Definition: The word of the LORD also came unto me, saying,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this very short and important verse from Ezekiel 12:1: “The word of the LORD also came unto me, saying…” Basically, it means God is speaking to someone – specifically, to Ezekiel – with a message. Here's a slightly more detailed explanation: “The word of the Lord”: This refers to God’s communication through his people, particularly through the prophet Ezekiel. It’s not just random talking; it's a deliberate and significant message from God. “came unto me”: This means that God is directly addressing Ezekiel. It’s like saying, “I am speaking to you.” So, the whole verse is essentially a statement of God revealing himself to Ezekiel. It sets the stage for what follows – a message of judgment and instruction from God. Why is this important? This verse is often seen as a foundational moment in the book of Ezekiel. It marks the beginning of a significant prophetic journey where Ezekiel is tasked with receiving a message of warning and guidance from God. Do you want me to go into more detail about what that message might be, or perhaps explore why this verse is considered so important?

Definition: Say thou unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; This burden [concerneth] the prince in Jerusalem, and all the house of Israel that [are] among them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ezekiel 12:10. It’s a really interesting and somewhat surprising verse! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is telling people in Jerusalem and Israel that they are carrying a heavy responsibility – a difficult problem – and it’s impacting everyone. Let’s unpack the parts: “Ezekiel 12:10” : This is a specific passage from a book called Ezekiel, which was written by a prophet named Ezekiel. It's a really important part of his prophetic message. “Say thou unto them…” : God is directly addressing a group of people – specifically, the leaders and citizens of Jerusalem and Israel. He’s speaking to them . “Thus saith the Lord GOD” : This is God speaking plainly and clearly. It's not a complicated or veiled message. “This burden [concerneth] the prince…” : This is where it gets interesting. “Prince” in this context refers to a leader – perhaps a king or a high-ranking official – within Jerusalem. "Concerneth" means "is causing worry" or "is weighing heavily on." So, God is saying that they are carrying a significant and troubling burden. “in Jerusalem, and all the house of Israel that [are] among them” : This part clarifies who is burdened. It’s not just one person; it's everyone in Jerusalem and Israel – every single person within those communities. So, what does this mean practically? It suggests a situation where the responsibility for something difficult or troublesome is being placed on these people. It could be: A political crisis: Perhaps there’s unrest, conflict, or challenges to the authority of the rulers. A spiritual problem: It might point to a deeper issue – maybe a lack of faith, wrong beliefs, or a failing of community. A societal challenge: It could be about injustice, inequality, or something that's disrupting the well-being of people. Overall Interpretation: The verse is a warning and a call to action. It’s a reminder that God holds those in leadership accountable for the well-being of his people and that they need to address this burden with wisdom and care. --- Does this explanation help you understand the verse better? Would you like me to: Explain it further, perhaps with a specific example from biblical history? Discuss its significance in relation to other parts of the Bible?

Definition: Say, I [am] your sign: like as I have done, so shall it be done unto them: they shall remove [and] go into captivity.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 12:11. It’s a pretty dramatic and important message about God’s judgment. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is going to punish a specific group of people – the Israelites – for their sins, and they will be removed from their land and forced into captivity. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Ezekiel 12:11 Say, I [am] your sign…” This is a way of saying, “I am speaking to you.” Ezekiel is the prophet who wrote this verse. “…like as I have done, so shall it be done unto them:” This is the core of the message. He’s pointing out that exactly like he has dealt with others in the past, God will deal with these Israelites similarly. It's a pattern of punishment. “They shall remove [and] go into captivity.” This means they will be exiled from their land, forced to leave everything behind, and become prisoners – essentially, imprisoned or removed from their home. What does this mean in a broader sense? This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of sin and disobedience. It suggests that God's judgment isn’t just about punishments, but also about consequences for our choices. It implies: God’s Justice: He’s righteous and will hold people accountable for their actions. Disobedience Leads to Consequences: His punishment is a direct result of rejecting his will and disobeying him. Loss and Separation: Being exiled is a significant loss – it means losing everything they have worked for, their home, and their way of life. Important Note: It's crucial to understand this verse in context. Ezekiel was writing during a time of great crisis for the Israelites. The verse reflects a deep sense of God’s displeasure with their actions and his desire to bring them back to him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Ezekiel 12:11? Discuss the historical background of this verse? Explore what this verse might be teaching about forgiveness or repentance?

Definition: And the prince that [is] among them shall bear upon [his] shoulder in the twilight, and shall go forth: they shall dig through the wall to carry out thereby: he shall cover his face, that he see not the ground with [his] eyes.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a pretty intense and symbolic passage from the book of Ezekiel! Here's an explanation in simpler terms, focusing on its meaning and context: Overall Meaning: This verse describes a powerful and secretive action by God to reveal something important – likely a hidden truth or a problem – to a group of people. It’s about God revealing His plan through a deliberate act of desecration. Let's break it down piece by piece: “Ezekiel 12:12” : This refers to a specific event in the book of Ezekiel, which is a prophetic vision and story. “And the prince that [is] among them shall bear upon [his] shoulder in the twilight…” : This is where it gets interesting. “Prince” isn’t necessarily referring to a human ruler. It's a symbolic representation of a powerful, secretive figure – often associated with a hidden or clandestine group. “Bear upon his shoulder” means to carry something heavy and significant. “…and shall go forth: they shall dig through the wall to carry out thereby:” This is the core action. The "prince" (or figure) is instructed to dig – literally, to excavate or burrow – through a wall. This digging represents uncovering something hidden. “He shall cover his face, that he see not the ground with [his] eyes.” : This is the crucial part. God instructs the prince to cover his face . This isn’t about hiding his identity; it's about protecting his vision . He’s essentially saying, “I’m going to reveal something, and I need to shield myself from seeing it.” He’s deliberately shutting off his sight to see what he’s uncovering. What does this all mean? This verse is a powerful metaphor for several things: God’s Revelation: It suggests that God doesn't just tell us things; He actively reveals them through His actions and intervention. Hidden Truths: The wall represents a hidden truth, perhaps a secret or a problem that needs to be addressed. Protection & Observation: The prince’s act of covering his face is about protecting himself from being overwhelmed by the revelation. It's a deliberate choice to remain shielded until the truth is brought into light. Possible Interpretations (depending on context): A Secret Conspiracy: The wall could represent a large, hidden conspiracy or an ongoing struggle. Dealing with a Problem: The wall might symbolize a difficult situation that needs to be addressed. God's Judgment: It can also be interpreted as God using His power to expose wrongdoing or revealing a painful truth. In short, this verse speaks of God’s deliberate action to reveal something important through a symbolic act of concealment. --- To help me explain it even better for you , could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand about this passage? (Are you curious about its symbolism, or is there a specific context you're thinking of?)

Definition: My net also will I spread upon him, and he shall be taken in my snare: and I will bring him to Babylon [to] the land of the Chaldeans; yet shall he not see it, though he shall die there.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 12:13. It's a pretty dramatic and unsettling passage about God’s plan for someone. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: God is going to trap someone – we don’t know who – using a net, and then he will bring them to a specific location. The catch? He won't see them while they are alive, but he will ultimately take them to Babylon. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “My net also I will spread upon him…” - This is a metaphor for God’s plan. He’s setting something in motion – creating a trap. “…and he shall be taken in my snare: and I will bring him to Babylon [to] the land of the Chaldeans;” - "Snare" means a trap or a way to catch someone. “The land of the Chaldeans” refers to a city called Babylon, which was historically known for its wealth and, unfortunately, its association with wickedness and chaos. So, God is choosing Babylon as the place for this person. “Yet shall he not see it, though he shall die there.” - This is the crucial part. God has set up a way to deceive or hide the person from his view. He’s essentially creating a situation where they are unaware of what's happening. What does this verse suggest? Divine Justice: It suggests that God is using a painful and strategic plan to bring about justice. He’s punishing someone for their sins or actions, even if they don’t realize it. God’s Sovereignty: It highlights God's absolute control and ability to orchestrate events, even in a way that seems cruel. A Test of Faith: It can be interpreted as a test of faith – the person is being put in a situation where they can’t see the true nature of what’s happening, which will require them to rely on God's wisdom and plan. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted symbolically. It doesn't necessarily mean that the person actually dies in Babylon. It’s more about a period of hardship and uncertainty for them as they are brought under God’s watchful gaze. --- Resources to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/23-Ezekiel-12](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/23-Ezekiel-12) GotQuestions.org - Ezekiel 12:13: [https://www.gotquestions.org/Ezekiel_12_13.html](https://www.gotquestions.org/Ezekiel_12_13.html) Would you like me to explain any of these points in more detail, or perhaps delve into a specific aspect of this verse?

Definition: And I will scatter toward every wind all that [are] about him to help him, and all his bands; and I will draw out the sword after them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ezekiel 12:14. It's a pretty dramatic and symbolic description of God’s plan. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is sending a powerful force – a “sword” – to scatter or distribute something (likely people or groups) toward different places. He's essentially saying, "Don't just let this thing be here; I’m going to move it around to help it find its way." Let's unpack the details: “And I will scatter toward every wind…” : This is a really interesting metaphor. “Wind” represents different groups of people or nations, and “scattering” means they are being moved from one place to another. It’s like a giant, invisible dispersal. "...to help him..." : This is crucial. God is helping these groups of people. This "him" could be any kind of group – perhaps those who are causing trouble, or those who are in need of guidance. "...and all his bands;” : “Bands” refers to communities, organizations, or groups of people. So, it’s not just scattering them randomly, but moving them strategically. "I will draw out the sword after them." : This is the most striking part. A “sword” isn't literal – it represents a powerful, decisive action. God is actively taking steps to influence these groups of people. It implies a forceful and deliberate plan to either control or guide them. Overall Interpretation: Ezekiel 12:14 describes God’s active intervention in the world, moving groups of people away from one place to another with a focus on influencing their fate. It suggests a divine plan for justice, correction, and potentially, a shift in the balance of power. Important Note: This is a complex passage, and there are different interpretations among theologians. It’s often seen as a warning about the potential for unrest and challenges to God's rule. --- To help me explain it even better, could you tell me: What specifically about this verse are you curious about? (e.g., its meaning in the context of the book of Ezekiel, or what it might symbolize?)

Definition: And they shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I shall scatter them among the nations, and disperse them in the countries.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezekiel 12:15. It’s a really powerful statement about God’s plan for the future! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is saying: “I am going to remove these people – whoever I choose – and scatter them across different parts of the world.” Let's unpack that a little further: “I” - It’s about God: This verse is directly from the prophet Ezekiel. He’s speaking as someone who has been given special insight into God’s plans. “Scatter them…” This means to completely remove these people from their current location and place of life. It's not just a temporary separation; it's a complete removal. “…among the nations…” This refers to all the different countries and regions of the world. “…and disperse them in the countries.” This is a more poetic way of saying they will be spread out geographically – across many areas. The bigger picture: Ezekiel 12:15 is part of a larger message about God’s control over nations and people. It speaks to the idea that God is ultimately in charge of the world, and He has the right to remove those who are causing harm or trouble. It's a reminder of God's ultimate authority and a promise of His judgment (though it also emphasizes His mercy). Important Note: This verse can be difficult to understand because it’s rooted in a very specific historical context, but its meaning is ultimately about God’s sovereignty over the entire world. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Give you some related Bible verses? Discuss why this verse is significant in biblical interpretation?

Definition: But I will leave a few men of them from the sword, from the famine, and from the pestilence; that they may declare all their abominations among the heathen whither they come; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 12:16. It’s a really important part of understanding God's perspective on judgment and warning. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is deliberately preparing for things to happen that will hurt people, but he’s doing it with a specific goal – to expose the wickedness (bad behavior) of those who are approaching him. He’s setting up a system where some individuals will be tasked with revealing what's wrong and causing trouble. Let's unpack each part: "But I will leave a few men of them from the sword, from the famine, and from the pestilence..." : This is the active part – God is deliberately choosing to allow these things to happen. He’s not passively letting it happen; he’s actively creating opportunities for harm. It's like preparing a battlefield or a natural disaster. "...that they may declare all their abominations among the heathen whither they come..." : This means those chosen individuals will be responsible for telling the world about the things God considers wrong – things that go against his word and his holy way of life. "Abominations" refers to behaviors, practices, or things that are considered deeply offensive or forbidden by God. "...and they shall know that I [am] the LORD." : This is the crucial part! It’s a declaration of God's authority and power. He’s saying, "I am the one who controls this situation and will ultimately judge those who come to harm." It emphasizes that God isn't just allowing things to happen; he’s actively intervening . In essence, it’s a strategic plan to: 1. Warn others: God is trying to alert people to the dangers of their behavior so they can avoid them. 2. Bring about judgment: He's setting up a system where those who are causing trouble will be exposed and held accountable. 3. Demonstrate God’s power: It shows that God is in control, even when things seem to be going wrong. Important Note: This verse isn’t necessarily about causing suffering. It's more about revealing it. It’s a way for God to demonstrate his holiness and protect his people. Do you want me to explain any of these concepts in more detail, or would you like me to provide a different perspective on this passage? For example, we could discuss: The context of the verse in Ezekiel 12:1-14 What “abominations” might look like in modern terms

Definition: Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Ezekiel 12:17: “Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying…” Basically, it means: “I received a message from God – a direct instruction or revelation – about something important.” Here's a more detailed explanation: “Moreover” : This word indicates that this is extra information – it’s not just another part of the same story. It’s an added piece of wisdom. “The word of the Lord” : This refers to God’s communication, usually through scripture (the Bible). “Lord” in this context is a way of referring to God as the divine creator and ruler. “came to me” : This tells us that God spoke to me , which is the speaker of the verse – likely Ezekiel, the prophet who received this message. What’s the Message? The verse doesn't tell us exactly what the message was about. However, it suggests: A Warning: It’s a significant warning or a call to action. A Guidance: It’s providing instructions for something important. A Revelation: It’s a significant and unexpected event that God revealed to Ezekiel. Context is Key: Ezekiel 12:17 is part of a longer story in the Book of Ezekiel, which describes a vision and a message from God. It's often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of pride and rebellion against God. To help me explain it better for you, could you tell me: What are you interested in learning more about? (e.g., Are you curious about its meaning, why it’s important, or how it relates to a specific story?)

Definition: Son of man, eat thy bread with quaking, and drink thy water with trembling and with carefulness;

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezekiel 12:18. It’s a really interesting and symbolic passage about how God sees and judges people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is looking down on the world and is very concerned with how people are behaving. He's telling someone to act differently, and specifically, to be cautious and careful when they eat and drink. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Ezekiel 12:18” : This refers to a specific event in Ezekiel’s vision – a dramatic scene where God is showing him the state of the world. “Son of man” : This is a title given to Jesus in the Bible, and it's used here to refer to God himself. Think of it like saying "God is speaking." “Eat thy bread with quaking” : This means to eat your food very slowly and deliberately. It’s not about enjoying the meal; it’s about being mindful and cautious. "Quaking" suggests a nervous or uneasy feeling – almost as if something is happening beneath the surface. “Drink thy water with trembling” : This is even more intense than eating bread. “Trembling” implies fear, anxiety, or worry. It's suggesting that the person is experiencing difficulty or trouble. “And with carefulness” : This reinforces the idea of caution and thoughtfulness. It’s not just about eating and drinking; it’s about a mindful approach to these basic needs. Overall Meaning – A Warning & a Call to Action: The verse essentially says God is watching people closely and is very concerned about their actions, especially in matters related to food and drink. He's warning the person who is being addressed that they need to be mindful, cautious, and thoughtful in how they handle these simple things. It’s a call for humility and responsibility – to not take things for granted or act impulsively. Possible Interpretations (without going too deep): A Warning about Misuse: The verse could be a warning against greed, carelessness, or even harmful behavior. A Reminder of God's Watchful Eye: It highlights that God is always aware and concerned for the well-being of His people. A Call to Spiritual Maturity: It suggests that true spiritual maturity involves being careful and thoughtful in our actions and interactions. In short, it’s a metaphorical message about responsibility, caution, and a heightened awareness of what we are doing. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Explore the context of Ezekiel 12:18 within the larger story of the Bible? Discuss potential interpretations of the verse from different perspectives (like theological or psychological)?