# Connecting Statement: Yahweh continues his message of judgment on Gaza. # cut off the man Here to "cut off" means either to destroy or to drive away, as one would cut a piece of cloth or cut a branch from a tree. Alternate translation: "destroy the man" or "drive away the man" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]]) # the man who holds the scepter This is a metonym for the ruler of that city or region. Alternate translation: "the ruler" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy]]) # I will turn my hand against Ekron Here "hand" represents Yahweh's power that he would use against Ekron. Alternate translation: "I will strike Ekron" or "I will destroy Ekron" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy]]) # Ekron Here "Ekron" represents the people of the city of Ekron. Alternate translation: "the people of Ekron" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy]])