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?