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?