Definition: And they shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I have set a fire in Egypt, and [when] all her helpers shall be destroyed.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezekiel 30:8. It’s a really important part of understanding God’s plan for Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God is actively working to stop the destruction of Egypt and its people. He's using a powerful, deliberate action – setting a fire – to bring about a change. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And they shall know that I [am] the LORD…” - This is a declaration of God's authority and identity. It’s saying, "I am the one who is doing this." It emphasizes that this isn’t just random action; it's intentional and controlled by God. “…when I have set a fire in Egypt…” – This refers to a significant event – a massive fire that was happening in Egypt. It suggests something terrible was about to happen, and God is intervening to prevent it. “and all her helpers shall be destroyed.” - This is the key part. "Her helpers" are the people of Egypt – their officials, traders, priests, and everyone involved in facilitating the destruction of Israel. This verse tells us that these helpers will be completely wiped out or brought to ruin. In a nutshell: God is using a forceful action – setting a fire – to stop the destruction of Egypt and protect his people. It’s a powerful display of His power and judgment against those who threaten them. Why is this important? This verse is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of Israel's deliverance from slavery in Egypt. It's seen as a sign that God is ultimately protecting his chosen people. --- Do you want to delve deeper into any aspect of this verse? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of Ezekiel 30:8 within the larger story of the Old Testament? Discuss the symbolism behind the fire? Talk about the significance of "Egypt" as a symbol?