Definition: And ye shall know that I [am] the LORD: for ye have not walked in my statutes, neither executed my judgments, but have done after the manners of the heathen that [are] round about you.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 11:12. It's a really important and slightly complex passage, so we’ll go through it step-by-step: Here’s what it means in simpler terms: “And you will know that I am the LORD: for you have not walked in my statutes, nor executed my judgments, but have done after the manners of the heathen that surround you.” Let's unpack each part: "And you will know that I am the LORD…" – This is a direct address to the people. It’s saying, “This is I , the Lord, and this is what you need to understand.” It's a way of establishing authority and reminding them they are under His guidance. “…for you have not walked in my statutes…” – This is where it gets a little tricky. "Statutes" means laws or rules. “Walking in my statutes” means following God’s instructions exactly. It's like obeying the rules he laid out for us. “nor executed my judgments…” – This refers to the punishments and consequences that God has established. “…but have done after the manners of the heathen that surround you.” – This is the crucial part. “Thee heathen” means the people living around us - cultures, nations, and societies we don't fully understand. “Doing after their manners” means following their ways, customs, and behaviors. We’re not meant to simply copy them; we’re meant to learn from them, but in a way that honors God. So, putting it all together: Ezekiel 11:12 is saying that we (as individuals) have been drifting away from God's path and living according to the ways of other people. We’ve become like those “heathen” cultures, focusing on things that aren’t right or holy. God wants us to turn back and follow his rules and teachings. What does this mean for us? It means we need to: Be mindful of our actions: Think about what is right and wrong, good and bad. Seek God's guidance: Listen to His voice and trust in Him. Follow His laws: Strive to live a life that honors Him and is pleasing to Him. In essence, it’s a call to repentance – to change our ways and return to the proper path. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these concepts further? Give an example of how this verse applies to our lives today?