KJV ORIGINAL
The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones: the sycomores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
The bricks have fallen down, but we will rebuild with cut stone blocks. The sycamore trees have been chopped down, but we will replace them with cedar trees.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
The people are showing stubborn pride by saying they'll rebuild even stronger after disaster strikes, refusing to learn from God's warning.
📚 Historical Context
This verse describes the attitude of the northern kingdom of Israel after they experienced attacks from Assyria around 734-732 BC. Instead of recognizing these disasters as God's call to repentance, the people defiantly declared they would rebuild with even better materials. This prideful response showed their hearts were still hardened against God.
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