Definition: And it came to pass, when I prophesied, that Pelatiah the son of Benaiah died. Then fell I down upon my face, and cried with a loud voice, and said, Ah Lord GOD! wilt thou make a full end of the remnant of Israel?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ezekiel 11:13. It’s a really intense and dramatic verse in the Bible, and it's important to understand its context before we dive into the meaning. Here’s what it says, explained simply: The Basic Story: Ezekiel was a prophet in Babylon (a place very far away). He was prophesying about the future – predicting a terrible event that would impact Israel. He saw a man named Pelatiah die. Then, he cried out in desperation and fear, saying, "Lord God, will you make the remnants of Israel completely destroyed?" Let’s unpack it layer by layer: “And it came to pass, when I prophesied…” - This is just a straightforward statement about what Ezekiel was doing. He was speaking out loud, sharing his predictions. “…that Pelatiah the son of Benaiah died.” – This tells us who the person he spoke about was: Pelatiah, who was the son of Benaiah, a close advisor to King Jehoiash at that time. It's a specific individual involved in a significant situation. “Then fell I down upon my face…” - This describes Ezekiel’s emotional state – he was overwhelmed with grief and despair. “…and cried with a loud voice, and said, Ah Lord GOD! wilt thou make a full end of the remnant of Israel?” – This is the core of the verse. He's pleading to God, expressing immense fear and sorrow. He’s asking, “Lord God, will you completely destroy the remaining people of Israel?” What does this mean? It’s about a devastating prophecy: Ezekiel was predicting a massive catastrophe that would lead to the complete annihilation (destruction) of Israel. The verse suggests that this prophecy is meant to warn the people of Israel before it happens. Important Context - Why is this so difficult to understand? This passage is incredibly challenging because it’s written in a very specific and somewhat symbolic way, reflecting a time of great political turmoil and impending disaster for Israel. It's often interpreted as a warning about the dangers facing Judah (the region where Israel was located at the time) under King Jehoiash. Overall Interpretation: The verse expresses deep worry and fear for the future of Israel. It’s a moment of intense emotional response, expressing a profound sense of impending doom. It's a powerful expression of desperation and a plea for divine intervention to prevent this catastrophic outcome. Important Note: The Bible is full of symbolism and metaphorical language. This verse isn't meant to be taken literally; it’s about conveying a very strong emotional message. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Ezekiel 11? Discuss the possible interpretations of this passage in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes?