Definition: Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will stretch out mine hand upon the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethims, and destroy the remnant of the sea coast.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 25:16. It’s a really powerful and somewhat shocking passage about God’s plan for the future. Here's a simple explanation: The Core Idea: This verse describes God’s intention to completely destroy a portion of the population along the coast of Israel – specifically, the people who live in the Cherethim region. It’s a very severe and deliberate action. Let’s break it down word by word: “Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD…” - This is just a way for God to introduce himself and state what he's about to do. It’s a formal declaration. “…Behold, I will stretch out mine hand upon the Philistines…” – “Stretch out” means to extend something significantly. God is going to use his power to extend his reach far beyond just the Philistines, which are a group of people living in the region. “and I will cut off the Cherethims…” - This is where it gets really significant. “Cherethim” was a sacred and important place for the people – a place of worship, perhaps even a city. God is going to destroy this entire community. “…and destroy the remnant of the sea coast.” – This emphasizes that the destruction will be widespread. It’s not just about one small group; it's targeting everything along the coastline. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of pride, rebellion, and disobedience to God. It speaks to: The consequences of straying from God’s path: It suggests that if people don't follow God's will and live in sin, they will be punished severely. God’s absolute control: It highlights God’s complete power and authority over his creation. A call to repentance: It can be seen as a message of urgency – we need to turn away from evil and seek God's grace. Important Note: This verse is part of a larger context in the Book of Ezekiel, which describes God’s plan to purify Israel and bring it into a renewed covenant with Him. It’s a dramatic statement about God’s judgment. --- To help me explain this further or answer any specific questions you have, could you tell me: What specifically are you curious about? (e.g., the historical context, the symbolism, its meaning in a modern-day perspective?)