Definition: The young men of Aven and of Pibeseth shall fall by the sword: and these [cities] shall go into captivity.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Ezekiel 30:17. It’s a pretty serious warning about a future conflict. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes a devastating battle that will be fought between the people of Aven and Pibeseth, two cities located in the region near Jerusalem. The message is clear: These cities will be captured and exiled. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Ezekiel 30:17” : This refers to a specific prophecy written by Ezekiel, a Jewish prophet who lived around the time of Jesus. It’s a detailed account of what is going to happen in the future. “The young men of Aven and of Pibeseth” : These are two specific cities – Aven and Pibeseth. They're described as being populated by young men, suggesting they're a significant part of the population. “Shall fall by the sword” : This is a very strong statement. “Fall” means to be defeated or destroyed. "By the sword" means they will be attacked with weapons – likely swords. It implies a violent conflict. “and these [cities] shall go into captivity.” : This is the crucial part. "Captivity" means being taken away from their home and held as prisoners, often in exile. The cities are being banished or forced to leave. What does this mean practically? This verse speaks of a large-scale conflict that will have significant consequences for the people of those cities. It’s not just a minor skirmish; it's a war that will lead to their loss and being removed from their land. It highlights a potential for widespread disruption and hardship. Important Context (Briefly): Ezekiel 30 describes a period of great spiritual turmoil in Ezekiel, and this verse is part of a larger picture of impending judgment and divine punishment. It's often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of sin and disobedience to God’s laws. In short: This verse warns that a conflict will erupt between two cities, leading to their loss and being banished from their homeland. --- Do you want me to explain anything in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Discuss the historical context of Ezekiel 30? Explain what "captivity" might mean in a broader sense (beyond just being exiled)?