Definition: Before thy wickedness was discovered, as at the time of [thy] reproach of the daughters of Syria, and all [that are] round about her, the daughters of the Philistines, which despise thee round about.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 16:57. It's a really important and somewhat startling passage that speaks to a significant period in Israel’s history. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a time when God saw something very bad happening to Israel, and it was revealed to them before they truly messed up. It's about a long-standing issue of prejudice and hatred that had been simmering for a long time. Let’s unpack the parts: “Before thy wickedness was discovered…” : This means that God saw this problem before Israel became known for their bad behavior. It suggests a pattern, not just one isolated incident. “…as at the time of [thy] reproach of the daughters of Syria…” : This is key! “Re reproach” means a feeling of shame or being disliked by others – specifically, the Philistines. The daughters of Syria are a group of women from the region of Syria (which was in modern-day Lebanon and Israel). This part highlights that this wasn't just a small problem; it was a widespread issue among a group of people. “and all [that are] round about her” : This is where it gets really powerful. "Round about her" refers to the Philistines. They were a group of people who lived in the coastal region and were known for being hostile towards Israel. The phrase "all that are" emphasizes that this wasn't just one group; it was a large group, including many leaders and influential figures. So, what does it mean? God is saying that because Israel had been exhibiting behaviors that were considered “wicked” (a bit of a tricky word – it’s not necessarily a specific sin but more about a lack of proper behavior), He knew of this problem. It was revealed to them before they fully realized the extent of their problems. Why is this significant? This verse is considered one of the earliest examples of God's judgment and awareness of human failings. It’s often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of pride, disobedience, and lack of righteousness within Israel. It highlights that God doesn't just look down on people; He sees their actions and knows when they are falling short of His will. In essence, it’s a story of divine judgment stemming from a long-standing problem that was eventually revealed to the Israelites. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Discuss the possible interpretation of this verse in different ways (e.g., its connection to Israel’s history)?