Definition: And say unto the people of the land, Thus saith the Lord GOD of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, [and] of the land of Israel; They shall eat their bread with carefulness, and drink their water with astonishment, that her land may be desolate from all that is therein, because of the violence of all them that dwell therein.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezekiel 12:19. It’s a really powerful and somewhat unsettling passage about judgment and consequences. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: God is punishing a people – specifically the Israelites – for their violence and wickedness. He’s telling them to be extremely careful with what they do, and to expect significant hardship as a result. Let's unpack it word by word: "Ezekiel 12:19 And say unto the people of the land, Thus saith the Lord GOD of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, [and] of the land of Israel;" - This sets the scene. Ezekiel is speaking to a group of people in Jerusalem and across Israel – essentially a whole nation. "They shall eat their bread with carefulness, and drink their water with astonishment..." - This highlights the behavior that’s causing the problem. God is saying they need to be very mindful of how they use food and water. He's implying it's not normal or acceptable. "...that her land may be desolate from all that is therein, because of the violence of all them that dwell therein." - This is the core of the message. "Her land" refers to Israel. "Violence of all them that dwell therein" means they’ve been acting violently – perhaps through war, rebellion, or simply disrespecting God and each other. Because of this violence, the land will be ruined. It will become barren, lifeless, and unusable. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse is a warning about the consequences of sin and injustice. It's a message of judgment and a call to repentance. God isn’t just punishing them; He’s also urging them to change their ways and be more careful in their actions, so they don't cause further harm. It speaks to the idea that violence leads to ruin – both for the people involved and for the land itself. Important Note: The context of Ezekiel 12:19 is part of a larger story about God’s judgment on Israel’s wickedness during a time of great turmoil. It's meant to be a dramatic, sobering reminder of what can happen when people disobey God. --- Would you like me to: Explain another passage from Ezekiel 12? Discuss the historical context of this verse? Connect it to other biblical themes (like repentance or divine justice)?