Definition: And if the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing, I the LORD have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand upon him, and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 14:9. It’s a really powerful and complex passage about God’s judgment and protection. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where a prophet (a leader or messenger) is lying to God's people, and God will actively punish them for it. It’s a serious consequence of dishonesty. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And if the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing…” – This means that the prophet is wrong about something they said. It's not just a simple mistake; they are intentionally misleading God. "...I the LORD have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand upon him, and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel." – This is the core of the verse. God is actively rejecting the liar. He’s saying: “I have deceived him.” - God has intentionally misled this particular prophet. “I will stretch out my hand upon him…” - This is a very strong image. It means God will take action against this liar – he’ll actively punish or deal with them. It's like a forceful, deliberate act of retribution. “…and destroy him from the midst of my people Israel.” - This is the most terrifying part. God intends to completely eliminate this liar from within the community of Israel (the Jewish people). It’s a complete and utter removal – no chance for redemption or forgiveness. What's happening here? This verse speaks to a time when God was testing the faith of his people, especially regarding their leaders. The liar is causing division and distrust among them. God is using this situation as a way to demonstrate His authority and protect His people from those who would betray them. It’s a warning about the dangers of dishonesty and a demonstration of God's power and judgment. Important Context (briefly): This verse comes during a period of great upheaval in Israel – often called “the Babylonian Exile.” God was sending his messengers to try to convince the people to return to their homeland, but the liar was sowing seeds of doubt and mistrust. In short, this is a dramatic expression of God’s judgment for dishonesty, with a clear intention to protect His people from those who would betray them. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Connect it to a specific story or event in the Bible? Discuss the symbolic meaning behind the image of God stretching out his hand?