Definition: Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be inquired of at all by them?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 14:3. It's a really important and somewhat unsettling passage about God’s judgment. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is deeply concerned about humanity. He sees them as flawed and prone to making choices that are wrong and harmful. This verse describes a situation where these people have created false gods – idols – within themselves, and they're actively trying to avoid being questioned or confronted by God. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Ezekiel 14:3” : This is from the book of Ezekiel, which was written by a prophet in ancient Israel. It’s a prophecy – a prediction about what will happen in the future. “Son of man” : This refers to God's messenger, or an angel sent by God. “These men have set up their idols in their heart…” : This is the core of the problem. It means people are thinking about and believing in false gods – these idols aren’t physical objects; they represent ideas, beliefs, or patterns of thought that are wrong. They're creating a sense of comfort or security based on something that isn't real or true. "...and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face:" : “Iniquity” means moral impurity, bad habits, or wrongdoing. The "stumbling block" is a symbol of this negativity – it’s something that hinders progress and leads to trouble. It’s like a physical obstacle that prevents them from moving forward morally. “Should I be inquired of at all by them?” : This is the question that worries God most. He’s asking if God needs to be involved in their lives, and specifically, if he needs to be questioned or confronted by them. What's the Significance? This verse speaks to a crucial point: humans often seek comfort and security in things other than God. These false gods offer an escape from responsibility, shame, or fear – but they ultimately lead to trouble and separation from God. In essence, it’s a warning about: The danger of materialism and chasing after fleeting pleasures. The importance of trusting in God’s guidance and truth. The need for genuine faith and repentance. It's a call to focus on God and his way rather than seeking solace in anything that isn’t from Him. --- To help me explain it even better, could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand from this verse? (e.g., Are you trying to understand the context of a particular story or event?) Are there any specific aspects of the verse that you're struggling with?