Definition: He measured the east side with the measuring reed, five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed round about.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this biblical passage together. It’s a really interesting and symbolic image! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes God’s meticulous and thorough examination of a region – likely the east side of the Earth – using a measuring tool. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “He measured…” : This tells us that God was carefully observing something. “…the east side with the measuring reed…” : The “east side” refers to a specific area, likely the direction of the sun. A measuring reed is a long, slender stick used for precise measurement. “Five hundred reeds…” : This is the key part! God is using five hundred reeds – a huge number – to measure something incredibly small. It’s like saying he’re looking at a tiny detail with incredible precision. “…with the measuring reed round about.” : The measuring reed isn't just lying flat; it's curved and wrapped around, creating a circle. This suggests that God is examining this area in a circular or encompassing way – covering everything completely. What does it mean ? This verse is often interpreted as a sign of God’s judgment upon the nations of the world. Here's how we understand it: The "Measuring Reed" represents God: It symbolizes God's perfect and complete understanding of everything that has happened and will happen. The “Five Hundred Reeds” represent all of humanity: The sheer number suggests a vast amount of imperfection or wrongdoing across the world. It’s about cleansing and restoration: The verse is often seen as a prelude to God's plan to cleanse the earth and restore it to its original state, filled with righteousness. It's a promise that God is working to make things right. In short, this passage describes God's incredibly detailed and thorough examination of the world, using a massive measuring tool to identify any flaws or imperfections. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this specific image in more detail? Connect this verse to other biblical stories or themes?