Definition: But they shall fly upon the shoulders of the Philistines toward the west; they shall spoil them of the east together: they shall lay their hand upon Edom and Moab; and the children of Ammon shall obey them.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 11:14. It’s a pretty powerful and symbolic passage about future events. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a future event where God is actively working to destroy or ruin certain nations – Edom, Moab, and Ammon – through the combined power of the Philistines. Let’s unpack each part: “But they shall fly upon the shoulders of the Philistines toward the west…” - This means the Philistines (a group of people from the east coast of Israel) will be actively pushing and moving towards the west, like a giant wave. Think of it as them actively attacking or overwhelming the area to the east. “…toward the west…” – This is key! It’s not just about the Philistines being in the same place. It's about their movement and action being directed towards the west, signifying a shift in power and threat. “…they shall spoil them of the east together:” - “Spoil” means to destroy or ruin something. This means the Philistines will be actively taking away the resources, wealth, and even people from the East. They’ll be systematically weakening the region. “…together:” – This emphasizes that this is a coordinated effort; it's not just one group of people doing it, but many people working together to take something away. “…they shall lay their hand upon Edom and Moab…” - This refers to the rulers (kings) of Edom and Moab – two nations that were historically considered enemies of Israel. They'll be directly attacking these nations with their power and influence. "...and the children of Ammon shall obey them." - The children of Ammon are another group, often associated with the region near Lebanon. They will be forced to submit to the Philistines’ rule. Essentially, they'll have to follow the Philistine way of life and become subservient. Overall Meaning: Isaiah 11:14 is a prophecy about God’s ultimate victory over evil. It speaks of a time when the Philistines will dominate the region and bring about a period of destruction and ruin for Edom, Moab, and Ammon. It's a message of hope that ultimately leads to God’s triumph! Important Note: This is a complex passage with symbolic meaning. Different interpretations exist within religious traditions. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the symbolism behind each phrase (e.g., the "shoulder" imagery)? Discuss the context of this verse within the larger story of Isaiah’s prophecy?