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