Definition: And flocks shall lie down in the midst of her, all the beasts of the nations: both the cormorant and the bittern shall lodge in the upper lintels of it; [their] voice shall sing in the windows; desolation [shall be] in the thresholds: for he shall uncover the cedar work.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this Bible verse. It’s a pretty poetic and symbolic description of a devastating future event. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Essentially, it’s saying that God is about to unleash a massive, catastrophic event – a complete destruction and ruin. Let’s unpack each part: “And flocks shall lie down in the midst of her…” : This refers to a large, bustling city or community. “Her” here likely symbolizes the entire world. "Flocks" suggests a gathering, a large group, and it's described as lying down – meaning they’re gathered peacefully but vulnerable. “All the beasts of the nations: both the cormorant and the bittern shall lodge in the upper lintels of it…” : This is where it gets really symbolic. Beasts of the Nations: This refers to all the different kinds of animals – lions, tigers, bears, wolves, etc. – that live on Earth. Cormorant & Bittern: These are specific birds – the cormorant is a large, diving bird and the bittern is a wading bird. They’re being described as lodging – meaning they're settling down in a vulnerable position. “[Their] voice shall sing in the windows; desolation [shall be] in the thresholds: for he shall uncover the cedar work.” : This is the most important part and uses symbolism. “Their voice shall sing…” : This suggests a loud, chaotic sound – perhaps a great cry or a chorus of suffering. “Desolation” : This means ruin, destruction, and loss. It’s not just physical destruction; it's the complete undoing of everything good. “In the thresholds” : This refers to doorways or entry points – like gates or entrances. “Uncover the cedar work” : This is a very strange image! “Cedar” traditionally represents God’s presence and protection. "Work" suggests a process, but here it means something is being revealed or exposed. It's like God is revealing his power to cleanse and destroy. Overall Interpretation: The verse paints a picture of a time when God is about to punish the world with unimaginable destruction. The animals are settling down in a vulnerable position, and their combined voices will create a terrible sound. God is "uncovering" (revealing) something – a process of cleansing and judgment – through the exposure of his presence. Important Note: This is a complex prophecy and has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. It’s often seen as a warning about the potential for human wickedness and rebellion against God. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious scholar. This explanation is based on common interpretations of biblical texts and should be viewed as one perspective, not definitive truth. Would you like me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Discuss the historical context surrounding this passage? Provide a different interpretation of the verse?