Definition: Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the day when he went down to the grave I caused a mourning: I covered the deep for him, and I restrained the floods thereof, and the great waters were stayed: and I caused Lebanon to mourn for him, and all the trees of the field fainted for him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really powerful and poetic passage from the book of Ezekiel. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes God’s sadness and remembrance of a person who died long ago. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Ezekiel 31:15” : This is the title of the passage – it's from Ezekiel’s book, a prophetic book written by a Jewish prophet named Ezekiel. “Thus saith the Lord GOD” : This means God is speaking to us directly. It's a declaration from God himself. “In the day when he went down to the grave I caused a mourning” : This part talks about a time in the past – “the day.” God was going to the grave of a person, which is a very symbolic way of saying He was thinking about this person and their passing. “I covered the deep for him” : He was protecting someone by hiding them or shielding them from harm. Think of it like a protective veil. “And I restrained the floods thereof” : This means he was keeping the area safe from massive amounts of water – perhaps a great flood, or a dangerous situation. “and the great waters were stayed” : He was controlling the flow of water, preventing it from overwhelming anything. “And I caused Lebanon to mourn for him” : This is the most striking part. Lebanon is a huge mountain range in Israel and often represents the country itself. God is saying that the entire land of Lebanon feels sorrow and grief because of this person’s passing. The trees of the field are also affected, signifying life and prosperity were lost. Putting it all together – The Overall Meaning: God is expressing profound sadness and remembrance of a person who died long ago. He's acknowledging that this person was significant to him, and his presence has caused great sorrow for the land and its people. It’s a moment of deep reflection and perhaps a little melancholy. It’s important to note: This is a very symbolic passage, and it’s often interpreted as a reminder of the inevitability of death and loss. It's also seen as a testament to God’s love and care for those who have passed on. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to other biblical stories or themes? Discuss the symbolism behind the imagery (like Lebanon and water)?