Definition: Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also take of the highest branch of the high cedar, and will set [it]; I will crop off from the top of his young twigs a tender one, and will plant [it] upon an high mountain and eminent:

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezekiel 17:22. It’s a really powerful and dramatic passage about restoration and judgment. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Imagine a vineyard – a place where the owner (God) wants to cultivate fruit. In this case, the vineyard is filled with wine. But there's a problem: a wicked man (a false prophet) has been poisoning the land with lies and causing trouble. He’s essentially ruining the vineyard for his own gain. Let’s unpack the verse: “Thus saith the Lord GOD…” : This is God speaking directly to us. It’s like a formal announcement. “…I will also take of the highest branch of the high cedar…” : This describes a specific tree – the highest branch of a very large, ancient cedar tree. The "high cedar" represents something important and significant. This tree is incredibly old and powerful. "...and will set [it]” : God intends to remove this particular branch from the tree. “I will crop off from the top of his young twigs a tender one…” : This is a gruesome detail – God is taking away a small, vulnerable part of the tree’s growth (the “young twigs”). He's carefully selecting and removing something precious. "...and will plant [it] upon an high mountain and eminent:” This is where it gets really dramatic. God decides to raise this removed branch up very high on a mountaintop – a place of great prominence and importance. The word “eminent” suggests it’s a place that stands out, a place of honor. Overall Meaning - It's about Restoration & Judgment: This verse describes God taking something bad – a destructive act – and deliberately removing it to restore what is right and good. It signifies a powerful judgment being enacted. It’s not just about punishment; it’s about rebuilding and restoring something beautiful and valuable. Important Note: The imagery of this verse is quite shocking and evokes a sense of profound consequence. It's a reminder that God's judgment can be severe, but also has the potential for renewal and restoration. --- To help me explain it even better for you, could you tell me: What’s your current understanding of the Bible? (Are you familiar with other stories or concepts?) Why are you interested in learning about this verse? (Do you want a deeper understanding of God’s justice, or something else?)