Definition: Girded with girdles upon their loins, exceeding in dyed attire upon their heads, all of them princes to look to, after the manner of the Babylonians of Chaldea, the land of their nativity:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 23:15. It's a really interesting and somewhat symbolic passage! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a group of Jewish leaders (princes) being dressed in incredibly elaborate, brightly colored garments – almost like ceremonial robes – as a sign of mourning and sorrow for the destruction of Jerusalem. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Ezekiel 23:15” : This is the specific verse we’re looking at. “Girded with girdles upon their loins…” : This means they were wearing thick, heavy belts or ropes around their waists. Think of it like a very ornate and weighty belt. It emphasizes their sorrow and perhaps a sense of being burdened by something terrible. “…exceeding in dyed attire upon their heads…” : They weren’t just wearing plain clothes. They were adorned with incredibly bright, colorful fabrics – like a riot of colors – all over their heads. This is a visual representation of the chaos and destruction that was about to occur. “all of them princes to look to, after the manner of the Babylonians of Chaldea…” : This is the really key part. Babylonians of Chaldea were a powerful and wealthy kingdom in ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). The verse describes this group of leaders as being imitating the Babylonian style of clothing – specifically, the elaborate robes and colors that were common amongst their nobility. It’s a reference to a historical precedent. They were acting out a pattern of mourning and despair. So, what's the big takeaway? The verse is telling us about a time when the Jewish people were deeply saddened by the destruction of Jerusalem. The leaders were wearing extravagant clothing as a visual representation of their grief and the impending doom. It’s a powerful image of loss and mourning, reflecting the profound tragedy of that event in ancient history. In essence, it's a vivid picture of sorrow, tradition, and a warning about the consequences of destruction. --- Would you like me to: Explain another part of Ezekiel 23? Discuss the historical context of this verse? Offer a more detailed analogy to help understand the imagery?