Definition: But I will put hooks in thy jaws, and I will cause the fish of thy rivers to stick unto thy scales, and I will bring thee up out of the midst of thy rivers, and all the fish of thy rivers shall stick unto thy scales.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezekiel 29:4. It’s a really powerful and symbolic image, and it speaks to a significant shift in God’s plan for Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is going to remove the Israelites’ reliance on their own ability to survive – specifically, their fishing and their connection to the land. He's essentially saying that God will make them vulnerable, forcing them to rely entirely on Him for their survival. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “But I will put hooks in thy jaws…” - This is a metaphorical image of being trapped or controlled. It suggests a feeling of being limited and unable to take control of your own destiny. It’s about feeling like you are not free. "...and I will cause the fish of thy rivers to stick unto thy scales..." – This is the key part. The “fish” represent the Israelites. God is going to make them dependent on Him for everything they need - their food, their safety, even their very existence. The "scales" symbolize a protective or divine presence that protects them. It's like saying, "You will be entirely reliant on me." "...and I will bring thee up out of the midst of thy rivers..." – This is a dramatic image of being pulled from a precarious situation. It’s about being forcibly removed from a place where they are vulnerable and exposed. "...all the fish of thy rivers shall stick unto thy scales." - This is the most direct consequence. The entire river ecosystem (representing the Israelites) will be completely bound to God's power, completely dependent on him for their survival. It’s a complete submission and control. Overall Interpretation: This verse paints a picture of a period of intense hardship and vulnerability for Israel. It suggests that God is about to bring about significant challenges and a loss of freedom for the Israelites. It’s a warning, but also a promise – that through God's power, He will ultimately deliver them from their difficulties. It can be interpreted in several ways: A period of exile or oppression: Many interpret it as a foreshadowing of the destruction of Israel and its subsequent exile. A time of testing and dependence: It highlights the importance of trusting God even when things seem difficult. A shift in focus from self-reliance to divine guidance: It suggests that true freedom comes from aligning with God's will, rather than relying solely on our own efforts. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or would you like to explore a related topic, such as the symbolism of fish and rivers?