Definition: Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 8:9. It's a really powerful and dramatic warning, and it essentially means this: "You will be shattered and destroyed – completely and utterly." Here’s a breakdown of what each part means in simpler terms: “Isaiah 8:9” : This is the specific verse we’re talking about. It's from the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Isaiah. “Associate yourselves…” : This suggests a group of people – likely representing humanity as a whole. "Associate" means to connect with or come together. “…and ye shall be broken in pieces” : This is the core message. It's not about physical damage; it’s about being shattered, fragmented, and diminished. Think of it like a building collapsing – it breaks apart into smaller pieces. “And give ear…” : This emphasizes listening intently to something terrible coming. “Give ear” means to listen carefully and attentively. “All ye of far countries” : This is a really important detail. It tells us this isn’t just about one nation; it's about everyone – all the people on Earth. It speaks of a widespread, global threat. “…gird yourselves…” : This means prepare yourselves, be ready, and stand firm against something coming. “And ye shall be broken in pieces” : This is repeated - it’s a command to brace yourself for destruction. What's the overall message? Isaiah 8:9 is a warning about the end times. It suggests that God is sending a terrible judgment upon the world, and this judgment will involve widespread devastation and chaos. It’s a strong statement about the impending consequences of sin and rebellion. Important Note: This verse often gets misinterpreted as a prophecy of war. However, it's more complex than that. It speaks to a spiritual breakdown – a loss of faith, a rejection of God, and ultimately, destruction itself. Do you want me to explain any specific aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, we could: Discuss the context of Isaiah 8:9 within the larger story of the Old Testament. Explore the symbolism behind the "breaking" – what does it represent? Talk about its significance in Christian theology?