Definition: He cropped off the top of his young twigs, and carried it into a land of traffick; he set it in a city of merchants.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ezekiel 17:4. It's a really interesting and somewhat dramatic description of a man who was involved in a serious problem. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: This verse describes a man named Ezechiel (which is the name of the prophet) who was caught up in a terrible situation with his children – specifically, his young wives and unborn babies. He was essentially involved in a massive, illegal trade that was causing immense suffering. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “He cropped off the top of his young twigs…” This is metaphorical. "Young twigs" represents his children - those who were being exploited and abused. He was cutting them off, essentially ending their lives. “…and carried it into a land of traffick…” This means he was trading these children – and the misery they were experiencing – in a bustling, busy place. “Traffic” suggests a large market or trade route. It’s like a marketplace where something is being bought and sold for profit. “He set it in a city of merchants…” This describes the location of this traffic. It's a port town, a commercial center – a place where people were focused on buying and selling goods. The Overall Meaning: Ezekiel is describing a man who was involved in a brutal and exploitative trade operation that was causing immense suffering to his children. He was essentially using them as commodities, and the city he chose was a hub of commerce – a place where people were driven by profit, but at a terrible cost. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a powerful condemnation of greed and exploitation. It’s a stark warning about the dangers of prioritizing profit over human life. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail? Compare it to other biblical stories or themes?