Definition: And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion [shall be] from sea [even] to sea, and from the river [even] to the ends of the earth.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this Bible verse together. It’s a pretty powerful and symbolic passage – here’s what it means in simple terms: Overall Meaning: This verse describes a future event where God is going to eliminate conflict and division, particularly between the Jewish people (Ephraim) and the wider world (Jerusalem). It's about bringing peace and establishing a lasting kingdom of justice. Let’s break it down word by word: “And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim…” – This refers to a specific, symbolic "chariot" representing a group or system of conflict – likely something like a political power struggle or a divisive movement. “Ephraim” was a city in ancient Israel, and “Chariot” suggests a forceful, disruptive force. “…and the horse from Jerusalem…” – This refers to a symbolic "horse" representing a specific group or system of oppression – perhaps a tyrannical ruler or a corrupt government. “Jerusalem” is a place of great importance in Jewish tradition, symbolizing God's chosen people. “And the battle bow shall be cut off…” - This refers to a symbolic "bow" indicating a period of peace and stability. It suggests that conflict will be stopped. “He shall speak peace unto the heathen:” – This is key! “Heathen” means people who are not part of the Jewish community or the established religious order. This signifies a universal audience, someone outside the established system. “and his dominion [shall] be from sea [even] to the ends of the earth.” – This is the most important part. "Dominion" means rule and control. “From sea to the ends of the earth” means a vast, limitless area – encompassing the entire world. It’s not just about a small region; it signifies a complete and lasting peace and authority established by God. In simpler terms: God is going to actively stop conflict and create a lasting, peaceful kingdom for all people, extending across the globe. It's a promise of ultimate justice and restoration. What does this say about God? This verse speaks to God’s sovereignty – his absolute control over events. It also suggests that God is working in mysterious ways, creating peace through his intervention. It's a message of hope for a future where division is overcome and righteousness prevails. Important Note: This is a complex passage with many interpretations. Different religious traditions have different perspectives on what the “chariot,” "horse," and "battle bow" represent. However, this explanation aims to give you a general understanding of its core meaning. --- Would you like me to: Explain any particular part in more detail? Give you some historical context about these verses? Discuss how this verse relates to other biblical themes (like the coming of Jesus)?