Definition: And I will call for a sword against him throughout all my mountains, saith the Lord GOD: every man’s sword shall be against his brother.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 38:21. It's a pretty intense and important passage about God’s judgment and protection. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is going to actively defend His people against a powerful enemy – we can think of it as a large, aggressive force. He’s not just warning us; he’s declaring a war. Let's unpack the details: “I will call for a sword…” This isn’t just a general threat. God is saying he will take action to stop this enemy. He’s initiating a confrontation. “…against him throughout all my mountains” “Mountains” here refers to Israel, specifically the land of Judah (the area around Jerusalem). It means God will defend them fiercely and relentlessly. “Sayeth the Lord GOD” – This is a direct address from God, making it clear this is a serious declaration. “Every man’s sword shall be against his brother.” This is the really crucial part. It means that everyone in Israel will be fighting each other. It's a brutal warning! God is saying that if this enemy gains enough power, it will cause widespread conflict and violence between them. What does this mean practically? Fear and Vigilance: This verse is meant to instill fear in the Israelites. They need to be aware of the potential threat and ready to defend themselves. Unity is Key: It highlights the importance of unity and cooperation within Israel. They must stand together against a common enemy. Divine Justice: The verse also suggests that God is using this conflict as a way to demonstrate His justice and righteousness. He’s punishing those who would threaten His people. Why is it important? This passage is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem in 614 BC. It's believed to be a warning about the impending disaster, but also a promise of God's ultimate victory over evil. It speaks to the importance of being united and steadfast in faith. In short: God is preparing for war against a powerful enemy, and he’s demanding that everyone within Israel stand together and defend themselves. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss its symbolism or historical context? Give you some examples of how this verse relates to the Bible as a whole?