Definition: Behold the day, behold, it is come: the morning is gone forth; the rod hath blossomed, pride hath budded.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly rich and symbolic passage from Ezekiel 7:10. It’s a really powerful image, and it's about a shift in power and perspective. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a significant change happening – a turning point where things are shifting from one state to another. Let’s unpack the parts: “Ezekiel 7:10” : This refers to a specific vision or story that Ezekiel, a prophet in ancient Israel, had. It's a dramatic and detailed account of a miraculous event. "Behold the day, behold, it is come..." : This is a very dramatic opening. “Behold” means "look!" – it’s drawing your attention to something important happening. It’s saying, “This is what is happening now.” “It is come” signifies that this change has begun. "The morning is gone forth..." : This speaks to the beginning of a new day. A “morning” represents a fresh start, a new opportunity, or a time of renewal. "...the rod hath blossomed, pride hath budded." : This is the key part! Let’s break it down: “The rod” : This refers to something that has been carefully cultivated and nurtured – likely a leader or authority figure. The “rod” symbolizes power, authority, and influence. “Has blossomed” : Like a flower blooming, the “rod” is now growing and flourishing again. It’s not just dormant; it's actively developing. "Pride hath budded" : This is the most important part! "Pride" represents arrogance, self-importance, and an overestimation of one’s own power. The “budding” suggests this pride is growing more and becoming stronger. It's like a plant pushing its way out of the ground – it’s gaining momentum. So, what does this all mean? It’s telling us that: Power is shifting: The original power (the rod) is now being nurtured again by pride (the bud). It's a turning point: This isn’t just about the beginning of something; it’s about a significant shift in how things are going. There's an inevitable consequence: The growth of pride, when unchecked, can lead to problems. It suggests that arrogance and self-importance can have negative consequences for those who hold power. In essence, the verse paints a picture of a period where authority is being reawakened through pride – and that this pride has the potential to become destructive. Think of it like this: A seed of an idea or ambition might start small but grows into something large and potentially problematic if it’s not managed carefully. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Give you a parallel example from another Bible passage?