Definition: Behold, therefore I will bring strangers upon thee, the terrible of the nations: and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of thy wisdom, and they shall defile thy brightness.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a pretty powerful and somewhat metaphorical passage from the book of Ezekiel. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is warning about how people might try to destroy something beautiful or good – specifically, someone’s wisdom and light. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Ezekiel 28:7 Behold..." : This is a formal introduction; it’s saying "This is what I’m about to say." It’s like the beginning of a story. "...therefore I will bring strangers upon thee..." : Ezekiel is describing a situation where someone (or something) is threatening or attacking people, and those threats are coming from outsiders. "Strangers" here don't necessarily mean random people; they represent those with different beliefs, values, or intentions. "...the terrible of the nations..." : This phrase emphasizes that these outsiders aren’t just ordinary people – they’re powerful, influential, and potentially dangerous. “Terrible” suggests something deeply disruptive or harmful. "...and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of thy wisdom..." : This is the core of the warning. Wisdom (often translated as "understanding" or "knowledge") is being attacked. The verse says that those outsiders are actively trying to harm what makes things good, like intellect and insight. “Drawing their swords” symbolizes a deliberate attempt to destroy or disrupt something valuable. "...and they shall defile thy brightness." : This is the final, most alarming part. "Brightness" refers to goodness, truth, righteousness, or moral value. The verse says that these outsiders are corrupting or damaging this brightness, making it dull and unpleasant. It’s like tarnishing something beautiful with dirt or impurity. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: The verse is essentially saying that people who are trying to undermine or destroy things that are good – whether it's wisdom, truth, or goodness – will inevitably cause harm. It’s a warning against those who actively seek to diminish and corrupt what is valuable. Why is this important? This passage is often seen as a reminder of the importance of resisting temptation and staying true to your values. It suggests that those who are focused on negativity, destruction, or undermining can have a significant negative impact on the world. Important Note: It's vital to remember that this is a symbolic and metaphorical description. The "strangers" aren’t necessarily literal enemies; they represent forces of darkness or corruption. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or historical context? Discuss the meaning of the imagery used (e.g., swords, brightness)?