Definition: And I will spread my net upon him, and he shall be taken in my snare, and I will bring him to Babylon, and will plead with him there for his trespass that he hath trespassed against me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 17:20. It's a pretty intense and dramatic passage about God’s judgment. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is going to punish someone (we’ll call him “him”) for a serious wrong he’s committed. He's going to take action against him, and the focus is on bringing him to a specific place – Babylon. He's not just angry; he’s actively planning to confront him and demand compensation for his actions. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: "And I will spread my net upon him..." : This is a metaphor. Imagine a large net being laid out, ready to catch something. God is setting up a plan of action against this person. "...and he shall be taken in my snare..." : This means the person will be caught and brought into a situation where he’s trapped or controlled by God's wrath. It’s not a gentle punishment; it’s a forceful capture. "...and I will bring him to Babylon..." : Babylon is a major city, often associated with chaos and idolatry. God is choosing this place as the location of his judgment. "...and will plead with him there for his trespass that he hath trespassed against me." : This is the core of the verse. God isn’t just punishing him; he's asking him to confess, apologize, and make amends for what he has done. He wants to know why he acted wrongly. Overall Meaning & Context: This verse paints a picture of severe divine wrath and a deliberate plan for retribution. It suggests a cycle of injustice, where God’s judgment is swift and focused on bringing someone to account for their wrongdoing. Important Note: This is a complex passage with layers of meaning, and different interpretations exist. It's often seen as a warning about the importance of honesty, repentance, and seeking forgiveness. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part in more detail? Discuss the significance of Babylon? Explore what this verse might teach us about God’s perspective on sin and justice?