Definition: Son of man, I have broken the arm of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and, lo, it shall not be bound up to be healed, to put a roller to bind it, to make it strong to hold the sword.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 30:21. It's a really significant passage that speaks about God’s plan for Egypt and its people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is deliberately punishing Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, for his cruel and oppressive treatment of his people. He’s using this punishment to show how utterly wrong and unjust his actions are. Let's unpack each part: “Ezekiel 30:21” : This refers to a specific vision or message that Ezekiel receives from God. It’s a record of what happened. “Son of man” : This is a title given to Jesus in the Bible, and it's used here to refer to God speaking through Ezekiel. “I have broken the arm of Pharaoh king of Egypt…” : This means God directly intervened and physically damaged Pharaoh’s arm. He was using it as a symbol of power and control over his people. “…and, lo, it shall not be bound up to be healed…” : This is key! The arm isn't just broken; it's unbound . It can’t be repaired or healed. This symbolizes that Pharaoh's oppression has caused immense suffering and hardship for his people. “to put a roller to bind it” : A roller is a tool used to smooth out rough surfaces, like a bandage. So, this means that the injustice and suffering inflicted upon Egypt will be endless and cannot be easily remedied. “…to make it strong to hold the sword” : This is the most powerful part. Pharaoh’s power is being weaponized . He's using his authority – his strength and control – to inflict hardship on his people, almost as if he’s using them as a tool of war or oppression. It suggests a deliberate attempt to dominate and exploit. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse highlights God’s righteous anger at Pharaoh’s actions. It's a clear message about: Justice: God is demonstrating that injustice will not be tolerated. Humility: Pharaoh’s arrogance and disregard for his people are causing immense suffering, demanding a response from the divine. The Importance of Righteousness: God’s punishment isn't just about inflicting pain; it's about showing that true power comes from righteousness and compassion. In short, this verse is a dramatic illustration of God's will to punish injustice and show the devastating consequences of oppression. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Connect this verse to other stories or teachings in the Bible? Discuss the symbolism behind the imagery used (like the roller and sword)?