Definition: Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Repent, and turn [yourselves] from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 14:6. It’s a really important message about our relationship with God and temptation. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, the verse is telling Israel (and us!) to stop worshipping idols and to change their ways. Let’s break it down into parts: “Ezekiel 14:6” : This refers to a story told by God in a vision. It describes a situation where God creates a "goat" – an animal that looks like a goat – and puts them in the wilderness. These goats are incredibly restless and prone to worshipping other gods. “Therefore say unto the house of Israel…” : God is speaking directly to the people of Israel, giving them a clear instruction. “…Thus saith the Lord GOD…” : This is God's authoritative voice – he’s telling us what to do. “Repent…” : This is the key word. "Repent" means to turn away from something you’ve been doing wrong or that’s causing trouble. It’s like saying “stop” or “change your mind.” “…and turn [yourselves] from your idols…” : This means stop worshipping the things you're holding onto – things that aren’t really God, like idols, statues, or anything that feels like it’s bringing them closer to something else. It’s about removing distractions and focusing on what’s truly important: God. “…and turn away your faces from all your abominations.” : "Abominations" is a fancy word for things that are wrong or harmful – things that go against God's rules and standards. Turning away from them means to stop doing those things, to be honest and truthful, and to live in accordance with what’s right. In short: God is telling Israel to stop idol worship and to abandon their bad habits and ways of life. It’s about turning away from temptation and focusing on the true God. Why is this important? This verse speaks to a long-standing problem in Jewish history – the prevalence of idolatry. It's a reminder that our lives should be centered on God, not on anything else. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with examples? Discuss its significance within the Old Testament? Connect it to a specific story or event in Jewish history?