Definition: Now, behold, thou trustest upon the staff of this bruised reed, [even] upon Egypt, on which if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so [is] Pharaoh king of Egypt unto all that trust on him.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really interesting and somewhat dramatic passage from the Book of Kings. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a very serious situation – Pharaoh, the powerful ruler of Egypt, is inviting people to rely on him for protection. But there's a huge warning about how vulnerable he is. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Now, behold…” : This is an introduction – a way of saying “Listen carefully.” “…thou trustest upon the staff of this bruised reed…” : This refers to Pharaoh. He's being offered something – a "staff" – that represents his power and authority. “[even] upon Egypt” : This is key. The "staff" is specifically connected to Egypt. It means that Pharaoh’s power comes from, and is dependent on, this land. “…on which if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it…” : This is the scary part! If someone leans on this staff – and they trust in it – it will fall into Pharaoh's hands. He can then use it to inflict harm or even kill people. It’s like he has a weapon. “so [is] Pharaoh king of Egypt unto all that trust on him.” : This emphasizes the consequence: “Therefore, Pharaoh becomes king of Egypt, and everyone who trusts in him is vulnerable to his power." In simpler terms: Pharaoh is offering protection through this staff. But if people rely on it too much, they become a target for his power – he can use it to hurt or kill them. Overall Meaning & Context: This verse highlights the dangers of excessive trust and reliance on one person. It's a warning against being overly dependent on any single source of power or authority – even a seemingly powerful leader like Pharaoh. It’s a reminder that true security comes from God and his protection, not from human beings alone. Does this make sense so far? Do you have any specific questions about it, like: Are you curious about the symbolism behind the "staff"? Would you like me to explain why this verse is important in biblical history?