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Book of Ezekiel - Chapter 31 - Verse 12

31:12
And strangers, the terrible of the nations, have cut him off, and have left him: upon the mountains and in all the valleys his branches are fallen, and his boughs are broken by all the rivers of the land; and all the people of the earth are gone down from his shadow, and have left him.

Meaning

This verse describes the downfall of a once mighty nation or entity. The use of the term "terrible of the nations" suggests that the nation being referred to was powerful and feared by others. However, this nation has been cut off by strangers, indicating that it has faced defeat and been abandoned by its allies. The imagery of branches falling, boughs breaking, and people leaving from its shadow symbolizes the complete destruction and isolation of this nation. It portrays a picture of devastation and loss, with the once flourishing entity now lying in ruins across mountains, valleys, and rivers. The verse serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of pride, arrogance, and relying on human strength rather than on God. It emphasizes the transient nature of power and the importance of humility and dependence on divine guidance.

Theological Overview

According to theological interpretations, the verse you have provided speaks about the downfall of a once powerful and majestic entity or nation. The "strangers, the terrible of the nations" represent foreign invaders who have destroyed this entity. The imagery of branches falling and boughs breaking symbolizes the complete destruction and devastation caused by the invaders. The mention of mountains, valleys, and rivers conveys the widespread nature of the destruction. The phrase "all the people of the earth are gone down from his shadow" suggests that even those who once sought protection or shelter from this entity have now abandoned it. This verse serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of turning away from God and the risks of placing trust in worldly powers that ultimately prove to be fleeting and destructive.

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