Definition: This [is] the lamentation wherewith they shall lament her: the daughters of the nations shall lament her: they shall lament for her, [even] for Egypt, and for all her multitude, saith the Lord GOD.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ezekiel 32:16. It’s a really interesting and somewhat dramatic part of scripture! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a profound sorrow and grief experienced by God’s people – specifically, the Israelites – regarding the destruction of Egypt. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “This [is] the lamentation wherewith they shall lament her…” - "Her" refers to Egypt . The verse is saying that the Israelites are grieving over what happened to Egypt. It’s a deep sadness and regret. “…the daughters of the nations shall lament her…” – This is a key part. "Daughters of the nations" refers to all the countries and peoples who were enslaved by Egypt, including the Israelites. They were suffering terribly under Egyptian rule. It's a broad cry for their pain. “they shall lament for her: even for Egypt, and for all her multitude…” – This emphasizes the scope of the grief. The Israelites are not just mourning one person or place; they’re lamenting for the entire nation of Egypt, and for everyone who was affected by their oppression – whether it was through slavery, loss of resources, etc. "Multitude" means a large group - a whole people. “Saith the Lord GOD.” - This is a very important part. It's a direct statement from God himself, expressing his sorrow and judgment. So, putting it all together: Ezekiel 32:16 says that God is deeply saddened by the suffering experienced by the Israelites because of Egypt’s actions. He acknowledges this sadness and expresses it with a profound lament – a long, mournful cry. It's a reminder of how much the Israelites suffered under Egyptian rule, and a statement about God’s own pain. Why is this important? This passage is significant because it speaks to: The consequences of sin: The story of Egypt is a powerful example of sin and its devastating effects on humanity. God’s perspective: It shows that God isn't just concerned with the Israelites; he feels their pain as well. It highlights his compassion even when dealing with suffering. Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail, or perhaps explore a related topic like the story of Egypt? For example, we could talk about: The symbolism of "Egypt" itself How this verse relates to Israel’s history