Definition: But she was plucked up in fury, she was cast down to the ground, and the east wind dried up her fruit: her strong rods were broken and withered; the fire consumed them.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break this verse down. It’s a pretty intense and dramatic passage from the book of Ezekiel. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse describes a terrible event involving a woman who was deeply upset. Here’s a breakdown of each part: “But she was plucked up in fury…” – This suggests that the woman was experiencing intense anger or distress. It wasn't just a normal feeling; it was a powerful, overwhelming emotion. “…she was cast down to the ground…” – She was physically dropped and left on the earth. It’s like she fell from grace or lost her footing. “And the east wind dried up her fruit…” – This is a really striking image. The “east wind” is often associated with renewal, growth, and prosperity. But here, it's drying up her fruit – meaning her crops, her garden, her life – completely. It’s like everything she was working towards withered away. “Her strong rods were broken and withered…” – This refers to powerful tools or things that represent her strength and ability. They’ve been damaged and destroyed. “The fire consumed them.” – A fire is a symbol of purification, judgment, and destruction. The fire here isn't just a simple blaze; it’s actively destroying everything. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: This verse paints a picture of profound suffering and devastation caused by intense anger. It suggests that this woman’s fury led to a catastrophic outcome – the loss of her resources, her power, and perhaps even her life. It's often interpreted as a metaphor for spiritual or emotional turmoil. Sometimes it’s seen as a warning about the importance of controlling our emotions and seeking forgiveness for our anger. Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to a specific story or theme in the Bible? Offer some context around its meaning within the larger narrative of Ezekiel?