# 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. AT: "destroy the man" or "drive away the man" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

# the man who holds the scepter

This is a metonym for the ruler of that city or region. AT: "the ruler" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

# I will turn my hand against Ekron

Here "hand" represents Yahweh's power that he would use against Ekron. AT: "I will strike Ekron" or "I will destroy Ekron" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

# Ekron

Here "Ekron" represents the people of the city of Ekron. AT: "the people of Ekron" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])