Definition: And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe to the [women] that sew pillows to all armholes, and make kerchiefs upon the head of every stature to hunt souls! Will ye hunt the souls of my people, and will ye save the souls alive [that come] unto you?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ezekiel 13:18. It's a really powerful and troubling verse that speaks about a specific group of people and their actions. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a very serious and concerning situation where a group of women is being instructed to actively hunt the souls of God’s people. It's essentially saying they are trying to stop people from entering into a relationship with God. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Ezekiel 13:18” : This refers to a prophecy or vision given to Ezekiel, a prophet in the Book of Ezekiel. It’s a dramatic and unsettling moment. “And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD…” : This establishes that it's God speaking directly. “…Woe to the [women] that sew pillows to all armholes…” : This is the core of the warning. The women are being told to make pillowcases so large that they completely cover every opening in a person’s clothes – even their arms, legs, and face. It's a deliberate attempt to trap people and prevent them from entering into a relationship with God. “…and make kerchiefs upon the head of every stature to hunt souls!” : This is where it gets really alarming. The women are being instructed to create elaborate, decorative kerchiefs – like huge, colorful scarves – for every person they encounter. The purpose is to catch people who come into contact with them and prevent them from leaving the presence of God. It's a deliberate attempt to lure people into sin or a relationship with God. “Will ye hunt the souls of my people, and will ye save the souls alive [that come] unto you?” : This is the most crucial part. It’s a direct question from God asking if these women are acting in accordance with His will. They're asking: "Are you trying to harm or deceive my people? Are you trying to keep them away from God?" What does this mean, and why is it significant? A Warning about Sin: This verse speaks to a specific type of sin – the deliberate attempt to prevent people from entering into a relationship with God. It's a condemnation of those who actively seek to thwart God’s will. Focus on the Vulnerable: The verse highlights the vulnerability of those who are being targeted. It implies that these women are exploiting the people around them for their own purposes. God’s Watchful Eye: The verse shows that God is watching and concerned about what's happening. He sees this as a direct threat to His people. Important Context (briefly): Ezekiel 13 is part of a larger story in the Book of Ezekiel, which describes a vision of a restored Israel. This verse is often interpreted as a warning against idolatry and a call for faithfulness to God’s laws. It highlights that even seemingly small acts of deception or manipulation can have significant consequences for those who are devoted to sin. In short, this verse warns about a deliberate effort to prevent people from entering into a relationship with God through deceptive means. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme? Discuss the historical context of Ezekiel 13?