Definition: And the mountains shall be molten under him, and the valleys shall be cleft, as wax before the fire, [and] as the waters [that are] poured down a steep place.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly powerful verse from Micah 1:4. It’s a really poetic and symbolic way of describing God's ultimate judgment. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says that God is about to unleash a terrible, but ultimately righteous, punishment on those who oppose him. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the mountains shall be molten under him…” - Think of a mountain as a powerful, solid structure. “Molten” means very hot and liquid – like lava. This suggests that God is going to destroy something immense and substantial. It's not just about a simple punishment; it’s about a complete upheaval. “…and the valleys shall be cleft…” - "Cleft" means to divide or break apart. This imagery represents a widening of the gap between God and those who are resisting him. It suggests that his judgment will not be limited to just one place, but will spread out and become widespread. “as wax before the fire…” – Wax is soft and malleable, easily shaped. This is a powerful metaphor for God’s power and his ability to transform things. He's about to ignite something significant. “…and as the waters [that are] poured down a steep place.” - This is the most striking part. "Waters" represent God's judgment – a cleansing, purifying force. “A steep place” symbolizes a situation that is difficult and challenging, perhaps a place where people struggle or have fallen into trouble. It’s like pouring a tremendous amount of water down a very difficult slope. Overall Meaning: Micah 1:4 describes a dramatic and complete destruction initiated by God. It’s a warning about the consequences of rejecting him and a demonstration of his power to correct wrongdoing. It's not just about punishment; it's about transformation – a fundamental change that will be unleashed upon those who oppose him. Think of it like this: Imagine someone deliberately breaking apart a large, intricate structure. That’s what God is doing with those who resist his will. Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail, or would you like me to connect this verse to something else (like the book of Micah itself)?