Definition: And he shall pass over to his strong hold for fear, and his princes shall be afraid of the ensign, saith the LORD, whose fire [is] in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this Bible verse from Isaiah 31:9. It’s a really powerful and important passage about God’s protection and judgment. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God is going to protect His people completely and fiercely, and that those who oppose them will be terrified. It's a promise of divine protection with a strong, unwavering presence. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Isaiah 31:9” : This is a specific passage from the Old Testament book of Isaiah. It’s a prophecy – meaning it describes what will happen in the future. “And he shall pass over to his strong hold for fear…” - This is the core of the verse. “Strong hold” means a secure, protected place. God is going to completely protect His people from harm and danger. He's creating a safe haven for them. "For fear" means that people will be apprehensive and worried about being attacked or harmed. “and his princes shall be afraid of the ensign…” - "Ensign" is a military signal – like a flag or banner. This verse says that God's protection isn’t just about physical safety; it’s also about His presence and power . It’s not just about them being safe from immediate danger, but that He will be there always to defend them. “saith the LORD, whose fire [is] in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem.” – This is where it gets really significant. "Fire" and "furnace" are metaphors for God's divine power and presence. Zion: This refers to Jerusalem, which was the center of Jewish worship and holiness. It represents the heart of God’s presence and purpose. Jerusalem: This is a symbolic place representing the entire nation of Israel, the source of their identity and faith. His fire in Zion… - This means that God's power will be actively working within Jerusalem – especially in the temple (the central shrine). His furnace in Jerusalem: This symbolizes God’s unwavering judgment and righteousness. He is not just watching; he is actively working to punish wrongdoers. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse paints a picture of God’s ultimate protection. It speaks of a time when God will be incredibly active in defending His people, and those who oppose them will experience fear and apprehension because they are under his watchful gaze. It's a promise of divine justice and a guarantee of God’s care for His chosen people. In short, it’s about God being actively present and protective, and those who resist him will be met with intense consequences. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you a historical context of the passage? Connect it to other parts of the Bible?