Definition: Cry and howl, son of man: for it shall be upon my people, it [shall be] upon all the princes of Israel: terrors by reason of the sword shall be upon my people: smite therefore upon [thy] thigh.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse from Ezekiel 21:12. It's a really powerful and alarming warning about the future of Israel. Here’s a breakdown in simpler terms: What it says: “Cry and howl, son of man: for it shall be upon my people, it [shall] be upon all the princes of Israel: terrors by reason of the sword shall be upon my people: smite therefore upon [thy] thigh.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Ezekiel 21:12” : This refers to a prophecy (a prediction) given by Ezekiel, a prophet in ancient Judah. It's part of a larger story about God's judgment on Israel. "Cry and howl, son of man:" This isn’t a comforting statement. It’s a serious warning from God. It’s saying that He is speaking, and he’s expressing his anger and frustration. “for it shall be upon my people” : This is the core of the message. The judgment is going to affect all of Israel – the entire nation. It's not just a few people; it's everyone . “it [shall] be upon all the princes of Israel:” This means that the suffering will be widespread and felt by everyone within the Kingdom of Israel. The word “princes” refers to leaders, kings, and officials. It’s suggesting a systematic, large-scale disaster. “terrors by reason of the sword shall be upon my people:" This is where it gets really unsettling. It's not just about violence; it means war will be widespread and devastating. The "sword" represents God's judgment – He’s using warfare to punish Israel. “smite therefore upon [thy] thigh:” This is the most direct command. It’s telling people to actively attack or harm each other. It means to inflict violence and suffering on each other. It’s a clear instruction for aggression and destruction. What does it mean in a broader sense? The verse speaks about a time of great warfare and conflict that God will unleash upon Israel. It suggests a cycle of violence and destruction, where people are constantly fighting against each other. The imagery of the "sword" is a powerful metaphor for God’s wrath and judgment. Important Context: This passage comes from Ezekiel's prophecies about the end times. It’s part of a larger story about God’s plan to judge his people and ultimately establish a new, righteous kingdom. It’s often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of pride, rebellion, and violence. In short: This verse warns that God will unleash terrible consequences upon Israel due to their wickedness and rebellion. It's a stark message about judgment and a call for repentance. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to other Bible stories or themes? Discuss the historical context of Ezekiel’s writing?