Definition: And they shall cover the face of the earth, that one cannot be able to see the earth: and they shall eat the residue of that which is escaped, which remaineth unto you from the hail, and shall eat every tree which groweth for you out of the field:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this biblical passage together. It’s a really dramatic and somewhat unsettling verse from Exodus 10:5. Here's my explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a massive, devastating event – a flood – that will wipe out all life on Earth. It’s a very powerful image of destruction. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And they shall cover the face of the earth…” - Imagine the sky completely darkening. It's like a huge, impenetrable blanket descending over everything. This signifies that a terrible event is happening – something enormous and overwhelming. “…that one cannot be able to see the earth…” - This means that everything will become invisible. The sun will be obscured, the stars will disappear, and it’ll be impossible to see anything beyond the immediate area affected by the flood. It's a complete darkness. “And they shall eat the residue of that which is escaped…” - This refers to the hail – a massive storm of ice and stones that destroyed much of the land. The “residue” means everything that remains after the hail has passed – plants, animals, and people. It's as if the storm itself has been consumed. “…and shall eat every tree which groweth for you out of the field:” - This is the core of the message. The people are being told to harvest everything that’s growing in the fields – crops, fruit trees, and more. The word "eat" implies a taking – not just harvesting, but consuming. It suggests a deliberate act of destruction and gathering. Overall Meaning - A Warning & a Plan: This verse is essentially a warning about a catastrophic event. God’s plan is to cleanse the earth of wickedness (the “residue”) and create space for a new beginning. The flood represents this cleansing, and the taking of the remaining crops signifies that this is not just random destruction; it's a deliberate act driven by divine judgment. Important Note: This is a complex passage with many interpretations within biblical theology. It’s often seen as a symbolic representation of God’s judgment on sin and evil, and a promise of renewal after the devastation. --- Do you want me to: Explain any particular part in more detail? Discuss the context of this verse in the larger story of the Exodus? Explore some different interpretations of this passage?