Definition: When a man shall take hold of his brother of the house of his father, [saying], Thou hast clothing, be thou our ruler, and [let] this ruin [be] under thy hand:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 3:6. It’s a pretty serious warning! Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that if a man starts to treat his brother in a way that’s disrespectful or manipulative – like trying to control him, taking advantage of him, or treating him badly – it could lead to disaster. It warns against this kind of behavior. Let's unpack the parts: “When a man shall take hold of his brother of the house of his father…” - This is the key phrase. "The house of his father" refers to your parents, your family. So, it’s talking about a relationship with someone who is considered part of your family – usually your older sibling or close relative. “[saying], Thou hast clothing, be thou our ruler…” - This is the problematic part. It’s suggesting that if this man starts to act in a controlling, demanding way, he might start trying to take over your life and make decisions for you. He's asking him to become “our ruler.” “[let] this ruin [be] under thy hand:” - This is the consequence of this behavior. It’s saying that if this man continues down this path – acting like a ruler and controlling others – it will lead to "ruin" or serious trouble for everyone involved. It implies something negative, possibly destruction or harm. Overall Meaning & Context: The verse is a warning about dishonesty, manipulation, and disrespect . It’s suggesting that treating someone with contempt or attempting to control them is dangerous and will have negative consequences. It's about valuing your relationship with family and avoiding actions that could cause pain or harm. Why is this important? This verse appears in the Old Testament and is often interpreted as a warning against betrayal, dishonesty, and the dangers of prioritizing one’s own needs over those of others. It highlights the importance of loyalty, respect, and honoring your family relationships. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Connect it to a specific story or event in the Bible? Give you some real-world examples of how this principle applies?