Definition: Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that smote thee is broken: for out of the serpentâs root shall come forth a cockatrice, and his fruit [shall be] a fiery flying serpent.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a pretty dramatic and symbolic passage from Isaiah 14. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about judgment and the potential for terrible things to happen after someone persecutes or harms you. It’s saying that God will ultimately punish those who are causing suffering. Let’s unpack each part: “Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina…” – "Whole Palestine" refers to the region encompassing Israel and Judah. “Thou” is a personal pronoun meaning "you." So, this means don't rejoice. It’s urging us to be calm and not celebrate or feel good about what's happening. "...because the rod of him that smote thee is broken…” – A “rod” is like a staff or pole. This refers to the power, authority, or influence of the person who is persecuting you. It’s like a leader or someone in charge who is causing harm. The "rod" has been broken - meaning it's no longer capable of being used to guide or control. "...for out of the serpent’s root shall come forth a cockatrice…” – “Serpent’s root” refers to a very dangerous and evil creature, often associated with witchcraft and evil spirits. This creature is called a “cockatrice.” Cockatrices are described as being venomous and causing harm. "...and his fruit [shall be] a fiery flying serpent.” – This is the most terrifying part. The "fruit" of this cockatrice refers to the consequences of their actions. It says that this creature will produce something incredibly dangerous: “a fiery flying serpent.” This means they won’t just cause harm, but they'll unleash a terrible and destructive force. Think of it as a venomous snake that flies through the air! Overall Meaning & Interpretation: Isaiah 14 is a prophecy about a time of great upheaval and judgment. God is sending a powerful message to those who are causing suffering. It’s not just about punishment; it speaks to the possibility of unimaginable evil coming from someone's actions. The verse suggests that even though people might seem to be getting away with it, God will ultimately bring about a terrible and devastating outcome, and this outcome will involve a creature born from the root of their wickedness - a terrifying symbol of destruction. It’s important to note: This is a complex passage, and there's a lot of symbolism involved. Different interpretations exist, but generally, it's a warning about the dangers of hatred and persecution. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Provide a little historical context about Isaiah 14? Talk about what this verse might be hinting at in relation to current events (without being overly specific)?