Definition: [And] hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, neither hath defiled his neighbour’s wife, neither hath come near to a menstruous woman,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 18:6. It’s a really important and significant passage that highlights God’s holiness and how He wants to protect His people. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where God is watching over his people, particularly Israel, with incredible care and judgment. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And hath not eaten upon the mountains…” - This means God isn’t eating near mountains. It implies that He's observing His people from a distance, perhaps watching them as they are in their natural environment – like on a hillside or in a field. It suggests a sense of being present and watchful. “…neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel…” - This is key. God isn't looking at any idol, but specifically at the idols of the Israelites. Idols are symbolic representations of things – often gods or figures – that people would worship. This verse emphasizes that God’s attention is focused on the people and their devotion to Him, rather than on any specific religious symbol. “…neither hath defiled his neighbour’s wife…” - This means God isn't showing favoritism or disrespect towards another person's spouse. It speaks to a moral standard – that God doesn’t treat people unfairly in their relationships. “…neither hath come near to a menstruous woman…” - This is the most unusual part and adds a layer of seriousness. It means God isn’t interacting with or being close to someone who is menstruating (having recently had a period). This signifies that God doesn't tolerate any impurity, disrespect, or violation of sacred boundaries, especially those related to female purity. Overall Meaning: The verse paints a picture of God as utterly holy and righteous. He’s not comfortable with anything that would upset His people or diminish their reverence for Him. It’s a declaration of God's absolute protection and holiness, emphasizing that He will always keep watch over His followers. Why is this important? This verse is often interpreted as a reminder to: Live righteously: It encourages us to live in accordance with God’s standards of morality and respect. Be mindful of others: It underscores the importance of treating everyone with dignity and avoiding any actions that would disrespect or harm someone. Trust in God's presence: It shows that God is always watching over us, protecting us from temptation and wrongdoing. Do you want me to elaborate on any of these points? For example, we could discuss: The symbolism behind the imagery (mountains, idols, menstruations) How this verse connects to other parts of the Bible