Definition: And strangers, the terrible of the nations, have cut him off, and have left him: upon the mountains and in all the valleys his branches are fallen, and his boughs are broken by all the rivers of the land; and all the people of the earth are gone down from his shadow, and have left him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break this Bible verse down. It’s a pretty dramatic passage about a man – we can call him “Ezekiel” – who is being completely abandoned and destroyed. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a very sad situation where a powerful leader (Ezekiel) has been left alone, utterly devastated, and without anyone to protect him. It’s like he’s lost everything – his power, his people, and even his life. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And strangers, the terrible of the nations…” : This is a strong way of saying “enemies” or “adversaries.” These are people from all over the world who are causing problems for Ezekiel. “…have cut him off, and have left him:” He's been physically removed – maybe he’s been imprisoned, exiled, or simply gone missing. He’s no longer safe or protected. “Upon the mountains and in all the valleys his branches are fallen…” : Think of a tree. Its branches are its arms that reach out to the world. This means Ezekiel's influence and power has completely disappeared. He’s lost his ability to help people or lead. “…and his boughs are broken by all the rivers of the land;” : The "rivers of the land" represent the flow of life, water, and prosperity. His branches being broken signifies that everything he built and relied on is destroyed – his authority, his influence, even his hope. “And all the people of the earth are gone down from his shadow…” : This is a really poignant part. It means that everyone – nations, peoples, and communities – have moved away from him and his kingdom. They’ve left him alone. “…and have left him.” : The final, devastating point - he's completely abandoned and left to face the consequences of his downfall. Overall Meaning & Tone: This verse is a strong warning about the dangers of pride, arrogance, or neglecting God’s guidance. It emphasizes that true power comes from God and that relying on oneself without Him can lead to destruction. It also highlights the importance of seeking God's protection and guidance. It’s a story of loss, abandonment, and a reminder that even powerful people are vulnerable when they don’t listen to God. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes? Give you some context about the time Ezekiel lived in (when this passage was written)?