Definition: And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but [there was] no breath in them.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ezekiel 37:8. It's a really striking image – it describes a dramatic transformation happening to a city. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about a massive, sudden burst of heat and energy that overwhelms a city. Think of it like a giant explosion fueled by fire. Let's unpack the details: “And when I beheld…” : This tells us this is a moment of intense observation – God is looking down on something. “…the sinews and the flesh came up upon them…” : “Sinews” refers to muscle and bones, so it’s like a huge, powerful surge of energy moving through the city's structures. "Flesh" represents the city itself – its buildings, streets, and even the people within. “…and the skin covered them above…” : This is where the image gets really powerful. The “skin” metaphor refers to the city’s walls and exterior. It's as if a massive, fiery layer of skin has spread across everything. “But [there was] no breath in them.” : This is the most crucial part. “Breath” in this context isn’t just air – it represents life, spirit, or even divine presence. The verse says there was no breath inside, suggesting a complete cessation of life and energy within the city. What does it mean symbolically? This is a powerful metaphor for several things: Divine Judgment: It suggests God is judging something – perhaps a nation, a city, or even an entire people – and delivering a devastating consequence. A Sudden Transformation: The image of the skin covering everything emphasizes that this isn’t a gradual change; it's a sudden and overwhelming event. It’s like a volcano erupting. Loss of Spirit/Life: The absence of breath signifies a loss of vitality, hope, or even divine presence. In short, the verse describes a city being consumed by an intense heat – a massive, fiery transformation that stops all life within it. --- Do you want me to: Explain this passage further with different interpretations? Give you another Bible verse?