Definition: And fire is gone out of a rod of her branches, [which] hath devoured her fruit, so that she hath no strong rod [to be] a sceptre to rule. This [is] a lamentation, and shall be for a lamentation.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 19:14. It’s a really powerful and somewhat dramatic passage about a devastating event in God’s plan. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Ezekiel was dealing with a large tree: The verse tells us that God had planted a large, beautiful tree called “the rod of her branches” in Jerusalem. This tree was meant to be a symbol of God’s presence and a tool for judgment. A Fire Came Out: Something happened – likely a significant event – that caused a fire to erupt from the tree. It's described as "fire is gone out." The Tree is Destroyed: The fire completely destroyed the tree, leaving it vulnerable and useless. What Does It Mean? This verse isn’t just about a lost tree; it represents something much bigger – a loss of God's presence and authority in the world. Here's what it suggests: Loss of Connection: The tree was a conduit for God to communicate with people. Its destruction symbolizes a break in that connection. A Warning: It’s a lamentation , meaning a sorrowful expression of grief and regret. The verse is a mournful prophecy – it's telling us something bad is coming. A Time for Healing (Potentially): The phrase "shall be for a lamentation" suggests that this isn’t just a temporary setback. It’s a period of sadness, pain, and perhaps even a time of rebuilding or healing – a chance for God to work through his people. In essence, it's a dramatic sign that something is going terribly wrong and that God is deeply saddened by the loss of His connection with humanity. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss what this verse might symbolize in a broader context (like the coming of judgment)? Give you some possible interpretations of what it means for our lives today?