Definition: And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this short but powerful verse from Ezekiel 17:1: “And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying…” Basically, it's a declaration of God’s intention. It’s like a message from God himself. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The core idea is that God is speaking to me – meaning to the person who is listening. Here's a slightly more detailed explanation: “The word of the LORD”: This refers to God’s communication, his words and teachings. “Came unto me”: This means "came to me" or “was sent to me.” It suggests that God is actively communicating with someone. “Saying…”: This is a key part - it indicates that God is sharing something important. So, the whole verse is essentially a prologue – an introduction – to a message from God. It sets the stage for what follows. What does this mean in practical terms? This is often interpreted as a warning or a judgment being delivered. It suggests that God is about to reveal something significant and potentially unpleasant. Important Note: This verse is part of a larger story in Ezekiel’s Book, which involves a broken relationship between God and his people. It's a crucial piece of the puzzle! --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you more context about Ezekiel 17?

Definition: Yea, behold, [being] planted, shall it prosper? shall it not utterly wither, when the east wind toucheth it? it shall wither in the furrows where it grew.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It's a really powerful and vivid description of a terrible situation! Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Story: This verse comes from a story about a wealthy man named Lachab in ancient Israel. He’s incredibly greedy and starts to treat his wife, Jezebel, horribly. He becomes obsessed with her, and he uses deceit and violence to control her. Eventually, Jezebel has a terrible affair with another man, and she's heartbroken. What the Verse Means – A Bit More Detail: “Ezekiel 17:10” : This is a prophecy from the book of Ezekiel, written by a prophet named Ezekiel. It’s a glimpse into God’s plan for this situation. “Yea, behold…” : This is an introduction – it’s like saying "And now, let me tell you..." It's emphasizing something important. “[being] planted…” : Ezekiel describes this as being planted – meaning established and grown. Lachab had a vineyard (a place where plants grow) and he was planting grapes there. “Shall it prosper?” : This is the question that’s at the heart of the verse. It means will the vineyard thrive, flourish, and produce good fruit? “shall it not utterly wither…” : This is the key part. It says this vineyard will completely die – not just a little bit, but completely. It’s going to collapse and become barren. “when the east wind toucheth it?” : This is a crucial detail. The “east wind” is a common symbol in biblical stories for change, movement, and even destruction. The verse says this change , this destruction, will happen because of the wind blowing on the vineyard. The Overall Meaning – A Warning about Deceit & God’s Justice: This verse paints a very bleak picture. It's not just about a ruined vineyard; it’s about a man who uses his power to oppress and destroy. It’s a warning about: The dangers of greed: Lachab’s obsession with Jezebel led to terrible consequences. God’s judgment: God is punishing this behavior because it's wrong and unjust. The inevitable consequence of evil: Things that are rooted in selfishness and wrongdoing will always have a negative outcome. In short, the verse describes a situation where a man’s greed and wickedness will ultimately destroy everything he has built. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or theme from the Bible?

Definition: Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this very short but important verse from Ezekiel 17:11: “Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying…” Basically, it means: "I received a message from God." Here’s a more detailed explanation: “Moreover” : This word emphasizes that after something happened, this is the next part of what's being said. It’s like “and then” or “in addition to.” “the word of the LORD” : This refers to God speaking – a direct communication from Him. The "LORD" is a title for God in the Bible, and “word” signifies His message. “came unto me” : This is a key part! It means that God sent this message to me . It’s not just any message; it's a specific one that was delivered to someone. What does this suggest? This verse sets the stage for a dramatic shift in events. It implies: God is speaking: He’s communicating something important. Something bad happened: The verse immediately points towards a problem – a situation of oppression and wrongdoing. A message of judgment or correction: God is about to reveal something that will be very serious. Context is Key! This verse is often considered the beginning of Ezekiel’s book, which deals with a massive crisis in Jerusalem. It's a crucial moment where God reveals His plan for restoring justice and righteousness. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse? Give you a little more context about what happened before this verse? Answer any questions you have about it?

Definition: Say now to the rebellious house, Know ye not what these [things mean]? tell [them], Behold, the king of Babylon is come to Jerusalem, and hath taken the king thereof, and the princes thereof, and led them with him to Babylon;

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezekiel 17:12. It’s a really powerful and dramatic passage that describes a terrible event in ancient Judah. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: A Wicked King is Ruling: Back in ancient Jerusalem, there was a king named Nebuchadnezzar who was incredibly powerful and arrogant. He ruled with harshness and demanded excessive taxes from the people. He's Taking Control: Nebuchadnezzar had a massive army and started to take control of Jerusalem and its surrounding areas. He essentially enslaved the people. The King is Being Led Away: The verse says he’s leading his entire army, including the princes (high officials), to Babylon . Let's unpack it further: “Say now to the rebellious house…” : This tells us this isn’t a casual warning; it’s a direct message from God. He’s telling people in Jerusalem – those who are defying him – that they need to understand what’s happening. “…Know ye not what these [things mean]?” : This is a question to provoke thought and understanding. It's asking the people to really consider what this situation means. “Tell them, Behold, the king of Babylon is come to Jerusalem…” : This is the core message. The king of Babylon – a powerful nation far away – has arrived in Jerusalem and taken control! He’s essentially ruling over the city and its people. "...and hath taken the king thereof, and the princes thereof, and led them with him to Babylon;" : This describes the actions of the king. He’s not just ruling from afar; he's actively controlling Jerusalem and its people. He's leading his army into a place that is usually seen as a symbol of God’s power – Babylon! Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse paints a picture of extreme oppression, captivity, and a complete loss of freedom for the people of Judah. It highlights: God's Wrath: It shows that God is angry with his people and will punish them severely. The Rise of Evil: It demonstrates that evil can rise in unexpected places and become powerful enough to dominate others. A Warning to Repent: The verse serves as a stark warning to the people of Judah. They need to understand this situation and repent – to turn away from their wickedness and seek God's forgiveness. In short, Ezekiel 17:12 is a dramatic story about a king’s tyrannical rule that ultimately leads to suffering and a call for repentance. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Give you some context about the time period when this verse was written? Discuss what it might mean in terms of biblical themes (like sin, judgment, or redemption)?

Definition: And hath taken of the king’s seed, and made a covenant with him, and hath taken an oath of him: he hath also taken the mighty of the land:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 17:13. It's a really important and dramatic statement about a shift in power and responsibility within a kingdom. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a significant change where the king is now being controlled by God, and He’s essentially making a deal with him. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And hath taken of the king’s seed…” – This means God is taking over the role of leadership and authority from the king himself. It’s like a shift in who holds the power. “…and made a covenant with him…” – A covenant is a binding agreement between two parties. God is making a covenant with the king, meaning He’s establishing a relationship with him. “And hath taken an oath of him: he hath also taken the mighty of the land:” - This is where it gets really significant. The king has been given authority over everything – "the mighty of the land." God is swearing to protect and guide this king, but also to ensure He doesn’t abuse his power completely. It's a promise of protection and oversight. Putting it all together: Essentially, Ezekiel 17:13 says that God is taking over leadership from the king and making a deal with him. He's promising to protect the land and guide the king, but also intending to keep an eye on him so he doesn’t become a tyrannical ruler. What does this mean practically? This verse speaks to a time of great injustice and oppression. The story of the false prophet named Korah is set up here – Korah's rebellion leads to a period of severe hardship for the people. This verse signifies that God is intervening to correct the situation, restoring justice, and ensuring the kingdom’s well-being. Important Note: It's crucial to remember this was written in a very specific historical context. The story of Korah and his rebellion was a dramatic example of God’s judgment and a warning about the dangers of disobedience. --- To help me explain it even better, could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand specifically from this verse? (e.g., its historical context, its theological meaning, or something else?)

Definition: That the kingdom might be base, that it might not lift itself up, [but] that by keeping of his covenant it might stand.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 17:14. It's a really important and somewhat complex passage about leadership and God’s plan for Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God wants the people of Israel to be weak and flawed . It’s not necessarily a happy message, but it's a strategic one. He wants them to be stable – not strong or powerful, but secure and steady – so they don’t become a threat to themselves. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: "That the kingdom might be base..." - “Kingdom” in this context refers to Israel as a nation, a people, and a nation-state. “Base” means flawed, corrupt, or not good. It's about something that isn’t aligned with God’s purpose. "...that it might not lift itself up..." - This is the core of the message. The kingdom shouldn’t become self-important, powerful, or dominant. It shouldn’t try to rule over everyone else. "[But] that by keeping of his covenant it might stand." – This is where it gets really significant. “Covenant” means a binding agreement between God and His people. The verse says keeping this covenant – the agreement – will give them stability and security. It's like a strong foundation. So, what’s the big takeaway? God is setting up a system where Israel will be vulnerable and prone to trouble. However, by diligently following God’s laws and promises (the “covenant”), they can maintain their stability and avoid being destroyed or taken over by other nations. It's a strategy of protection rather than conquest. Think of it like this: Imagine building a house. You wouldn't want to build it in a risky location, right? You’d want a strong foundation – that’s the covenant and the stability – so it doesn’t collapse. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a warning about Israel’s history of disobedience and idolatry. It highlights the importance of faithfulness to God’s laws to ensure long-term survival and prosperity. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Ezekiel 17? Give you some examples of how this principle might be applied in modern times?

Definition: But he rebelled against him in sending his ambassadors into Egypt, that they might give him horses and much people. Shall he prosper? shall he escape that doeth such [things]? or shall he break the covenant, and be delivered?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 17:15 together. It's a really important passage about God’s judgment and the consequences of wickedness. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where a powerful king, named Ezechiel, is acting in defiance of God. He’s actively trying to gain more power and people – essentially, he's seeking to rebel against God’s will. He’s asking for help from Egypt, hoping to gain resources and manpower. The question at the end is whether this rebellion will lead to his downfall or continued existence. Let’s unpack it word by word: “But he rebelled against him in sending his ambassadors into Egypt…” – This means Ezechiel was actively trying to influence events, perhaps through intermediaries (ambassadors) – people who could talk to the king and try to get him to change his ways. “…that they might give him horses and much people.” - Ezekiel is asking for a significant army and a large population to be sent into Egypt. He’s essentially begging for help, promising to offer them something in exchange. “Shall he prosper? shall he escape that doeth such [things]?” – This is the crucial question. “Such things” refers to the king’s actions – his rebellion and seeking to gain power through deceit. The verse asks: Will he succeed (prosper)? Will he be able to avoid punishment (escape)? “Or shall he break the covenant, and be delivered?” - "Covenant" means a binding agreement between God and people. This is the most important part of the verse. If Ezechiel’s rebellion leads to him being punished, it means he'll break that agreement with God. "Be delivered" suggests God will ultimately take action against him – perhaps through punishment or even destruction. What’s the Big Takeaway? This verse is a warning about the dangers of disobedience and rebellion against God. It highlights that: God's Justice: God has a way of punishing those who oppose Him, and this verse shows that He will not tolerate such defiance. The Importance of Obedience: Following God’s commands and obeying His laws is crucial for a righteous life and lasting relationship with him. The Potential for Consequences: Even seemingly small acts of rebellion can have significant consequences in the long run. In simpler terms, it's like this: Ezechiel was trying to get ahead by manipulating people – but his actions were a challenge to God’s authority and ultimately led to a dangerous situation for him. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Give you an example of how this verse might be used in a story or parable?

Definition: [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely in the place [where] the king [dwelleth] that made him king, whose oath he despised, and whose covenant he brake, [even] with him in the midst of Babylon he shall die.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 17:16. It’s a really powerful and dramatic passage about a terrible betrayal. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: Ezekiel is speaking to a king: This verse comes from the prophet Ezekiel, who was in a very difficult situation – he was being punished by God for a serious transgression. The King Has Betrayed God: The king of Babylon (a powerful city-state) has betrayed God's trust and broken a covenant (an agreement made between God and the king). This is the core of the problem. The King Is Now Dead: God’s plan was for this king to be punished, but he chose to die in Babylon. Let’s unpack the key parts: “As” – A Declarative Statement: The word “as” starts the sentence, emphasizing that this is a declaration made by God. It's not just a feeling or thought; it's a statement of fact. "I live, saith the Lord GOD..." : This tells us we’re hearing a direct message from God. God is actively involved and speaking about what will happen. "...Surely in the place [where] the king dwelleth..." : This means God is stating that this specific location – Babylon – is the place where this king lives. It's a clear reference to the city. "...who made him king, whose oath he despised..." : This describes the king’s actions before the betrayal. He was allowed to rule by God, but he refused to honor God's promises and rules. "...and whose covenant he broke..." : A covenant is a sacred agreement between two people or groups. This means the king violated his obligations to God. It was a promise made between God and the king that he didn’t keep. "[Even] with him in the midst of Babylon he shall die." : This is the shocking part. God is saying that this king will die in Babylon . This isn't just any death; it's a death that’s directly connected to the king's betrayal and disrespect. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse paints a picture of profound injustice and wrath from God. It highlights: God’s Justice: God is holding someone accountable for their actions. Divine Punishment: The verse suggests that punishment will come to those who betray God's trust. A Bitter End: The king’s death in Babylon signifies a very severe consequence. In short, this verse describes a terrible betrayal and the resulting consequences – a king’s demise brought about by his defiance of God. --- Do you want me to: Explain any particular part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme (like repentance or judgment)?

Definition: Neither shall Pharaoh with [his] mighty army and great company make for him in the war, by casting up mounts, and building forts, to cut off many persons:

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezekiel 17:17. It’s a really important part of understanding a difficult situation in the book. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a deliberate and aggressive attempt by the oppressors – essentially, the powerful people – to stop a man named Ezekiel from fighting against them. It's about deliberately trying to hinder him in battle. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Neither shall Pharaoh…” - This refers to a ruler or leader of a powerful nation (Pharaoh). This person is the source of the oppression and conflict. “…with [his] mighty army and great company…” – They’re building a huge, well-equipped military force. Think of it as a massive army ready for war. “…make for him in the war, by casting up mounts, and building forts…” - This is where it gets more specific. They're actively trying to block Ezekiel’s path . They’re building fortifications – like forts – to create obstacles and make it harder for Ezekiel to move freely. “Casting up mounts” means they're constructing walls or barriers. “…to cut off many persons:” - This is the key part. They are intentionally trying to kill or harm Ezekiel . They’re actively seeking to eliminate him from the conflict. “Cut off many persons” suggests a deliberate and malicious plan to cause harm. Overall Meaning – It's about Protection & Violence: The verse paints a picture of a brutal, calculated attempt to prevent Ezekiel from fighting for his people. It highlights a serious injustice – being deliberately targeted and threatened by those in power. Why is this important? This story is a powerful example of God’s judgment and His desire to protect His people. It's a reminder that evil often seeks to thwart good, and that He will not tolerate oppression. It speaks to themes of justice, protection, and the importance of standing up for what’s right. Do you want me to: Explain another part of Ezekiel 17? Discuss the context of this story in a broader sense? Connect it to other biblical stories or teachings?

Definition: Seeing he despised the oath by breaking the covenant, when, lo, he had given his hand, and hath done all these [things], he shall not escape.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible passage together. It's a really powerful and dramatic verse from the book of Ezekiel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes a moment of extreme betrayal and wrath by God. It’s saying that after he made a promise to someone, God completely ruined that promise – essentially breaking it completely. Let's unpack it part by part: “Seeing he despised the oath…” : "Oath" means a solemn agreement or promise. “Disprezied” means to treat it as unimportant or unworthy. “…by breaking the covenant…” : A covenant is like a sacred agreement between two people, a deal made with God. It's a promise and commitment that holds significance for both sides. Breaking this covenant signifies violating the trust and rules set by God. “When, lo, he had given his hand…” : This is the crucial part. “His hand” refers to God’s power – His ability to do whatever He wants. He gave his hand (his power) to ruin this agreement. “…and hath done all these [things]…” : This continues the devastating action. "Hath done all these things" means he's acted in a very bad way, causing significant harm and destruction. “He shall not escape.” : This is the most chilling part. It suggests that this betrayal will have lasting consequences. God is not going to let him get away with it. He’ll continue to punish him for his actions. In simpler terms, it means: God is incredibly angry and has completely ruined a promise he made to someone. This person is now facing severe punishment and will experience significant hardship because of this betrayal. What's the big message? This verse often speaks about injustice and the consequences of breaking trust. It’s a warning about the importance of keeping promises, respecting agreements, and being faithful to God. It highlights that God is a very serious judge and will not tolerate wrongdoing. --- Do you want me to: Explain this passage in more detail? Discuss what it might symbolize in a broader context (like sin and judgment)? Give an example of how this verse applies to real-world situations?