lay [their] hand upon [their] mouth, their ears shall be deaf.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Micah 7:16. It's a really powerful and dramatic statement about the future. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that God is going to see all of humanity – every person on Earth – and they will be utterly shocked by their own power and potential for destruction. It's a really intense warning. Let’s unpack the parts: “The nations shall see…” : This refers to all the nations of the world - from the smallest kingdoms to the largest empires. It’s not just about one specific group; it’s about everything . “…and be confounded at all their might.” : "Might" means power, strength, and ability. “Confounded” means confused, bewildered, and shocked. The nations are being overwhelmed by their own potential for destruction. “They shall lay [their] hand upon [their] mouth…” : This is a very striking image. It suggests that the nations will be forced to stop themselves – to put down their hands in a gesture of surrender or panic. It implies they'll be paralyzed with fear and helplessness. “Their ears shall be deaf.” : This is crucial. The verse says that they won’t hear the truth. Their ears, which represent their judgment, reason, and understanding, will be completely closed off to the reality of what's happening. They won't be able to understand or acknowledge the impending doom. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: Micah is predicting a time when humanity will be facing a catastrophic future – a future where its power and ambition will lead to self-destruction. God is warning us that we need to be mindful of our actions and choices, because they have the potential to bring about this destruction. It's a message of hope, but also a call to action. The verse isn’t just about predicting the future; it’s about urging us to change our behavior and strive for righteousness – to avoid causing such devastation. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Connect it to a specific event or historical context (like the rise of empires)? Discuss its significance in the Bible as a whole?