Definition: Thou shalt be filled with drunkenness and sorrow, with the cup of astonishment and desolation, with the cup of thy sister Samaria.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Ezekiel 23:33. It’s a really strange and unsettling verse, and it points to a very dark and disturbing vision. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: The verse describes a future scenario where someone is experiencing intense emotional distress and possibly even alcoholism – bordering on desperate behavior. It suggests a complete descent into despair and potentially harmful choices. Let’s unpack the imagery: “Thou shalt be filled with drunkenness…” : This immediately paints a picture of extreme intoxication. It's not just enjoying a drink; it’s going to a point where it becomes overwhelming, uncontrollable, and possibly dangerous. “…and sorrow…” : This isn’t just mild sadness. It’s profound grief and despair. The feeling will be heavy and emotionally draining. “With the cup of astonishment and desolation…” : "Astonishment" means being surprised or amazed – it's a feeling that feels incredibly jarring and unsettling. "Desolation" means utter ruin, loss, and hopelessness. It’s like a deep sense of emptiness and the realization of something terrible. “…with the cup of thy sister Samaria.” : This is the most disturbing part. It refers to a situation involving the worship of a false god – specifically, a deity named "the Lord" (which was likely a very old Canaanite deity). The verse suggests that this person will be consumed by anger and bitterness towards their sister, who is worshipping this false god. It implies a deep-seated resentment and a sense of betrayal. Overall Interpretation: Ezekiel 23:33 isn’t about simple bad habits or regret. It describes a complete breakdown of the person's emotional state – fueled by intense sorrow, overwhelming feelings, and possibly even harmful actions driven by this anger and bitterness towards someone else. It’s a warning about the dangers of unchecked emotion and the potential for profound suffering. Important Note: This is a vision from a prophetic text. It’s not meant to be taken literally as a prescription for addiction or a prediction of future events. It’s a symbolic representation of immense emotional turmoil and potential destructive behavior. Disclaimer: I'm an AI Chatbot and this explanation is based on interpretations of biblical texts. Different scholars and theologians may offer varying perspectives on the meaning. --- Would you like me to: Explain why this verse is considered a warning? Discuss some possible interpretations of the imagery?