Definition: Lo, thou trustest in the staff of this broken reed, on Egypt; whereon if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so [is] Pharaoh king of Egypt to all that trust in him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly powerful verse from Isaiah 36:6. It’s a really dramatic statement about God’s power and the potential for things to change. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Core Idea: This passage describes God’s plan to defeat Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, and his people. It’s saying that God is in control and He can easily overcome anything Pharaoh or his followers try to do. Let’s unpack each part: “Lo, thou trustest in the staff of this broken reed…” : This refers to a small, seemingly insignificant plant – a reed – that's been damaged and leaning against something. Think of it like a weak, vulnerable thing. “…on Egypt…” : This places the reed near Egypt, the land where Pharaoh lives. “Whereon if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it:” : This is the key part. If someone leans on this reed, it will fall and be caught by God's power – it will be snatched up and held by him. It’s like a trap! “…so [is] Pharaoh king of Egypt to all that trust in him.” : This means that if Pharaoh relies on this reed (and his kingdom), God will ultimately control him and his people. It implies that Pharaoh’s entire rule and power will be diminished because of God's influence. In simpler terms: God is incredibly strong and powerful, and He has a plan to defeat Pharaoh. He’s using a small, vulnerable thing (the reed) as a test – a situation where someone can be easily caught and controlled by God. This verse emphasizes that God’s power will ultimately prevail . What's the bigger picture? This passage is often interpreted as a prophecy of God’s victory over evil and oppression. It speaks to themes of: Divine Sovereignty: God is in control of events, even when things seem impossible. God’s Power: He has the ability to overcome anything – even seemingly insurmountable challenges. Hope for the Oppressed: It's a message of hope that even the weakest can be powerful and ultimately defeated by God. Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss its symbolism? Connect it to other biblical stories or themes?