Definition: Lift ye up a banner upon the high mountain, exalt the voice unto them, shake the hand, that they may go into the gates of the nobles.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this biblical passage together. It’s a pretty dramatic and symbolic verse from Isaiah, and it's often interpreted in a few ways – primarily focusing on a battle and its aftermath. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a powerful display of defiance and judgment against a powerful enemy. Let’s unpack the parts: “Lift ye up a banner…” : This suggests a signal, a declaration, or an announcement. It's like saying “We are here!” “…upon the high mountain…” : The "high mountain" represents a significant and elevated location – perhaps a strategic point, a place of importance, or a symbol of authority. “Exalt the voice unto them…” : This means to speak loudly and powerfully, to make it known that this is a serious message. It’s about drawing attention to the challenge. “…shake the hand, that they may go into the gates of the nobles.” : This is where it gets interesting and somewhat symbolic. “Nobles” refers to powerful rulers or leaders – kings, emperors, etc. “Go into the gates” means to enter a fortified area, a city, or a place of significant importance. So, what's the overall message? Isaiah 13:2 describes a situation where God is sending a judgment against a powerful enemy. He’s using imagery – a banner, a loud voice, and a forceful action – to make it clear that this enemy will not be allowed to remain unchecked . It’s essentially saying, "We are going to confront you and make you pay for your actions." Important Note: The exact context of this verse is debated among scholars. It's often interpreted as a depiction of a significant battle or conflict, but it’s more about how God responds – with a powerful display of defiance rather than detailing the specifics of the battle itself. In short, it paints a picture of righteous anger and determined action against an adversary. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss a specific interpretation of this passage?