Definition: And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together, the floods stood upright as an heap, [and] the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that passage from Exodus 15:8. It’s a really powerful and dramatic description of a significant event in Israel's history! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is summoning a storm – a massive flood – to wash away the sins and wickedness of the Israelites. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And with the blast of thy nostrils…” This is a metaphorical way of saying "with a powerful burst." "Noads" means a forceful or sudden sound. God was using his power – his nostrils – to create a huge, intense explosion. “…the waters were gathered together…” The water started to swell and collect. It wasn’t just a little bit; it began to grow larger. “The floods stood upright as an heap…” This describes the sheer volume of water – it was like a massive, rising tide. Think of it like a giant wave. “…and the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea.” This is the key part! "Congealed" means to solidify or harden something. The water had become thick and solid, forming a dense, impenetrable mass. “The heart of the sea” refers to the vastness and depth of the ocean – it was completely covered by this solidified water. So, what’s the big picture? This story illustrates God's judgment on Israel's sins. He’s showing that they were so deeply flawed and wicked that he needed to cleanse them with a terrible storm. Important Note: This is a very symbolic passage. It's not meant to be taken literally as a literal flood of water. It's a powerful image representing God’s power, judgment, and the need for purification. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail? Or would you like me to provide a bit more context about this story in the Bible? For example, I could: Explain why it was a significant event in Israel’s history. Talk about its significance within the larger narrative of the Old Testament.