Bible Discussion Thread

In chapter 31 Nations are personified as trees. The uppermost boughs represent the economy of a nation and the tallest trees have the strongest economies. This is where the men of commerce do their trade agreements with each other and form alliances. The wealthy nations also have strong militaries. The shadowing shroud may represent civil war within Assyria or Syria. Syria 's sea ports, her waters, make her desirable to other nations such as Russia that are willing to defend her. Also waters could represent people here that fan out into Lebanon to spread their doctrine, their religious beliefs. Verse 6, the fowls are aircraft involved in fighting, beasts represent war and of the field means soldiers. All great nations are under the shadow of this civil war and some have participated already in its outcome. Eden is the earth and the garden of God is peace. Egypt is being compared with Assyria. Assyria is being compared with other nations with different beliefs and resources in verse 8. Verse 9, I think the multitude of branches means multitude of supporting people and countries that are willing to become involved in the outcome of Assyria 's future and therefore their own future. Verse 9, All countries want support for their nation and their beliefs therefore they envy a nation that is given money, advanced weapons and military support.