Definition: That I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 14:5. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling one! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes a serious problem – Israel is completely disconnected from God because they’ve become obsessed with idols. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “That I may take the house of Israel…” : Ezekiel is speaking about the Israelites, specifically their nation as a whole. He's saying he will take their entire nation – their people and everything they do – to be focused on God. “…in their own heart…” : This is key. “Their own heart” means their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs . It’s not just about physical idols; it's about a deep, internal obsession with something other than God. “Because they are all estranged from me…” : This is where the problem really kicks in. "Estranged" means broken or distant. The Israelites have lost their connection to God because they’ve turned away from Him. They’re not worshipping Him , but instead focusing on things – like idols, rituals, or even worldly possessions – that they think will bring them happiness or security. “Through their own hearts” : This emphasizes the source of the problem. It's not just that they are disconnected; it’s that this disconnection comes from within themselves. In short: Ezekiel is saying that Israel has become so absorbed in idols and worldly pursuits that they've lost their relationship with God and are completely estranged from Him. Why is this important? This verse highlights the danger of idolatry – worshipping false gods or things that don’t require worship. It’s a warning against focusing on anything other than God, as it can lead to spiritual emptiness and separation from divine guidance. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Ezekiel 14? Discuss the significance of idolatry in the Bible? Give you some examples of how this verse might be applied today?