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)?