Definition: That sendeth ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of bulrushes upon the waters, [saying], Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation scattered and peeled, to a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden down, whose land the rivers have spoiled!

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 18:2. It's a really powerful and somewhat dramatic image! Here’s my explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a plan for judgment – a time when God will punish the wicked and those who have been corrupted. It’s about a nation that has become so bad that it’s being systematically destroyed. Let's unpack the parts: "That sendeth ambassadors by the sea..." : This isn’t a literal mission; it’s a metaphor. God is sending messengers (like people or groups) to travel across vast distances – like the seas – to reach this nation. "...even in vessels of bulrushes upon the waters..." : This is key! "Vessels of bulrushes" are incredibly small, swift boats. They’re not powerful ships; they're tiny, insignificant things. This suggests a very low level of societal and moral standing. "[saying] Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation scattered and peeled..." : The messengers are being told to go quickly . The word "peeled" is a crucial part of the image. It means that this nation has been torn apart – its people have been broken up into smaller, weaker groups. "...to a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden down..." : This is where it gets really intense. "Terrible from their beginning" means they’ve been deeply flawed and morally corrupt since the start. “Meted out” means that God is deliberately and harshly dealing with them. “Trodden down” implies a brutal, forceful destruction – like being crushed or trampled underfoot. "...whose land the rivers have spoiled!" : This is the most important part. "Rivers" represent something pure, flowing, and healthy (like water). But “the rivers have spoiled” means that these people’s wickedness has poisoned their environment – their lands, their resources, and their way of life - making them unusable and destructive. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: Isaiah 18:2 paints a picture of a nation deliberately brought to ruin by its own moral decay and corruption. It suggests a divine punishment for sin and injustice. It’s not just about random misfortune; it's a deliberate, systematic destruction orchestrated by God. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a prophecy of the coming Tribulation – a time of great suffering and upheaval in the world. However, it’s also seen as a reminder of God’s justice and His desire to cleanse the earth of evil. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with more detail? Discuss its historical context (where it appears in the Bible)? Connect it to other biblical themes (like judgment, repentance, or God’s sovereignty)?