Definition: Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river [is] mine own, and I have made [it] for myself.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezekiel 29:3. It’s a really important passage about God’s power and His plan for the world. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is directly confronting Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, with a powerful statement. He's saying that God knows Pharaoh doesn't own the Nile River – it’s a gift from God! And he's declaring that God will actively work against Pharaoh to protect this precious resource. Let's unpack each part: “Speak, and say…” : This tells us that God is going to speak to Pharaoh. “…Thus saith the Lord GOD…” : This is a formal declaration from God – it’s important! “…Behold, I am against thee…” : This is a strong command. He's saying, "I am deliberately and forcefully opposing you." “…Pharaoh king of Egypt…” : We know this is about the ruler of Egypt. “the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers” : This is a really striking image. God describes Pharaoh as a powerful, restless force within the Nile River itself – like a dragon lurking beneath the water. It suggests a hidden and potentially dangerous situation. “…which hath said…” : This refers to Pharaoh’s words. “My river is mine own…” : This is the core of the verse. Pharaoh has declared that his river is his, and he's controlling it. "...and I have made [it] for myself.” : This is a crucial part. God is saying that He created the Nile River – and that this river belongs to Him, not to Pharaoh. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse is often interpreted as a warning from God about the potential for chaos and injustice. It highlights: Divine Sovereignty: God is in control of everything, including human rulers. God's Protection: God isn’t just passively observing; He’s actively intervening to protect His creation. A Challenge to Power: Pharaoh's claim to ownership of the Nile River represents a powerful and potentially destructive force. In short, this verse is a dramatic declaration of God's power and his intention to challenge Pharaoh’s control over Egypt's resources. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes? Discuss the symbolism behind the imagery (dragon, river)?