Definition: Howl, O gate; cry, O city; thou, whole Palestina, [art] dissolved: for there shall come from the north a smoke, and none [shall be] alone in his appointed times.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a pretty dramatic and symbolic passage about judgment and destruction. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a coming catastrophe – a massive, widespread disaster – that will be unleashed upon the land of Palestine (which is essentially the region surrounding Jerusalem at the time). Let’s unpack each part: “Howl, O gate…” - This suggests a loud, urgent sound. It's not a gentle plea; it’s a warning. “…cry, O city…” – The city of Jerusalem is being called upon to cry out in distress and fear. "...Thou, whole Palestina, [art] dissolved:” - This is the core of the message. "Palestra" refers to the entire region of Palestine – all the land from the north to the south. It means everything is about to be destroyed. The word "dissolved" suggests a complete and utter breaking down. "...for there shall come from the north a smoke…” - This isn't just a small fire; it’s a massive, enveloping cloud of smoke – a sign of immense destruction. "...and none [shall be] alone in his appointed times.” - This is the most important part. It means that this disaster won’t happen randomly. There will be a specific time when this destruction will occur, and it's going to be a complete and utter loss. What does this mean practically? The Bible describes this as an apocalyptic event – a time of great upheaval and judgment. It speaks about: A devastating war: The verse suggests that the situation is leading to a large-scale conflict. Religious persecution: It implies that the people of Palestine will be targeted for punishment. God’s wrath: The message emphasizes God's anger and justice being exercised against those who oppose him. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a prophecy about the destruction of Jerusalem, but it also has broader implications about God’s judgment on sin and wickedness. In short, this verse warns that God will punish those who reject him and embrace evil, leading to widespread devastation. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to a specific biblical story or figure?