Definition: Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people, [even] for salvation with thine anointed; thou woundedst the head out of the house of the wicked, by discovering the foundation unto the neck. Selah.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Habakkuk 3:13. It’s a really interesting and complex passage about judgment and warning. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God is actively protecting his people – specifically, his chosen group – even if it means causing trouble or hardship for those who are evil. It's a powerful statement of divine intervention and a warning against wickedness. Let’s break it down word-by-word: "Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people..." - This is a very important part. It means God actively chose to intervene in the lives of his people, especially those he's protecting. He’s not just passively watching; he's taking action. "...even [even] for salvation with thine anointed." – “Anointed” means chosen or appointed by God. So this is saying that God has specifically chosen him (the leader, the wise person) to be involved in protecting his people. It’s a very deliberate and significant choice. "...Thou woundedst the head out of the house of the wicked..." - This is a strong image. The “house of the wicked” represents those who are actively causing harm, evil, and oppression. “Woundedst” means to severely damage or destroy something. So, God is deliberately hurting these people – perhaps by exposing their wrongdoings or revealing their secrets. "...by discovering the foundation unto the neck." - This is a more metaphorical image. “Foundation” represents the core of something’s being, and “neck” symbolizes the source of that thing – often evil or wrongdoing. “Discovering” means uncovering something hidden. So, God is revealing the underlying cause of the problem, exposing the root of the evil. "Selah" - This is a pause or a rest in Hebrew. It’s added to emphasize the seriousness and urgency of the situation. Putting it all together – A Summary: God isn't just watching over his people; he’s actively intervening to protect them from those who are causing harm, especially by exposing the root of their evil. He is deliberately targeting those who are actively working to oppress and damage his chosen people. It’s a warning that serious wrongdoing will have consequences. Overall Meaning: This verse speaks to a deep concern for justice and righteousness. God isn't afraid to take a firm stand against evil, even if it means causing pain and disruption. It’s a reminder of the importance of resisting wickedness and upholding truth and goodness. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the symbolism behind the "house of the wicked" and "neck"? Discuss the context of Habakkuk 3? (What was happening at the time?)