Definition: I have made him fair by the multitude of his branches: so that all the trees of Eden, that [were] in the garden of God, envied him.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ezekiel 31:9. It's a really interesting and symbolic verse with a few layers of meaning. Here’s an explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a beautiful, vibrant tree – think of it as a symbol of something very special – that’s being created by God. And the key point is that this tree is so stunningly beautiful that it's causing envy among all the trees that existed before Eden (which was a paradise). Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “I have made him fair by the multitude of his branches…” This means God created this tree with a really striking, rich color. It's not just a plain green tree; it’s filled with vibrant colors – perhaps reds, golds, or even blues. The “multitude of his branches” suggests a huge, sprawling canopy. "...so that all the trees of Eden, that [were] in the garden of God, envied him." This is the really important part. "Eden" was a perfect, idyllic place – a paradise where humans lived in harmony with nature. The verse says that all the other trees in that paradise – those that existed before Eden – were feeling envious of this beautiful tree. They were jealous of its beauty and splendor. What does this all mean? This is often interpreted as a metaphor for: God’s Creation: It speaks to God's magnificent creation, something truly awe-inspiring and unique. The Beauty of God’s Word/Truth: It suggests that the Bible itself is beautiful and compelling – it has a power and splendor that draws people in. Human Pride & Envy: The verse also touches on human nature – our tendency to desire what we don't have, and envy can be a powerful force. It’s a reminder that even something beautiful can cause jealousy. In short, the verse is saying that God created something incredibly beautiful and special, and it caused envy among those who existed before him. Important Note: The interpretation of this passage has been debated over the years, but it remains a significant and thought-provoking part of biblical symbolism. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Give you a little context about Ezekiel’s time and what he was writing about?