Definition: The word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was there upon him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 1:3. It's a really important and somewhat mysterious passage in the Bible. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse tells us that God is directly speaking to Ezekiel. Here’s a more detailed explanation: “The word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel…” – This means God sent a message (a “word”) to Ezekiel. It wasn't just any message; it was a very specific and important one. “…the priest, the son of Buzi…” - Ezekiel was a priest, born in the region of Chaldaea (modern-day Iran). He was named after a prominent figure from that area. "...in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar…” – This tells us where Ezekiel was located. The Chaldeans were a group of people living in the region of present-day Iraq, and the “river Chebar” was a significant waterway. It’s a specific geographical location. “and the hand of the LORD was there upon him.” – This is the really striking part. It means that God personally touched Ezekiel with His presence or power. The "hand" suggests a divine blessing, guidance, or reassurance. So, putting it all together: God sent a message to Ezekiel in a specific place and time, guided by divine intervention. He was essentially being addressed directly by the Lord. Why is this important? This verse is often interpreted as a sign that God is working through Ezekiel and that he has a crucial role to play in God’s plan. It suggests a significant and personal connection between God and Ezekiel. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the passage? Discuss what this verse might symbolize or mean in the context of the Bible?