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Book of Ezekiel - Chapter 28 - Verse 7

28:7
Behold, therefore I will bring strangers upon thee, the terrible of the nations: and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of thy wisdom, and they shall defile thy brightness.

Meaning

The verse you are referring to, taken from the book of Ezekiel in the Old Testament, speaks about the impending judgment that the nation of Israel would face as a consequence of their sinful ways. The phrase "Behold, therefore I will bring strangers upon thee, the terrible of the nations" signifies that God will bring foreign invaders as a form of punishment for Israel's disobedience. These invaders, described as "the terrible of the nations," are seen as a powerful and fearsome force that will bring destruction and devastation. The line "and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of thy wisdom, and they shall defile thy brightness" speaks to how these foreign invaders will attack and defile the wisdom and beauty that Israel once possessed. This verse serves as a warning of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of remaining faithful to Him.

Theological Overview

On a theological level, the verse "Behold, therefore I will bring strangers upon thee, the terrible of the nations: and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of thy wisdom, and they shall defile thy brightness" can be interpreted as a warning from God to a nation or city that has strayed from His ways. The "strangers" and "terrible of the nations" represent foreign invaders that God will bring upon the people as a form of punishment for their arrogance and pride. These invaders will come against the "beauty of thy wisdom," which can be understood as the city or nation's wealth and prosperity that they attribute to their own intelligence and abilities, rather than giving credit to God. The defilement of their brightness symbolizes the destruction and humiliation that will be brought upon them by these invading forces. This serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of turning away from God and relying on worldly things for security and success.

American Standard Version

therefore, behold, I will bring strangers upon thee, the terrible of the nations; and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of thy wisdom, and they shall defile thy brightness.
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