Definition: The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but [God] shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 17:13. It’s a pretty powerful image of God’s judgment on those who oppose Him. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse describes a swift and devastating response to those who are actively trying to thwart God's will and purpose. It suggests a very forceful and rapid reaction from God. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters…” – This sets up a massive, overwhelming flow. “Rushing” implies speed and momentum. Think of a torrent or flood - something incredibly fast and unstoppable. It suggests a great number of people are moving in a single direction. "...but [God] shall rebuke them..." – God isn't just passively allowing this to happen; He’s actively intervening and sending a forceful response. He is “rebuking” them, meaning He is calling them out for their wrongdoings. “They shall flee far off…” - This is the immediate consequence of God's rebuke. The people involved are being driven away, fleeing in fear and panic. It’s a clear sign of being overwhelmed and escaping danger. "...and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind..." – This is where it gets really striking. “Chaff of the mountains” is a very old metaphor for small, insignificant things. The wind is swift and unpredictable. So, this means these people are being relentlessly pursued by a force that’s not controlled by them. They're being swept away quickly and unpredictably. "...and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind..." – This emphasizes the sheer speed and chaos of the situation. “Rolling” suggests constant movement and instability. The whirlwind is a powerful, destructive force - something that can quickly sweep everything into oblivion. It's a dramatic image of being overwhelmed and helpless against a relentless attack. Overall Meaning: Isaiah 17:13 paints a picture of God’s righteous indignation when people actively oppose His plans and purposes. It’s not just about punishment; it’s about a swift, overwhelming force that will sweep these opposing forces away completely. It's a warning to those who are resisting God’s will. In essence, the verse speaks of God’s powerful and immediate response to opposition, leading to widespread fear and displacement. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss its connection to other parts of the Bible? Provide a real-world example of how this concept might apply (without getting too complex)?