Definition: That the kingdom might be base, that it might not lift itself up, [but] that by keeping of his covenant it might stand.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 17:14. It's a really important and somewhat complex passage about leadership and God’s plan for Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God wants the people of Israel to be weak and flawed . It’s not necessarily a happy message, but it's a strategic one. He wants them to be stable – not strong or powerful, but secure and steady – so they don’t become a threat to themselves. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: "That the kingdom might be base..." - “Kingdom” in this context refers to Israel as a nation, a people, and a nation-state. “Base” means flawed, corrupt, or not good. It's about something that isn’t aligned with God’s purpose. "...that it might not lift itself up..." - This is the core of the message. The kingdom shouldn’t become self-important, powerful, or dominant. It shouldn’t try to rule over everyone else. "[But] that by keeping of his covenant it might stand." – This is where it gets really significant. “Covenant” means a binding agreement between God and His people. The verse says keeping this covenant – the agreement – will give them stability and security. It's like a strong foundation. So, what’s the big takeaway? God is setting up a system where Israel will be vulnerable and prone to trouble. However, by diligently following God’s laws and promises (the “covenant”), they can maintain their stability and avoid being destroyed or taken over by other nations. It's a strategy of protection rather than conquest. Think of it like this: Imagine building a house. You wouldn't want to build it in a risky location, right? You’d want a strong foundation – that’s the covenant and the stability – so it doesn’t collapse. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a warning about Israel’s history of disobedience and idolatry. It highlights the importance of faithfulness to God’s laws to ensure long-term survival and prosperity. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Ezekiel 17? Give you some examples of how this principle might be applied in modern times?