Definition: Then said he unto me, Son of man, these [are] the men that devise mischief, and give wicked counsel in this city:

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezekiel 11:2. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling passage. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where someone is actively plotting to cause trouble and bad things in a city. It’s saying that a powerful figure – “Ezekiel” – recognizes someone who is deliberately trying to do harm. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Ezekiel”: This refers to the prophet Ezekiel, who was living during the time of King Josiah in Judah. He’s the one speaking here. “Son of man”: This is a fancy way of saying "a leader" or “someone in authority." It's not necessarily about a literal son, but rather someone with power and influence. “These [are] the men that devise mischief, and give wicked counsel”: This is the core of the verse. It means these specific people are actively working to create problems, offer harmful advice, and generally disrupt the city. "Devise mischief" suggests they're scheming something bad. “Give wicked counsel” means they’re offering advice that’s wrong or damaging. What does this suggest? This verse is a warning about potential corruption within leadership and a growing problem of bad influence. It implies that someone is deliberately trying to undermine the city and its people, possibly through spreading lies or causing chaos. Important Note: The context of Ezekiel 11:2 is crucial. It’s part of a larger story about God's plan for Israel and how He chooses his leaders. It suggests that God is actively intervening to protect His people from evil. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Ezekiel 11? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Explore what it might mean in a broader theological sense?

Definition: That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 11:20. It's a really important and powerful statement about God’s relationship with his people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says: God wants to have a deep and lasting relationship with his chosen people – specifically the Israelites (which is part of the nation of Israel). He wants them to follow his rules and laws, and he wants to treat them as if they are truly God’s people. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "That they may walk in my statutes..." – This means God is setting a set of guidelines or principles for how things should be done. Think of it like a blueprint or a rulebook. It's about following his way of doing things. "...and keep mine ordinances..." – “Ordinances” are basically laws, rules, and traditions that God has established. These could include things like sacrifices, dietary laws, or specific rituals. "...and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God." – This is the crucial part! If they follow these guidelines and diligently obey them, then they become truly God’s people. And it's not just a formal relationship; it means God treats them as special and worthy of His love and faithfulness. He establishes himself as their God, meaning he is the ultimate authority and source of everything. In short, it’s about a covenant – a promise – between God and his chosen people. It signifies that God intends to be involved in their lives and that they are valued and protected because of this relationship. What's the significance? This verse is often interpreted as emphasizing: God’s Sovereignty: He has complete control and authority over everything. Divine Justice: He will judge fairly, and those who follow his rules will be blessed. Eternal Relationship: It highlights a future relationship where God will be intimately involved in the lives of his people. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain what "ordinances" are? Discuss the context of Ezekiel 11:20 within the larger story of God’s plan for Israel?

Definition: But [as for them] whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord GOD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 11:21. It’s a pretty serious and impactful statement about judgment and consequences. Here's a breakdown in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that God will hold people accountable for the behavior of their hearts – their thoughts, feelings, and motivations. It’s not just about specific actions; it’s about a whole way of life that leads to wickedness. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “But [as for them] whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things…” – This is the crucial part. “Detestable things” refers to behaviors considered evil, immoral, or harmful. It’s not just about doing something bad; it's about wanting to do something bad. Think of it as a mindset that leans towards negativity, selfishness, and disregard for others. “…and their abominations…” – “Abominations” means things considered shocking, offensive, or morally wrong by God’s standards. They are behaviors that go against His law and principles. “I will recompense their way upon their own heads…” – This is the terrifying part! The Lord God says he will hold them responsible for the consequences of these negative hearts. "Recompense" means to give back or pay a debt. He intends to punish those who are led astray by their corrupted thoughts and actions. In essence, it's about divine justice. God is saying that if people are living in ways that are fundamentally wrong and hurtful to Him, He will take action – he will hold them accountable – for the damage they cause to themselves and others. It’s a message of ultimate judgment and consequence. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of sin and the importance of repentance (turning away from evil). It's also a reminder that God’s justice is final and absolute. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give some examples of behaviors that might be considered "detestable things" or "abominations"? Discuss the context of Ezekiel 11:21 within the larger story of the Old Testament?

Definition: Then did the cherubims lift up their wings, and the wheels beside them; and the glory of the God of Israel [was] over them above.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this incredibly important verse from Ezekiel 11:22. It’s a really rich and symbolic description of a powerful event! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it describes God setting up a massive, dazzling display of his power and glory. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Ezekiel 11:22” : This is the verse itself – it's from a chapter in the Book of Ezekiel. “Then did the cherubims lift up their wings…” - The “cherubims” are mythical creatures described in Jewish tradition, and they were considered to be incredibly powerful, like miniature versions of God himself. They’re depicted lifting their wings high into the air. This suggests a huge display of something divine. “…and the wheels beside them…” : This is where it gets interesting. It's not just any wheels; they are large, ornate wheels that seem to be moving along with the cherubim. “And the glory of the God of Israel [was] over them above.” - This is the most crucial part. The "glory" refers to God’s presence and power. The word “above” means over , so it's that God was looking down at the cherubim, radiating his light and majesty. So, what does this story tell us? God is Powerful: It shows God is incredibly powerful and majestic. He’s Watching: The verse implies God isn’t just present , but actively observing and controlling things. A Moment of Revelation: This image represents a moment where we see the full glory and authority of God. It's like a glimpse into something truly extraordinary. Why is this important? This story has been interpreted in different ways throughout history, but it often symbolizes: God’s Sovereignty: He holds the ultimate power to do whatever He wants. Divine Presence: We are witnessing God directly and powerfully. A Moment of Revelation: It’s a moment where we get a really clear understanding of who God is. In short, it's a beautiful and symbolic image of God’s awesome presence and power. --- Do you want to know more about the context of Ezekiel 11:22, or would you like me to explain another Bible verse? Perhaps you’re curious about its symbolism in a specific story? Just let me know!

Definition: And the glory of the LORD went up from the midst of the city, and stood upon the mountain which [is] on the east side of the city.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this biblical passage together. It’s a really interesting and symbolic verse from the book of Ezekiel! Here's what it means in plain English: Basically, it says that God’s power and presence returned to the center of the city – specifically, on the east side. Let’s unpack that a little further: “And the glory of the LORD went up…” - This is key. It's not just a person coming back; it's God’s glory , meaning God’s power and majesty – his presence and shining light – returning to the place where he’s usually active. Think of it like a spotlight suddenly shining back down. “…from the midst of the city…” - This means God wasn't just standing on a random hilltop. He was in the very heart of the city, near the center of everything. "...and stood upon the mountain which [is] on the east side of the city.” – This describes a specific mountain. It’s not just any mountain; it's a particular mountain that is located to the east. The word “which” indicates this is a significant and important place for God to return to. So, what’s the big picture? This verse is often interpreted as a sign of God’s restoration and renewal. It suggests: God’s Return: It’s a clear indication that God is returning to his work and purpose in the world. Renewal & Restoration: The return of God's glory signifies a renewed effort or a fresh start for something that was previously disrupted or damaged. Important Note: It's important to remember this is a symbolic passage. It’s not meant to be taken literally about the city itself, but rather as a representation of God's presence and power returning to the center of things. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss what this passage might symbolize in a broader context (like the story of the plagues)? Answer any specific questions you have about it?

Definition: Afterwards the spirit took me up, and brought me in a vision by the Spirit of God into Chaldea, to them of the captivity. So the vision that I had seen went up from me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 11:24. It's a pretty poetic and symbolic passage, but here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse describes a powerful and transformative experience. Here’s a breakdown of each part: “Ezekiel 11:24 Afterwards the spirit took me up, and brought me in a vision by the Spirit of God into Chaldea…” – This tells us that someone experienced something extraordinary. "Chaldea" is a place mentioned in the Bible – it’s a kingdom or city described as being located in a mountainous area, suggesting a place of great significance. “The spirit” refers to divine power. “Took me up” means lifted up or brought into a special state. “…to them of the captivity.” - This is the key part. "Captivity" means being held captive or under a restrictive rule. The verse suggests that this experience was for people who were in a situation of being held back, perhaps by oppression or exile. “So the vision that I had seen went up from me.” – This is where it gets really interesting. The vision itself (which we’ve already read about) wasn't just passively observed. It ascended – it rose upwards! It was like a message being sent to someone who witnessed it. Putting it all together, here’s what the verse suggests: This passage describes a moment of profound revelation and guidance. The person experiencing this (likely an angel or spirit) revealed a future situation - a time when people were in a state of being held back and needing hope and restoration. The vision that was seen was then transmitted to those who witnessed it, providing them with knowledge and encouragement for the future. Important Note: It's important to remember this is a vision – not necessarily a literal event. The verse is rich in symbolism and uses imagery to convey deeper meaning about hope, restoration, and divine guidance. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points further? For example, would you like me to: Explain the significance of Chaldea? Discuss the symbolism of the vision?

Definition: Then I spake unto them of the captivity all the things that the LORD had shewed me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 11:25. It's a really interesting and somewhat surprising one! Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, it says: “I spoke to them about the things that God showed me.” Let’s unpack that a little further: “I spoke” : This is just a way of saying that Ezekiel (a prophet in the Bible) was communicating with people. “to them” : This refers to a group of people, likely Israelites or those under God's leadership. Ezekiel was essentially sharing what he’d learned from God. “of the LORD had shewed me” : This is the core of it. “The LORD” means God. “Shewed me” means He revealed something to him. So, what did Ezekiel see? The verse suggests that God showed Ezekiel a specific vision or event – perhaps about a period of hardship or trouble for the Israelites. It's like he received a glimpse into the future, revealing a situation where they were facing challenges. Why is this important? This passage is significant because it shows God’s active involvement in our lives, even when we don’t see Him directly. It’s a reminder that He has a plan for us and knows what's best for us, even when things seem difficult. It can be interpreted as: God was preparing for a particular event or period in history. It’s about understanding His perspective and trust in His plan. In short, the verse is a way of saying God revealed something important to Ezekiel, and he then shared that information with others. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Talk about its symbolic meaning?